the recent comments made by the bulls' tyrus thomas regarding the slam dunk competition at the all-star game showed a complete lack of respect and integrity. 

in case you hadn't heard, after thomas was offered (and accepted) one of the four invitations to this year's slam dunk contest in las vegas during all-star weekend, he made some disparaging comments about his role in the event.

"I'm just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day," Thomas said. "I'm just into the free money. That's it. I'll just do whatever when I get out there." 

i have a serious problem with these statements for a variety of reasons, and on two distinct levels.  first of all, on the surface level, it is disrespectful to all competitors who could not participate due to a lack of invitation.  aside from the automatic invitation extended to reigning champion nate robinson, there were only three spots available for the remainder of the league.  assuming that seasoned veterans, benchwarmers, and the vertically-challenged do not wish to participate, that still leaves a significant talent pool willing, able, and anxious for the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage. 

some of the most famous dunk highlights and memorable moments (cedric ceballos' blindfold, j.r. rider's baseline between-the-legs, mj and nique's battles, vinsanity's, well, insanity) have come in the dunk contest, and have lead to notoriety and fame, along with the endorsements, fan recognition, and (albeit limited) contract leverage.  how often would you think about ced ceballos if not for the dunk contest?  

i am, however, more vehemently against these comments for what they represent about thomas' inner character.  the things he said showed an absolute lack of class and recognition of the history and integrity of the league in which he now displays his skills, as well as the means by which he earns an annual paycheck most people won't see in the better part of their lifetime.  

what has gone unmentioned to this point is a list of judges for this year's competition: julius erving, dominique wilkins, michael jordan, vince carter, and kobe bryant.  this eclectic list of dunkers (as well as nba superstars and legends) is a "who's who" of influential and irreplacable participants in nba dunk competitions, as well as the history of the league as a whole.  in fact, one could make the argument that the majority of the top plays in nba history belong to these players.  their contribution to the game of basketball, the nba, and the cities in which they played is immeasurable.

that is precisely why my blood boils when i read what thomas said about the opportunity to be judged by them on the most elite stage a dunker can imagine.  i am 23 years old, and for me, the mere thought of meeting and interacting with these icons (and i include kobe and vince in that category) would be life-altering.  if i was younger than i am, had dedicated my life to basketball, and was drafted by the city and team which called MJ theirs for almost two decades, i would be incredibly honored and would struggle to maintain composure during my performance. 

each day thomas goes to work, he must pass by the MJ statue that adorns the front of the united center, reminding him that the history of the league and his team was in part crafted and shaped by one man, with whom thomas now shares the same stage and hearts of the same fans.  now, with the chance to meet and learn from the man, he chooses to focus on the money he could see to earn, and not prepare beforehand to prove to his judges he belongs in their company and on their stage.   

thomas basically said that the opportunity to win $35,000 (prize money for the winner) outweighs the experience of sharing a special bond with these legends, and that lack of respect has lead me to cast a disparaging eye upon thomas, and i will never look at him during his career the same way.

let's hope his actions and words are not indicative of a younger, more brash breed of nba ballers devoid of a sense of history, dignity, honor, respect, and a true comprehension of how they are able to acheive all the fame and fortune that they have.