Hypocrisy in South Beach: Pat Riley’s Scouting Trip Shows Problems With Miami Heat

The AM Take: Pat Riley is as a slick as the lotion that holds his hair. After a recent Miami loss, the Gucci sideline boss publicly questioned his players’ heart and desire.

His message was simple: the season may be over, but the players and organization can’t quit. This, of course, doesn’t apply to Riley, himself. The high-profile sideline boss is exempt from his own diatribe and holds a get-out-of-NBA-purgatory free card.

Pat Riley said Thursday he plans to step away from the team briefly to scout college players in upcoming conference tournaments. Riley said the hiatuses would begin next week and did not name which of his assistants would coach amid his absences. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

There are two problems here. First, the captain should always go down with the ship. And, make no mistake about it, this is Riley’s ship. He drafted, traded for, or signed every roster player. So Riley should coach all 82 games until the season is done.

Second, rules must apply to everyone. How can a coach blame players for quitting and two days later excuse himself to scout? One the one hand, Riley is saying the season isn’t over. Then, on the other hand, Riley, himself, is leaving the team to prepare for, of all things, next season. Seems a bit hypocritical, right?

Bottom line: the game has passed Riley by. His instincts are gone; all season, he has failed to motivate the roster he assembled. This stepping away thing is his latest blunder.

Miami ownership must consider altering the entire organization-Riley included. Even a Hall-of Fame coach and executive shouldn’t be exempt from changes.

What do you think of Riley stepping-away to scout? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. The AM Take is Oly’s morning thoughts on the NBA appearing Sunday through Friday on HoopsVibe NBA Blog. Errors can be attributed to the time and his need for another coffee.