There is a common misconception that fans have about their favorite sports franchises. They think that because they are playing for my favorite team, that they love it here and they will take a hometown discount to play in cities that love them when it comes to contract time.
A player, like Elton Brand formerly of the Clippers now of the 76ers, was seen as a good person and a great community person and he loved LA. But then, he gets a little money from Philly, and all of a sudden he is Public Enemy number one in the eyes of all six Clippers fans.
Why do people assume that they love one team so everyone should love their team? Ask Cavalier fans about Carlos Boozer. They'll give an opinion on loyalty in sports.
Fans are the same way. They love the star athlete when he is doing great, but the second he falters, they are calling sports radio, writing blogsand typing on message boards about how they should trade this guy. Fans love to hear loyalty, but are the first ones to jump ship when their favorite player is struggleing.
Another perfect example of fans getting on the loyalty love train is this past NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics winning their 17th championship. Last year Doc Rivers was getting killed by everyone in Boston. People were calling for his job and they wanted a new coach. But now that he is a champion, he is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Take another example from the same Finals. Phil Jackson was seen by everyone as a great coach for years, now he misses on one title and Laker fan was calling for Jackson to be given the boot.
Too many fans in sports act like this. They annoint someone as the next big thing when their team is excellent, are break out the torches and pitch forks when their team is in a down year.
Fans love loyalty, but are the least loyal when thier team is in Jeopardy.
P.S. As a little aside, I was listening to The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Thursday July 10, and Colin was taking calls from people debateing which conference was better, the Big 10 or the SEC in terms of football. An absolutley rediculous caller actually thought, and I am not making this up, that NFL GM's do research and draft based on what people on talk radio, and what message board guy is saying. He said that GM's draft kids from Notre Dame because media people talk about them. I was in my truck at work and had to pull over into a gas station for my own safety because I was laughing so hard.
Brand gave the Clippers far more time than most give a team. He has a chance with the Sixers, being undersized for a PF, to do just as good a job with a surgically repaired achilles, end up in the finals and make more money.
Brand is not disloyal. Brand suffered for enough years with the Clippers. Smart move.
Mojo McFart
Have you honestly looked at how the under achieving Clippers have come to exist over the years ? You're talking about loyalty but nowhere has it been shown by GM Elgin Baylor and the owner Donald Sterling. As they'd rather operate the franchise as they've done over the years on a shoestring budget.
And with regard to Boozer he probably left as he for one couldn't see any real urgency with the ownership in wanting to make the team better. Everything was decided as to what was in LeBron's best interest rather than what was in the franchise's best interest alogether when it came to assembling a roster.
If anything that was where the Cavs' fans should've has a real cause for concern. Rather than berating Boozer for going elsewhere. If they'd really done enough in assembling the adequate pieces to complement the team as a whole then perhaps he mightn't have left under the circumstances that he did.
justan' aka tophatal ..........
Last edited by justanotherfan on July 11th at 8:48 AM.
i have to agree that a lot of people tend to flip flop over situations such as this one with Elton Brand...BUT that's the nature of sports now...free agency is a huge deal. as far as loyalty, Brand has been more than loyal to the Clippers. for crying out loud, let the man do what he can for his own career now. too many times players get treated like commodities and not people...and no one ever blames management or owners for that. but as soon as the player makes a move for the sake of money, they get dogged out.
i also have to agree with Just about that whole Carlos Boozer deal. the Cavs made no effort to see the big picture cuz they were too worried about making Lebron happy...they failed to realize the important role Boozer would play. and now finally we see that Cavs management isn't very loyal to anyone else but Lebron.
also called free agency!!!! loyalty in sports!!! out the window!!!!! hey if the player can get more MONEY????? in some other place??? off he goes....how many??? count them??? have stayed in the same town his whole playing days????again why so many i know have turned their backs on pro sports and now watch college sports.,.. gamestorm good points!!!!!!!
Last edited by kellyscott on July 12th at 8:05 AM.
now im going to start a major windstorm... get ready possibly why shaq is no longer in LA??? someones EGO???? and before you think ??? i think shaq is a angel i dont think so!!!! hey both arent ball players id want my kid to look up to....
Last edited by kellyscott on July 12th at 8:09 AM.
It's called getting paid. Elton Brand wants to get paid, and the Sixers are willing to show him the money. Why else would he want to leave the Lakers' JV team and play with a REAL varsity team? Money, money, and money.
Brand let go of 20 million by signing with the 6ers. the GS warriors wanted to offer him a max contract, Gilbert Arenas money. Doesnt he have a home already in Philly? Also he thinks he can contend in Philly, which is more true than him contending in Cali.
I actually said that Bynum would be great when he was 18 and first in the league. Was talking to my friend in 2006 about how he would one day make the Lakers contenders(I never said he would be a great player but I did think he could easily average a double double which for most centers in the NBA is hard). So was I jumping the bandwagon when Bynum had his break out year? No I expected it to happen a year ago.
Fans need something to root for or against. Some are more extrme than others, more stupid however you wanna take it.
Also, Lebron is Cleveland management... he says jump. They say how high, with out Lebron is Cleveland even a sports city. Even Lebron knows it when he says stuff like, people come here to watch Lebron James and Gilbert Arenas they dont come here to watch Deshawn Stevenson.
last week There is a rumor that he's dating on a wealthy & beauty dating site called
+++ kissmillionaires.c0om +++ . He may wanna hook up a hottie. I guess.
