Is Bird the Only One With a Sense of Humor?

For Isiah Thomas to say “if Larry Bird was black, he’d be just another good player” isn’t bad sportsmanship. It’s just funny.

It’s not Bird’s fault that he’s the second-most overrated player in basketball history. He doesn’t create the constant hype, he just plays good basketball. And keeps his sense of humor.

And what about that stupid Red Auerbach television interview? “We could get hurt here. We’re a finesse team.” The sports guy’s mouth doesn’t even twitch. No guffaws offstage. Not even a snicker.

C’mon people. Get real. We don’t need quote marks around the word joke in the headline. This is pro basketball. That’s Jack Nicholson in the dark glasses. A grown man named Chick in the broadcasting booth. Lighten up.

PEG MORELL

Buena Park