November 13, 2008 12:00 pm  |  27 Comments

Phil Jackson on the Hypocrisy of Casino Ads in NBA Arenas


by Marcel Mutoni

Prior to last night’s big Lakers/Hornets showdown, most of the focus was on the two teams’ respective MVP candidates; how the Hornets would defend the juggernaut Lakers; and which of these two Western Conference giants would send the first message of the season.

Meanwhile, Phil Jackson had other things on his mind.

The Zen Master was busy railing against what he perceives as hypocrisy from the NBA; Jackson can’t understand how the League can take such a strong stand against gambling (see: Donaghy, Tim), and yet still allow the Hornets to promote a casino in their gym.

From the Times-Picayune:

“We talked about this last year, ” Jackson said. “We thought it wasn’t a good message at all. One side of it says don’t gamble, and the other side you are advertising for it.”

“This is a franchise that is led by a good Christian leader. He has prayer (sessions) before the games. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”

That last remark, drenched in typical Jackson sarcasm, may land Phil in some hot water with the League.

According to the linked article, the casino being advertised in the Hornets’ arena does not have any sports betting. Man, I hope no one tells Phil about the Maloof brothers and their sweet little deal.

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This story is filed under: NBA, The Wire, Top News

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  • BigWalt206 Posted: Nov.13 at 12:12 pm
    I love Phil! Can’t wait for his standup album after he retires again.

  • Ben Osborne Posted: Nov.13 at 12:15 pm
    Phil is the best.

  • Zee! Posted: Nov.13 at 12:15 pm
    Phil, don’t ever change. Stern is a d-bag and we all know it.

  • ciolkstar Posted: Nov.13 at 12:16 pm
    I really like gambling and Casinos. We need a good one here in Texas, bad.

  • Arek Posted: Nov.13 at 12:29 pm
    is he talking about the hornets owner?

  • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.13 at 12:34 pm
    What Ben said. Also, not to change the subject, but WE GOT LINSDEY HUNTER, Y’ALL.

  • Breeze Posted: Nov.13 at 12:43 pm
    phil is just being phil

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.13 at 12:44 pm
    Phil and sarcasm just fits. Congrats Russ.

  • Justin Walsh Posted: Nov.13 at 1:14 pm
    Phil press conferences (without fail) are basically every great meltdown boiled into one…except for the fact that for him it’s not a meltdown, it’s comedic, dry-witted gold.

  • ballinpro24 Posted: Nov.13 at 1:18 pm
    Phil is right. the league and the commish are a bunch a hypocrites and d- bags!!!!! Just keep on coaching Phil!! GO LAKERS!!

  • Spaceship Jay Posted: Nov.13 at 1:45 pm
    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA… Wait.. He’s got a point.

  • mookie Posted: Nov.13 at 2:10 pm
    I BET……. ;)

  • Mo Posted: Nov.13 at 2:37 pm
    Phil Jackson is always trying to make something out of nothing. Did he say anything about the Maloofs’casino being allowed to bet on NBA games?

  • Jackie Moon Posted: Nov.13 at 3:11 pm
    Michael Jordan promotes gambling.

  • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.13 at 4:00 pm
    Phil’s point is more about the casino being promoted IN THE VISITOR’S LOCKER ROOM. I mean, come on. That’s absurd by any standard.

  • albie1kenobi Posted: Nov.13 at 4:38 pm
    @Russ: that is AWESOME.

  • B. Long Posted: Nov.13 at 5:25 pm
    Can’t wait to see what Phil says to upset the polygimists when we play Utah.

  • Gerard Himself Posted: Nov.13 at 6:25 pm
    please Phil, write more books! This man has still some stories to tell.

  • Jayemmbee Posted: Nov.13 at 7:18 pm
    @ Jackie Moon
    MJ doesnt promote it, he just does it, within limits that won’t send him to the poor house

  • Afternoon Blogdome: Be Thankful This Is Not Your Team [Afternoon Blogdome] | the daily john Posted: Nov.13 at 7:27 pm
    [...] • Hey, there’s a baby on the table!: Is it hypocritical for the NBA to denounce gambling and then take advertising from casinos? I say we let this next spin of the roulette wheel decide. [Slam Online] [...]

  • Mo Posted: Nov.13 at 8:39 pm
    If beer ads are in the locker rooms is he scared his players are going to go on drinking binges?

  • B. Long Posted: Nov.13 at 8:45 pm
    @Mo: He’s terrified.

  • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.13 at 9:53 pm
    Mo: No, but given the NBA’s apparent wish to dissociate themselves entirely from gambling (and The Great Donaghy Controversy), it does seem a little obnoxious. Because the advertising is aimed DIRECTLY AT THE PLAYERS—a rather high-income group who shouldn’t be gambling in the first place. And I’m sure Harrah’s pays dearly for that placement. George Shinn has always sucked, and this is just further proof of it.

  • chintao Posted: Nov.14 at 12:13 am
    Fil = Summer’s Eve

  • PHIL JACKSON CALLS HYPOCRISY: RIPS NBA FOR ALLOWING CASINO ADS « Graney and The Pig’s Blog Posted: Nov.14 at 12:45 am
    [...] Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson ripped the NBA Wednesday for what he perceives as hypocrisy by the league. The Lakers were playing in New Orleans. Jackson pointed out how hypocritical it is for the NBA to decry gambling so strongly then allow ads for a casino (Harrah’s) in the New Orleans Arena. According to Jackson, this obviously sends mixed messages. [...]

  • Cizzo Posted: Nov.14 at 12:01 pm
    I Bet $500 Buck that Kobi don’t care.

  • The Promise Posted: Nov.14 at 6:21 pm
    Phil. Shut up and coach.

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