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In very different ways we have clearly seen both
Arena and "OZ" go public with rather strong criticisms of Mathis.
Two very different coaches.
Remember Arena essetially was publicly calling
Clint out as lazy when he siad he wasn't working hard enough to get back in
shape. Arena seems to be usually sucessful and motivating his players, and
it is rare to hear him speak badly..or even particularly critically...of anyone
on his teams. He must have carefully decided that all his efforts out of
the spotlight had failed, and maybe a little bit of public embarassment was
worth trying as a last resort. He must have thought Clint really needed a
kick in the butt if he was going to get back in shape.
I, too, think it's rather extraordinary to hear a
coach go public about a player clearly needs professional help in dealing with
his mental state. But doesn't it seem likely that OZ is
right?
The debate about whether OZ (or Bruce) behaved
professionally is a minor point compared to whatever is up with
Clint. I doubt it is a trivial issue.
One wonders whether a bit of craziness was
necessary to drive Clint to the level of excellence he achieved, particularly
prior to his June 2001 injury, or whether fame and public acclaim are
enough to make one a bit crazy.
What was his pre MLS history? Is is a blip,
or is he a total head case? Can any of us on the outside even have a
clue?
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