Tinsley Incident Brings Strong Reaction From Pacers

by Cornrows on Dec 10, 2007 6:35 AM EST in News Comment 5 comments

Here's the latest Indy Star story on the shooting involving Jamaal Tinsley. The Pacers are doing a good job of publicly addressing their disdain for dealing with this issue. The problem is, there isn't anything to punish Tins over with this incident. But, being this is the third club related problem he's been involved with, they have to implore him to do something different.

O'B and Larry Joe Legend cut to the chase. O'B:

O'Brien characterized Tinsley as a "victim (who) wasn't out there causing problems," but said Tinsley should not have been in that situation at 3 a.m.

"But that's a decision that was made, and it was the wrong decision to make," O'Brien said. "I would think as we all suspect, nothing good happens after 1 o'clock if you're around alcohol or around an environment where there could be weapons."

LJL:

But he (Bird) said Tinsley will be "punished" if it turns out he's at fault. O'Brien said there's no curfew for players and the team has no intention of enforcing one.

"With Jamaal, it's just 'Why are you out at 3:30 in a place like that?' I don't really have a problem with guys being out till 3:30, but you've got to know your surroundings," Bird said. "Obviously, it's time for these guys to take a look at everything that's happened throughout our league, throughout professional sports, and step back and take a hard look at it and make smarter decisions."

Bruno has a story up at Pacers.com with plenty of quotes and full audio links of reaction from LJL, O'B, and Jermaine O'Neal. J.O. lays out the players perspective.

"As players we understand the situation and we understand the backlash that comes," O'Neal said. "As players we have to understand when we step out our house we are targets. We make a lot of money, we drive nice cars, people idolize us, but people also envy us. We have to make sure that we put ourselves in better situations. Not to say Jamaal wasn't in a good situation, but we have to know what the situation is every time we leave our house.

"It's very unfortunate, especially considering the type of year he's having. He's our early-season MVP. We need him to play very, very well. We're going to support him. I know this city has been down this road with us before. Let the judicial process play itself out and continue to support us. This team is hitting its stride where we're really starting to get healthy. We don't want to be distracted. We know it's a little bit of a distraction, but we're going to play basketball and let Jamaal handle his situation and move on."

Thinking about the tragic events that have happened around pro sports recently, everyone involved should count their blessings this Monday morning.

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Jamal Tinsley = Charles Bronson

Seriously does JT have a Death Wish or what? I've never been to Cloud 9 but I imagine that it is on par with the other clubs Tinsley has had problems with. Can this guy seriously just stay his ass at home? Also when did Indy become East LA? Wild West style shootouts through Monument Circle? At this point you would think that the city would want Jamal gone just so it could stay out of the news for these types of negative things.

Look I'm sure that JT was a victim here(Sarcasm) but its time we ship him out before he gets himself killed. Too bad Bird and Isaiah have a rocky relationship because I'm sure Thomas would love him on the Knicks roster. I'm so tired of the Pacers and their babying of Tinsley. Just cut him now, most Pacers fans don't even care at this point. I've never seen Tinsley even pretend like he wants to be here so just cut his sorry butt Bird. I understand you still haven't secured a reliable Point Guard alternative but I can talk myself into rooting for Andre Owens at this point.

by ThirtyOne on Dec 10, 2007 3:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

No punishment for Tins

on this one.
AP Report

I'm having a hard time getting on Tins for this one. He was out too late...but he didn't start any of this.

Plus, he loves playing for O'B as his play this year reflects.

by Cornrows on Dec 10, 2007 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

But,

You've gotta admit that trouble seems to follow Tins. And from everything I know about trouble you often have to at least help it along to get the point that Tins & Company did. It will be interesting when they catch the people who opened fire first to hear their side of the story.

Can't he just hang out at Club 7 where he knows the crowd will be a little more pro-Pacer. Or perhaps bring the party to his Mansion. I understand wanting to go out and have a good time but the cost of fame is sometimes high. All I'm asking of someone his age is to be wise enough to know where and when to go out.

by ThirtyOne on Dec 10, 2007 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The only cure for stupidity?

The only cure may be to recognize you have a bad case of it...JT's apology seems to indicate that he's finally recognizing the symptoms. I sure hope that's true, and is a step on the road to recovery.

You know, as hard as it may be to believe, I myself have actually done some stupid things in my life. Changing your ways, persevering...there's really no other route to take. Hang in there, Jamaal.

One other thing in the news stories comes through as a very good bit of news...Joey Qatato was released from the hospital. I HOPE that indicates a less severe injury than it might have been. Bullets and elbows are a really bad combination.

by kester99 on Dec 10, 2007 4:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

As a Non-Pacer fan I just find this sad

Here's the thing about this team. If Tinsley hadn't been involved (to whatever extent he was--which is probably just being there & nothing else) then it wouldn't have made news. But sadly, for the NBA, and particularly for LJL, and the Pacers, is that the team is suffering from constant streams of attention like this. It's too bad as there is a somewhat resurrection of several important players on that roster (like Mike Dunleavy).

(For the record I think JO's lack of health is a far more important story than reporting about this shooting. I realize everyone has to talk about it, but jeesh I think it gets old.)

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Dec 10, 2007 6:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs