Harlem Globetrotters cut ties with Washington Generals

The Washington Generals will no longer be suffering embarrassing losses at the hands of the Harlem Globetrotters, as it was announced this week that the Globetrotters have dropped the Generals as an opponent.

Well, at least Krusty the Klown won’t lose any more money placing awful bets.

According to a report by ESPN’s Darren Rovell, the split came as a surprise to John Ferrari, the Generals manager. That sentiment was echoed by Antoine Maddox, who played for the Generals for four seasons, who said that he was “shocked” by the news and that “the Harlem Globetrotters can’t be the Harlem Globetrotters without the Washington Generals.”

As someone who has fond childhood memories of watching the Globetrotters, I can’t even begin to imagine their brand of comedic basketball without the Generals serving as bumbling, incompetent foils. It’s like trying to imagine Jerry without Tom, or the Road Runner without Coyote. Sure, the Globetrotters will go on, will keep entertaining crowds of kids, but it won’t feel the same.

Over at NBC Sports, Joe Posnanski has a wonderful breakdown of the story and delves into the long, zany history of what was the most hilariously lopsided rivalry in all of sports. If you’re interested in the story behind the rivalry, I recommend it out.

(Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the Generals actually did manage to defeat the Globetrotters back in 1971. Red Klotz — who served as the team’s owner, coach and player — hit the game-winning shot, which resulted in the Generals pouring orange soda over one another in the locker room.)

So R.I.P. to the best, most consistent losers ever to lace up basketball shoes. I will pour out a bit of orange soda for you all.