Ben Wallace needs to grow up

Me first guys always ruin the integrity of sports.The Bulls should've known what they were getting when Ben got into with his coach last year.Everyone has to deal with team rules.You can never put yourself above the team.If you want to be a Yankee-lose the facial hair and the mullets.That's the price you pay when you sign that contract.It shows the maturity of some of these players to keep up the BS with your skipper.Thumb your nose at authority by wearing a headband:where did I hear that before.

Scott skiles has messed with the team's chemistry by starting duhon at the 2 guard. duhon is a servicable backup to hinrich. thabo needs to start along with hinrich,deng,sweetney and wallace. we need size at the 2guard spot.

no headbands is a stupid rule. getting into a power struggle with your moody $60 million player is also stupid. discipline is important for a team, but I am sure it gets old quick for the veterans and the young players as they mature. it may point to future problems with Skiles taking this team to another level ( ala Doug Collins).

Everyone should go back and read the "beast form the east" post from this blog when the Bulls made a major mistake signing Wallace. It's funny to see all the Kool Aid drinkers that are beginning to see the light. The Bulls paid $60 million for an old, undersized center with declining rebounds, blocks, and points. He also happened to benefit greatly from a system that was designed to pump up his defensive stats by allowing him to cherry pick for blocks (most of his blocks were not on his man), a system the Bulls do not use. Also, the NBA has dramatically changed the rules to limit the effectiveness of a Ben Wallace type player the last two years. By the way, the attitude problems started last year. Wallace got a pass because he was so loved by the Detroit fans, but he clashed with his coach last year... even pulling a Pippen by refusing to re-enter a game a one point, and sold out the Pistons in the off-season, not because he took the $ (who wouldn't? I would), but because he ripped the team on his way out the door. Ben Wallace has already demonstrated that he has a poor attitude and no class, but I guess character didn't factor into the Bulls desire to sign him. This was a bad signing from the get go, and it was recognized as such nationally, the local media and the Bulls fans had the wool pulled over their eyes on this one. The Bulls lost in the playoffs because they didn't have a dependable scorer and their big off-season move was to sign a guy with nary an offensive skill, a guy who was such an offensive liability in the playoffs that the Heat intentionally fouled him every offensive possession the Pistons had in the second half of their games. Nice move by Pax, hopefully he hasn't cleared out his mantle for the executive of the year just yet. I think $15 million per year is a little high for a guy that gets you 6 ppg, 10 rpg, and 1.5 blocks per game. What were Chandler's numbers last year?

Here we go!!! About a month ago I wrote about Skiles benching Gordon for most of the 4th quarter, while trying to make a comeback, I think it was on their 3rd or 4th game. Anyways, I mentioned how Skiles keeps trying to coach this team as if it was a high school team. My main point was that Skiles had to be careful because he already has a reputation that has followed him ever since he was in Phoenix. He couldn't get along with Jason Kidd, drove Tim Thomas out of town and Chandler who, who by the way, is having a better year than Wallace. I still think Skiles can be a good coach, but he needs to learn how to deal with certain players. There is nothing wrong with that. Remember Rodman in the championship years? Phil Jackson learned how to deal with him, and always got the best from him. I just can't believe that Skiles is willing to throw this year away (because that is whats going to happen if he cant get along with Ben), because a stupid headband rule. Regardless of who is right or wrong. Why bench Ben 2 minutes into the game?? why dont just deal with that at the end of the game??. Anyways, we'll see what happens, but this is getting old with Skiles, and although they were able to sign Wallace this year, the word will just keep going around about Skiles rep. and that will not help bringing any of the much needed help this team will be looking for very soon.

First alot of people were gungho to trade Chandler ,he made a fool out of the Bulls by doing well with his new team,they also had Curry on his deathbed ,traded agreat guard Jamal crawford and J.R smith who almost scored 20 something pts.the other night against the them..Now they are getting foolish(power trip) about Wallace over a stupid headband that he uses to keep sweat out of his eyes,(they knew he wore it before he came to Bulls,its legal in NBA) that "accessory" is allowed by every NBA team but Bulls.Only the Bulls "wont" allow it because they may have the perception its "a black thing" kinda reminds me of when black players started to perfect dunking suddenly there was a cry to ban dunking,when they started playing a more open exciting style other then the short shorts set shot low scoring games ,it suddenly became "ballhogging",lack of basic skills"lets go back to to the ole school'rallying cry.Get with it, headbands ,braids etc.are universal and the Bulls havent quite been lighting the world(or NBA)on fire with their managements bad decisions.Let Ben Wallace wear the headban, its like the controversy(media made)about Cedric benson 's so-called attitude much ado about nothing.Have you ever noticed that the Bulls and other teams(in chicago)always make dramas about high paid black athletes only?(racism in sports is alive and well!)Dont say its not a racial issue either and please racists dont reverse psychology and say "the race card"is being played here because blacks have had the race card played on them for 400 years and I didnt see any people racing to their computers to blog about it! a head ban controversy? give me a break,team rules?,cultural differences have to be taken into consideration also, did people think maybe Ben wallace grew up playing with a headband .I rather see my players comfortable (within reason)then make them look like their not "team"players or fools just to sell papers or perpetuate stereotypes for the sake of obvious racists.Bulls get with it, we are tired of your bad decisions and trying to put this sorry seasons start on just the players is ignorant anyway.Ben Wallace is a human being not superman as some suggested when he was acquired ,we have to make him feel at home ,not ostracized.by the way the media and some fans are doing the same thing to Ben Gordon now ,if he scores 40 pts. he's ballhogging if he scores 20 its not enough.Sometimes if you're black and a pro athlete there is a lot of double standards and hypocrisy to deal with no matter if whites recognize it or not!the next loud noise you hear will be alot of bogus pseudo-fans jumping back on the bandwagon when the Bulls start winning.......signed...A real fan

MAN, WHY DO WE HAVE HEAD BANDS? WHY? LOOK, BEN HAS AN AFRO, OKAY! HE MAY WANT TO KEEP SOME OF THAT SWEATING COMING DOWN TO HIS EYES, MAN. THEM SWEATING THAT GO DOWN TO OUR EYEBROWS TO OUR MOUTHS ARE NASTY,MAN,LET HIM WEAR HIS HEADBANDS THE WAY HE WANT IT. HE WORKS HARD FOR WHOMEVER HE PLAYS FOR AND THAT S WHY HE BE GETTING THEM SWEATS. PLAYERS WHO DONT WEAR HEADBANDS DONT COMPLAIN ABOUT IT BUT IT S THE PEOPLE WHO DONT PLAY AND THEY COMPLAIN. I DONT KNOW UNDERSTAND IT. WHY DO WE HAVE HEADBANDS AT ALL? I LIKE THEM THOU.

This is a joke right? You finally spend some money and land a free agent who might be able to help the team and then this is what the team, coach, players, media, and fans are focussed on? headbands? Does anyone remember rodman? Now we're supposed to be concerned about headbands and team rules and authority and respect, blah, blah blah. Who cares, can they win with ben wallace or is he an overpriced stiff? that's what i care about. Can skiles coach this bunch or is he too concerned with his authority and the stick up his authority. In order to win, this team has to play hard and play together, if they do that i'd give them all headbands and take them for pizza after the game.

When you bring a player in, with this kind of money, you dont try to change him. Regardless of the rule before he signed, everyone sees big ben with the headband, and he knows this. Let the guy play. Stop with the power trip already. Read why he says he wears it, come on, this is a joke of rule to begin with. Just let the MAN be himself!!! How can having a little cotton on ones head be such a bad thing. Is it worth a season? We will find out.

Playing the race card DOC is getting old. Perhaps you should look at the numbers before you comment. Actually, you should not comment at all, until you stop living in the 1950's. GET OVER it and grow up already, sheesh.
Wallace should be allowed to wear the headband, but it has nil to do with race. Perhaps you should take off the blinders, sport.

Not to defend Big Ben for breaking the rule, but it's a stupid rule. I played basketball for a long time, and I was more comfortable wearing a headband. It caught the sweat, and I didn't worry about it getting into my eyes. Skiles, ignoring the functionality of sweatbands, said he doesn't like 'em cuz of how some players wore 'em. Wallace doesn't wear his in any sort of weird manner. Dumb, unnecessary, autocratic rule.

I will find it quite hilarious if the downfall of both John Paxson and Scott Skiles comes down to a headband.

Looking back at Eras past, I am reminded of a certain Dennis Rodman who came to the team with the understanding that he would have to live by different rules.

The fact is that winners like Phil Jackson understand that players have their own quirks as he himself was a quirky player and losers like Scott Skiles will soon have a quick exit unless this situation is dealt with.

The Headband issue is not singularly about a headband but a host of issues that Wallace has had to deal with since signing here. I do not think you sign a talent like Wallace and then try to create a culture that he cannot succeed in.

The image that Paxson and Co. should be most worried about is winning. Fact is that if the Bulls wore dresses on court and were winning they would surely get more support than a losing ballclub.

Many people here in Detroit are glad to be rid of the problem known as Ben Wallace. The Bulls overpaid for a player who've you're already seeing as one who puts himself first and will become rebellious when he's not getting his way. Chicago fans are as loyal and knowledgeable as Detroit fans and I'm sure you'll let him know your feelings as his mopey attitude continues on through the season. Its too bad he didn't end up in New York and add to the soap opera there known as the Knicks.

I am not surprised by Skiles' position on this. Looks like he is focusing on many of the wrong things. Can he really understand the critical success factors for winning games if he is making rules about headbands? Skiles was decent at best as a player. Many players of marginal talent make their way by looking the part, giving lots of effort, and being good teammates. When the Orlando fans voted him most popular Magic player when Shaq, Penny, etc. were on the team he learned how far image and not ability would take him. He sold himelf on how he looked and acted, not how he played. As a coach he places a premium on those same qualities. Unfortunatley this approach does not win games. You need talent. Can't value image over substance if you want to get positive results. Maybe it is not Skiles fault, maybe he knows the gut reaction he and his demographic have to "Big Scary Ben" and feels a need not to "scare the horses" (season ticket holders).

The rule is stupid and definitely is about race. Who wears the head bands? Mostly black players. I would rather there be a rule against Wallace wearing the "buckwheat" blow out, but the Bulls see that minstrel act as a marketing gimmick so 10,000 little white kids can now walk around with 'Fro wigs. This is a rule used to keep the black players in check. Period. Everyone knows it. It is a sweat band used to collect sweat. Have you seen how much Big Ben perspires during a game? He definitely needs it. Skiles has always had a problem getting along w/ black stars, and he always will. Another coach will be needed to take this team to the next level. Go Bulls!!!!

Roman responds: Players union dir. Bill Hunter disagrees. He said the headband is not a cultural symbol. He brought up Bill Walton as maybe the most famous player to wear one. But Hunter did agree the rule is stupid.

It is s stupid rule, but it is the Bulls' rule. The Bulls hierachy should have informed him of the rule as to headbands, prior to signing day. Would have stopped Ben Wallace from signing that contract? That depends on Mr. Wallace's principles Is it money over principles for him. To gage that answer, you would have to look at other decisions, where both issues were even to determine how he would decide ?

Headbands!? Headbands!? We talking about Headbands!? Headbands!? Headbands? Come on yall, we talking about Headbands! Not the game I would go out and die for, but Headbands! Headbands!?
Scott Skiles needs to ... it's not even about the headband with him, he has control issues. Last time I checked headbands actually served a purpose........I betcha he wouldn't pull this crap with Kirk Hinrich, who takes the dumbest shots at crucial points in the game and couldn't stay in front of a statue, but yet get's to stay on the floor and gets excuse after excuse made for him by Skiles.

TO JOSHUA;PRETTY SOON YOUR GOING TO SAY RACISM DOESNT EXIST,I WONDER IF THE BULLS MANAGEMENT WOULD HAVE REACTED DIFFERENTLY IF KIRK HINRICH WANTED TO WEAR HEADBANDS.HOW AM I LIVING IN FIFTIES BY CALLING IT AS I SEE IT?RACE CARD?BLACKS HAVE HAD RACE CARD PLAYED ON THEM FOR 4OO YEARS,WHERE IS YOUR BLOG FOR THAT.DUDE?THE MEDIA HAS A FIELD DAY FOR THE SLIGHTEST INCIDENT ABOUT BLACK PLAYERS BUT WILL WILLINGLY COVER UP OR NOT REPORT THINGS LIKE BLACKHAWKS TERRIBLE SEASON(S(EXAMPLE)BUT A HEADBAND CONTROVERSY(MEDIA MADE) YEAH THE SKY IS FALLING ON THIS ONE!.BEFORE YOU TALK ABOUT SOMEONE LIKE YOU KNOW THEM(JOSHUA),YOU HAVE TO WALK IN THEIR SHOES FIRST TOUGHGUY ,I HAVE FORGOTTEN MORE THEN YOU KNOW MOST LIKELY,NEVERTHELESS I WISH ALL OUR TEAMS A GOOD SEASON....DOC

I'm not surprised by what some of the Bears players said about the headband. Some of them obviously put self above team. That's part of the Bears' problems on the field too. Things like this tell you a lot about a players character.

yeah it tells them that the Bulls still hasnt learned from the Micheal jordan.scotty Pippen debacle they pulled(management thought they were right then too) ,no wonder the Bulls went from best to worse...they should recover though ,fair is fair if I remember correctly ..Curry and Crawford used to wear headbands!

Roman responds: So did Eddie Robinson. I think that's the point.

the race card is used as an excuse when someone in the minority doesn't measure up.

There is an interesting book out, called the 40 million dollar slave. I have not read it all but some things haven't changed. While I agree somewhat with the NBA instituting a dress code, a team having a rule against headbands is sick. First and foremost its functionality in wearing a headband (keeping sweat out of the eyes. Secondly these days most of the players that wear head bands are young and black and are most likely identifies with the hip-hop culture. So by Scott Skiles saying no one can wear head bands because he doesn't like the way it looks is either going against the young, the black or the hip-hop culture. He probably would rather have Ben pick cotton instead of wearing it.

Basketball please.

Roman responds: Good post. The other angle has been discussed sufficiently.

It's funny how people talk about Ben breaking team rules, but what I do not understand is how can anyone say he puts himself first before the team. Coaches in general are looking into to much of how their players dress on the floor. Would anyone say anything to Lebron if he played for the bulls.. No or Kobe if he decides to wear a headband? My point is this he not playing lazy on the court but he gets benched because of his trade mark.

Roman responds: To me, there are two separate issues. One is the rule is stupid. Two is Ben knew it was the rule, so why did he suddenly decide he "needed" a headband for that game? It was because he was benched for much of the previous game. That's why I think he put himself above the team. It was just a stupid protest over playing time. I know he's worn one his entire career and I know it has a functional use, but to "have" to wear one after being benched to me is not being a leader, especially one who's making that kind of dough.

No the race card is claimed by the majority whenever they feel incomfortable about a comment that the so-called "minority" makes that they dont agree with,we all have our own opinions and should all be respected for that ,,Eddie Robinson? ..thats a low blow Roman,tsk,tsk,tsk.put your headband on ,you're coming in for Nocioni he needs a breather he snapped against N.O, got to give and Bulls their props 3 in a row! !..DOC

DUMP SKILES NOW BRING OUR REAL BIG MAN BACK(MY SON TYSON CHANDLER)

Now,if Wallace responds with" don't $$%4ing put my@#$%ing picture on your team ticket and Don't have anymore ^&&*%ing fro wig games on my part or I'll kick your $^%"-then he'd be WAY out of line. It's a rule but it's silly and you have to follow the rules. Next time pay attention to what you're selling and what you're buying on the Bulls and Wallaces' part.

Ben is a hard working, dedicated worker who is what he is on the basketball court. He will never be a 10 PPG+ man. The Bulls SHOULD have known this, amongst other things, before they signed him. As others said, he can also be very moody and had an issue with his coach last year. Most of us in Detroit respected him and admired him blue collar work ethic.
I still have those feelings for him for the most part. They are tainted a bit by hit bolting to the Bulls. Not because he left for more money, but he made many comments about how dis-respectful the Pistons were by "ONLY" offering him the $12M/season salary. Nevermine that this was the highest salary ever for a Piston. For Dumars, he felt that $48 million was fair. Actually, it was slightly over priced given his age and declining ability. However, Dumars had promised him a nice contract (which 4/$48 is) as a result of the great things he was part of in Detroit in years prior.

Now, the headband rule. That is just idiotic. What the hell does he hurt or prove to mandate head bands?? Especially when you knew this man wore them for the previous few years.

Let's play basketball. What the big deal about headbands. Cut the crap and let win some championships.

The Bulls are not the only team that bans the headband, sport. It is a stupid rule yes, but it has nothing to do with race.

"He probably would rather have Ben pick cotton instead of wearing it."

Come on people, this is basketball.

On a side note, how about them Hoosiers. Almost beat Duke(should have), just pounded Charolette(sp). DJ White is going to have a great year, just a slow start. And, they finally got rid of coach Davis.(Maybe that is the itallian in me speaking out? right Doc?) IU will be ranked in top 15 by the end of year, trust. Mr Gordon will help, haha at Illinois fans. Don't get me started on that one.

First off, I had read somewhere that this is actually Paxson's rule and that Skiles is simply the enforcer.

Secondly, I believe Ben was wrong for challenging his coach's authority in the manner he did. At the same time, I can understand his desire to wear his headband. He's had a very successful NBA career and that headband has been part of his identity through the years. Perhaps he realized he'd been playing lackluster ball and superstitiously blamed his performance on breaking his headband routine. If this was the case, he shouldn't have confronted Skiles on the court by protesting the rule, he should have sat down with Pax and Skiles and handled it in private, try to broker a deal that would allow him to regain his identity.

yeah ben wallace is the best dispite his attitude yall just need to stop hatin

Criticizing unprofessional, selfish, childish behavior is not hating.

As a Detroit fan I am sad that we lost Ben.

Note that Ben didn't put himself before the team. He put DEFENSE before OFFENSE. Flip puts OFFENSE before DEFENSE which has never and will never be a way to win anything.

So please get off this Ben is for himself. Ben was trying to (as any competitive player would) get his team back on the winning path !