Fans brew up a boycott...
At times such as this, when a longtime sports fixture departs for another city, rational reaction can be scarcer than fabric on a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. Fans are upset because, well, why not? Fans don't like change, especially when the heart, soul and spleen of a team are sent packing in exchange for someone whose idea of defense is something in a nice chain-link.
It only seems prudent to say: Beware the Frappuccino backlash.
That's right, Howard Schultz. Many who feel betrayed by the Seattle Sonics' trade of Gary Payton and Desmond Mason to the Milwaukee Bucks are steamed enough to take their espresso trade elsewhere...more [Seattle P-I]
In the tradition of my gentle handling of other morons, all I have to say is: WAKE UP! People need to get over this stuff, and understand that sports is a business. In Payton, the Sonics had a 35 year old player; nearing the end of his career, who couldn't understand why they wouldn't give him an extension to his contract (something that is almost never done with an older player). He wasn't coming back anyway says his agent, and the Sonics were going no where fast with him at Point Guard. They got a 27 year old All-Star, who had plenty of up side potential.
So they gave up Desmond Mason; who instead of being hurt, he should be proud that the Bucks wouldn't do the deal without him. He's the insurance for the Bucks that; should they lose Payton after the season, they will still get some value out of the deal. The Sonics got what they wanted and the Bucks got what they wanted.
Of course we could have just held on like we did with A-Rod, and dream that Payton would stay here so he could rot on a rebuilding team that is 2-3 years from being a serious contender. At least the Mariners were contenders. DUH!...mj
9:59:53 PM 
|
|
