Stan Van Gundy’s quest to save Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! And a special acknowledgement for Stan Van Gundy, head coach of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, who called out his bosses today with a rant on the frivolous nature of all of these games – five today - scheduled for Christmas Day.

Here are a few select quotes from his discussion with the media following his Magic’s 86-77 loss to the Boston Celtics:

“I actually feel sorry for people who have nothing to do on Christmas Day other than watch an NBA game.”

“I think we get a little carried away with ourselves with sports thinking we’re more important than everything else. But that’s the way it is. There’s nothing more important than the NBA on Christmas Day.”

“Christmas to me, obviously basketball is very important to me, but there are some days of the year where it’s got to take a back seat to something.”

And, my favorite: “If I had my way, we’d take a five-day break at Christmas. I mean it.”

Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Amen to Van Gundy for speaking his mind on this topic, as he has in the past on so many other relevant issues that cause his coaching brethren to bite their tongues and swallow their words.

The networks and the league offices may conspire to keep holiday games as a standard on the schedule, but it doesn’t make it right. Van Gundy, on the other hand, is right on.

Who knew that the spirit of Christmas might ever be best embodied by this guy?