EVERY-THING SPORTS
For those up in arms over Texans' headset gate, consider this
Dec 22, 2021, 2:16 pm
EVERY-THING SPORTS
The Texans managed to lose even when they won. Not only did they beat the Jags 30-16, but they also lost out on the driver's seat for the number one overall pick (thanks to the Lions upsetting the Cardinals), but they also created a bit of a stir with coach David Culley's comments after the game.
In his postgame presser, Culley made mention of general manager Nick Caserio being on the headset during the game and giving his input on things. People all over lost their minds and acted as if this was some grand violation of the integrity of the game of football. Well, maybe not that extreme, but you get my point. There was a ton of overreaction. I've seen or heard things running the gamut, from some equating this to Caserio bringing the New England culture of cheating down south, to others acting as if nothing is wrong.
Any time there is something going on that seems like it's underhanded or shady, people will react extreme these days. A lot of the reactions I saw online were fairly meh, but a decent enough number felt like this was a bad look. Not only from Culley spewing too much inside info, but the fact that Caserio was on the headset helping him coach basically. "BIG DEAL!" (In my best Gilbert voice.)
When will we (not only as sports fans, but also as a society) get over the fact that some things can push the envelope or blur the lines of right and wrong, yet still be okay? We're always so wrapped up in a perception of something we think is wrong, that we often fail to look at the circumstances. For example: it's okay for Caserio to be on the headset. This isn't the Ray Farmer/Hue Jackson text message-gate from a few years ago. One is a league-approved form of gameday communication, the other is a clear violation of league rules. Caserio was also noted to have been on headsets during his time in New England. While he didn't have input, Bill Belichick found him important to their operation enough to have him listening in on things.
We can obviously see this isn't giving them an unfair advantage. At 3-11, the Texans need all the help they can possibly muster up. Remember, Culley has never been a head coach. He's never even been a coordinator. Caserio probably wants to have as much input as possible to help Culley through all the decisions on gameday. Sure, there are former coordinators and head coaches on staff. But when you want to establish a certain culture and control over a rebuilding franchise, you tighten the strings and tend to hold things more closely to the vest. After all, Culley isn't the long-term answer at head coach, so, why so serious?
I'm sure there are other instances of team employees crossing boundaries and blurring lines elsewhere. Think about your own jobs. Do you or any of your coworkers ever do other people's jobs, or at least help out other departments with their tasks? Does anyone say you're cheating, and that type of stuff can't be tolerated and should be punished? Since when did this become so taboo? Would we penalize a team if the defensive coordinator noticed the opposing defense do something and told the offensive coordinator to run a certain play?
Bottom line: I see people making mountains out of mole hills here. Does it seem fishy? Yes. Is it illegal? No. Should this be the norm? That depends on the organizational structure. Would this have been a bigger story if this took place in New England a few years ago? You're damn right it would! The Texans' record, as well as the fact that this is allowed, makes this a non-issue that people want to make an issue. It's similar to other non-issues people choose to make big issues out of these days. The sooner we stop doing that foolishness, the better off we'll all be.
The Houston Rockets face a major test Friday night as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder, who enter the matchup riding an 11-game road winning streak.
Houston (50-27) sits second in the Western Conference and has been dominant on the boards, leading the conference with 48.8 rebounds per game behind Alperen Sengun’s 10.5 per contest. The Rockets have also been red-hot, winning eight of their last ten while averaging 122.1 points per game.
The Thunder (64-12) hold the best record in the West and have been nearly unstoppable, winning 10 straight overall while outscoring opponents by nearly 20 points per game in that stretch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to play at an MVP level, averaging 32.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
Houston will need a big night from Jalen Green, who’s averaging 21.5 points, to keep pace with an OKC team that ranks among the league’s best in efficiency on both ends. The Thunder’s ability to limit turnovers and their defensive pressure could be a deciding factor.
With playoff seeding on the line, expect an intense battle between the top two teams in the West.
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