The rest is just noise

"People often talk about heroic moments in sports, but I think the ones they should talk about most are people like Jaime, who can show you what true heroism is."

The U.S. government awarded Hemi the Silver Star Medal for his heroic performance after the war. The strange thing is that this World War II veteran who left a deep impression on Louis always looked like he was well versed in astronomy and geography. No matter if you talked to him about Oscar Wilde

He had something to say about his ridiculous life and the zippers of the Lian Zong, but once he talked about his experience in the army, he became silent.

"Those who admire heroism in war are often people who have never participated in a war."

For the first time, Louis discovered that Haimi's tone of voice could be so soft.

"There are no heroes in war. It represents absolute pain and disaster. Even if anyone who participates in the war is lucky enough to survive, he will become another person. No matter whether he is healthy or not, no matter whether he escapes carrying a fool who fell into the sea on his back.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his service on the battlefield."

"I'm lucky. I survived. I can't tell you the name of the person I carried on my back. I don't know and I don't want to know. I have never been a hero. The most heroic thing I have ever done is to escape from the war.

Survive,”

Every Wednesday, Hemi would gather with veterans to talk about their children and grandchildren and TV programs, but they never recalled the war or talked about heroism.

"True, war is the worst."

Although this view was strange from the American who had waged the most wars since World War II, Louis could only agree. Moreover, Hemi's words dropped the atmosphere of the luncheon. He had to say something to change the atmosphere.

.

"I think my most heroic moment was punching the referee into the ICU before the game started."

As soon as Louis opened his mouth, the luncheon came to life.

Paul Gaston said excitedly: "To be honest, coach, I was there at the time."

Louis smiled proudly and said: "Have you seen with your own eyes my heroic appearance of KOing the referee with one punch?"

"Yes."

Gaston recalled this event sixteen years ago and was still deeply impressed.

However, things are definitely not as heroic as Louis said.

Gaston remembered that Louis only used his words but not his hands at first, until the irrational referee forced him to retreat and then punched him.

It can be said that that punch was the beginning of the name Louis breaking out of the basketball circle.

Since then, Little Lu has become a national celebrity.

Sports writer John Feinstein was interested.

Because Louis Boxing referee happened to be the same match where Bird famously humiliated Dr. J.

"This matter is a long story."

Long-term locker room speeches have allowed Louis to tell his stories as brightly as a speaker. He always knows how to word and speak, and pays great attention to his tone. When he is emotional, he will never deliberately lower his voice.

Louie's story revitalized the atmosphere at the luncheon.

The story of the luncheon will continue.

Auerbach seemed to have no stories to share today, and then the conversation shifted to the athletes who are becoming more and more vulnerable in today's era.

A college coach complained: "Kids today are too delicate and can withdraw from a game just because of a slight cramp. You know, as an athlete, enduring a certain degree of pain is part of the spirit of sports."

"I'm reminded of a story about Shaquille O'Neal," Feinstein laughed. "Someone once questioned his professionalism because he postponed a minor surgery that could have been solved in the offseason until the season, but he said

, 'My injury occurred during the season, and naturally it will be resolved during the season.'"

Auerbach, who was smoking a cigar, coughed when he heard these words.

"That's nonsense!"

Auerbach said dissatisfied: "David Stern has spoiled the players, and they will only become more and more vulnerable!"

"That's right!" Hemi agreed, "The old-school tough style is dead in this entertainment era!"

Louis, who has always opposed players continuing to play despite injuries, wanted to ask: "What is the old-school tough style?"

Hearing this, Haimi's eyes widened. He had always disliked Louis because this guy who was clearly 40 years old but looked as young as his early 20s kept reminding him of the Japanese on the Pacific battlefield.

But when he wanted to contradict Louis, he was intimidated by the other person's aura.

The confidence and calmness in Louis' words and deeds prevented him from taking action.

This time, the opportunity finally came.

"Just like John Havlicek did in the 1973 Eastern Conference Finals, just like Bill Russell did in the 1958 Finals!"

Louis knew very well what Havlicek did in the 1973 Eastern Conference Finals. He tore his shoulder and then persisted in the game until the Celtics lost. It was indeed heroic.

What's wrong with Russell?

1958? Chamberlain hadn’t entered the league yet, right?

Louis couldn't help asking: "What happened to Russell that year?"

Hemi plausibly said: "The Celtics should have won ten consecutive championships, if Bill had not seriously sprained his ankle in the finals that year. At that time, this was a very serious injury, and one mistake would have affected the entire team.

Later in his career, Bill still decided to come back in Game 6. If Reid had not limited his playing time to 20 minutes under his strong objection, maybe Boston could have played with St. Louis until Game 7.

, Bob Pettit can’t score 50 points!”

"This is the toughness of old-school players. A big guy like Shaquille O'Neal will never win anything in his life!"

Louis smiled lightly: "If I were the head coach, Russell couldn't even play 20 minutes after being injured."

Haimi stared at Louis unhappily, because he could feel that Louis was opposed to Russell's approach of playing with injuries.

"I mean, even if I could see into the future and know in advance that if Russell endured the pain and played, he could win the finals that year, I would not let him play for another minute." Louis said matter-of-factly, "

I will not overdraw Russell's career at the risk of ruining the next nine championships for a short-term championship."

Haimi was angry: "You don't understand the spirit of competition at all, and you have never played on the court."

"Well, I admit it." Louis smiled, "But you also have to admit that you don't know how to coach."

"1958," Auerbach said.

Speaking of the history of professional basketball, coupled with the old man's hoarse voice, an inexplicable sense of weight came over his face, instantly extinguishing the small flame between Louis and Haimi.

"St. Louis was a very special team that year." Auerbach thought for a moment and then changed his mind, "No, they may be the most special team since 1958."

Haimi muttered: "Of course, they interrupted the Celtics' ten consecutive championships."

"That's not what I'm talking about." Auerbach paused, "What makes them special is because they are the only NBA championship team without black players in 42 years."

Auerbach's words were like pins falling to the ground, making a tinkling sound.

The old man laughed dryly and said, "Hey, I guess until basketball dies, there won't be another championship team without black players."

At that moment, Louis was hit in his heart.

Even after reaching the top, the reason why Louis can enjoy a peaceful life is that he can no longer find any goals in the professional basketball world.

And Auerbach's words made his heart beat rapidly.

He knew all the great non-black players for the next two decades.

He can build an NBA championship team without black people.

why not?

The St. Louis Eagles have been buried in the history pile and no one cares about it. This great record and legend should be inherited by a more suitable person.

After the lunch meeting, everyone went to the parking lot together.

Auerbach will say hello to the guests.

"I am leaving."

Every Tuesday, in addition to attending the lunch meeting, Auerbach also rushes to the Woodrent Country Club in Lorenville, Maryland, after the lunch meeting.

There he played golf and cards with members of the club.

Today, Louis deliberately walked to his car window.

Auerbach rolled down the window and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Reed, are you saying that it is really impossible to have an NBA championship team without black players now?"

"You ask me this question? Don't you know how high the proportion of black players is?"

Louis smiled and said: "I know."

"Then you still ask?"

"I just want to say that there are no absolutes. No matter how outrageous things are, things can happen. For example, the rich white man named Donald who played golf with you some time ago, I said he may become the president of the United States in the future.

,Do you believe?"

Auerbach felt that Louis was amusing himself, "It's funny, but I really don't have time to talk nonsense with you now, and there is no way that idiot can be the chief barrel!"

Immediately, Louis' face showed a smile that made Auerbach's skin crawl: "Not necessarily?"

After Auerbach left, he kept thinking about Louis' words on the road.

What does that guy mean? Is it possible that he really wants to organize an NBA championship team without black people? This is simply a fantasy!

As for whether the rich white man with blond hair who looked like a fool from both sides would have a chance to become the chief barrel of the United States in the future, Auerbach didn't even think about it. He knew it was nonsense as soon as he heard it.

How nonsense is this?

Even if it happened that Louis led a team without black people and created a dynasty in the NBA, that wouldn't happen.

Louis said goodbye to Auerbach, turned around and saw Paul Gaston who had not yet left.

Gaston smiled and said: "Coach, let me take you to the airport."

"Okay, then I'll give you a ride."

Louis was used to Gaston's fawning, and Auerbach's words gave him the idea of ​​a comeback, but he hadn't really figured out what to do next.

It's just that once something like a thought is activated, its speed of development is absolutely beyond imagination.

Just like Louis had thought about buying a private jet before.

Thoughts are another name for desires. For most people in the world, desires are difficult to satisfy. But once you have the ability to satisfy your desires, then thoughts will often be transformed into strong motivation and impulse, which will be all rational.

end.