It's interesting to read some of the reactions to Coach Bill's departure from the W (Mechelle writes some in her blog and plans to add more later and to ESPN.com).

Laimbeer has been rather extraordinary since joining the Detroit Shock. He's turned around the franchise, he's won three championships (the one last year being the most improbable), he's grumpified players and opposing coaches and ticked me off with his over-the-top-histrionics against officials.

He's been a lightening rod, which I can respect and admire, 'cause it takes a thick skin, a huge ego and a strong sense of self -- and it's been good for the W.

I need to digest all the whys and wherefores of Laimbeer's sudden desire to golf, but for the moment I'm going to disagree with Mechelle on his exit strategy. Said MV:

Some will criticize the timing of his departure, but not me. I’m sorry he’s leaving, but he’s given a great deal to women’s pro basketball and has the right to do whatever is best for him.

Coach Z got skewered as being unprofessional. Does Laimbeer get a free pass on "professionalism" just because of his women's basketball resume? Shouldn't standards be standards and not be shifted because someone's been successful?

And take a moment to consider the state of the team he's leaving: they're 1-2, have been blown out on national tv, returned the favor, and then gotten dumped by the whothehellarethesepeoplewearingMysticsuniformsandwinning team.

Cheryl Ford is still recovering from ACL surgery.

Kara Braxton is still serving her league suspension for DUI.

Plenette Pierson is injured and likely out for the season.

I know, Detroit under Bill has faced worse odds and won. No idea if Coach Mahorn has the chops to do so. But I'm thinking they could sure use someone who knows what's what as they travel through this bumpy season.

To be clear, I have no issue with his leaving the WNBA - be it to golf or plant the seeds for an NBA gig. And in no way take it as a diss of the W. It's business. Ask any D-III program that's lost a coach to a D-II, and on up the line.

It's not THAT he's leaving, it's WHEN he's leaving.

Bill called the timing a "miscalculation."

I say, "Huh? You had a professional/personal epiphany three games into the season and so you quit?"

That just doesn't sit right.