Trash-talk: A Toronto Raptors gossip column

Marc Gasol: Defensive Liver of the Year

The Big Spaniard didn’t waste time drinking his way into our hearts. At the Toronto Raptors championship parade, he found himself staring down the onslaught of adoring fans only to excitedly chug a bottle of wine.

Of course, upon review of the bottle, it’s likely that this “wine” has about the alcohol content of your average beer. Still, even with a 7’1″, 255-pound frame, he likely took a beating after that one. Taking a tip from André the Giant, he hopefully held down his liquor long enough to remember sitting on stage and listening to the hilarious speeches. Who knows, though, maybe Nurse himself was sippin’ on some before his speech, too, as his voice cracked a couple of times throughout.

But Gasol wasn’t done just yet. In fact, after Spain won the FIBA World Cup, Marc was again seen on a bus chugging more alcohol.

It’s painstakingly obvious that Gasol is having the time of his life. And, after all the ups-and-downs and near momentous wins of his career, boy, the man can drink as much as he wants in the offseason.

As most of you probably know, Marc has a brother, Pau Gasol, who also has enjoyed his fair share of winning in the NBA and internationally. But, like most older brothers do, there wasn’t much evidence of Pau overindulging in celebration.

When Marc is slamming these drinks, I like to imagine two invisible angels on his shoulders: his brother, Pau, pleading with him to take it slow and an 18-year-old Marc telling him to shotgun it.

With his own Hall of Fame case likely wrapped up, it’s easy for him to slide right into the debauchery.

There’s an overused saying in sports to describe a team after a slow start to the season following a championship known as the “championship hangover.” If Marc starts off a wee-bit slow, confused, and underutilized then perhaps he’s suffering from a championship hangover.

But, let’s be real, more likely than not, he’s just suffering from an actual hangover.

So, the ultimate award of “Who partied the most in the offseason?” undoubtedly goes to the Big Spaniard now also known as the Big Drinker.

Party on, Marc, party on.