In a weird, jumbled sort of way, Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest is making sense.
On Wednesday, Artest reportedly asked Indiana coach Rick Carlisle for a month off due to an aching body and a hectic schedule. And while Artest's excuse was boggling (he said he wanted more time to promote a rap album), it brings up a good point.
In sports like basketball, baseball and hockey, where the seasons are long and grueling, why don't elite players take long stretches off in the beginning of the season? If they are banged up, and if the team is good enough to get by without them, shouldn't the players rest up so they can be at their best in the playoffs? There have been plenty of times when star players just run out of gas come playoff time.
Maybe it's time head coaches seriously think about giving their players more time off early so they can keep playing late.
