Gerald Green vs. the Raptors

As you may know one of Gerald’s fingers is shorter than the other nine due to a childhood injury. While this does not appear to hurt his game, which is somewhat amazing, the shorter ring finger is important for one reason: it is the source of one of the most secretive feuds in all of sports – Gerald Green vs. the Toronto Raptors.

It all started in the waning moments of a C’s/Raptors game in the spring of 2006, Green’s rookie year. In fact it was Wednesday March 22nd at the TD Banknorth Garden. The C’s were cruising to a 110-96 victory when Tony Allen and Green decided to add insult to defeat. Predictably Tommy raved about Gerald’s “terrific athletic ability.” However, not everyone was impressed. In fact Toronto Raptors’ announcer Chuck Swirsky was appalled. And to the untrained eye this was just more boorish behavior by a NBA player or another righteous middle aged white guy overreacting, depending upon your viewpoint. To the untrained eye. Watch the Swirsky tirade clip again. This time pay attention to Pape Sow in the lower left hand corner (pictured left) after the Raptors called a timeout. Notice how he throws the shocker as a mock gesture at Gerald. If a guy shows up a team the best response is a hard foul or an equally humiliating basketball play. I think Sow crossed the line. Regardless Swirsky did not see Sow’s display and probably would not have understood it if he had. However, as Chuck’s partner seemingly tried to ease the tension he uttered some fateful words, “Well the Raptors play ‘em again in a few weeks so we’ll see…”

Play they did on Tuesday April 4th. And this was the night Gerald officially won me over. It’s one thing to throw down a highlight reel windmill at the end of a victory. It’s another thing to do it with a vengeful, vindictive purpose. He thought about if for two weeks and then delivered. Did Tommy mock Swirsky for good measure? Is there any doubt?

“I wonder if Chuck got upset there.” - Tommy Heinsohn

2 final points:

1. If Gerald had blown that dunk the C’s could have conceivably lost or at least gone to overtime.

2. This is one of the great examples of how 2 announcers can react differently to the exact same play, depending upon their allegiances. Thank you YouTube.