In Defense of Tony Allen's "I'm a Celtic" Comment [VIDEO]
by TLorenzo on Mar 24, 2011 11:08 AM CDT
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By now we've all read the quotes, watched the video and likely seethed over Tony Allen's statement after last night's victory over the Celtics in which he declared he was a Celtic and, "unfortunately," only wearing a Grizzlies' jersey.
We're fighting for a playoff spot, our second most important player over the past month has been Tony Allen, and now, we hear this. Upsetting, no? I, personally, am not upset and suggest that you try to look past this comment. Think of it this way: in a summer which we saw LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Amar'e Stoudemire bail on their teams, and a trade deadline in which the likes of Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony are now wearing unfamiliar jerseys, is there any reason for us to get on a guy for having an emotional tie to the team who drafted him -- a city and team he was invested in. What fault can we pin on Allen here?
Allen clearly wanted to remain with the Celtics and, well, Boston had other ideas. Memphis stepped in and offered Allen a 3-year contract, and he signed. Such is the business of basketball.
We're already talking about franchise players like Dwight Howard and Chris Paul changing zip codes -- be it less for money than for a "chance to win." Players changing teams is old hat in this day and age in the Association. For me, I think we should credit Allen for being emotional and having a reaction to his leaving the city of Boston. How many Paul Pierces or Reggie Millers are there out there? Do you think Nets' fans care that Deron Williams has mixed feelings about being in New Jersey as long as he continues to help them win? How often do players come and go? And how fondly do we want them to remember their time in Memphis? Think Hasheem Thabeet will be emotional in his return to Memphis? Does Pau Gasol even remember that he was a Grizzly?
I don't want to spend all day, especially after such a huge win on Wednesday night, talking about Allen's comment. I think we accept his feelings, and continue to root for the guy. After all, he has been so very important to our race toward the playoffs and will continue to be a force for us. Let's not let this comment ruin what we have.
What do you guys think?
(Video after the jump....)
Tip of the hat to PLuscombe for posting the video on the game recap thread.
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Its like marrying a girl who's already been married.
Sure she’s in love with you know, but if she had her wish, she probably wanted the original marriage to stand the test of time. Its upsetting, but you have to get over it and move on.
by thenightstallion on Mar 24, 2011 11:45 AM CDT reply actions
wish I wouldn't have read this
“unfortunately” is like a dagger. To me, its great that he formed a bond in Boston. I mean, I don’t blame him. Have you ever been to a game at the Garden?? Its incredible. I get pissed at FedEx Forum because its not even a 10th of the experience.
Why couldn’t he have just done like the rest of his former teammates and shrug off those questions. Come to think of it, it was the only question in that interview he actually answered.
I'm sure if he would have thought it over
he would have phrased it differently. Look at the Matt Diaz situation. He wanted to stay with Atlanta, but now that he is in Pittsburgh he is happy there. I’m sure what he meant is, “Unfortunately I’m not a Celtic, but I’m happy to be in Memphis.”
by thenightstallion on Mar 24, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I don't think it was a slight on us...
I think it’s also a testament to the Celtics and their fans. If anything, would love to hear a former Grizz speak so highly about us. i guess a winning culture is the first step, though.
I agree
But I would like to see him say something else, about loving Memphis or something.
By the way, you have the front page booming this morning! Major props, my brotha.
by thenightstallion on Mar 24, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
He mentioned a few things on his Twitter account this afternoon...
“I m grizz but reall love that team”
“Lets not get it twisted …. Im griz ,, 100percent focus on wining and thas it ,, last i checked,,, i had ace hood playing in my ipod”
To me, when he says he’s 100 percent focused on winning — i’m sold! that’s the endgame.
(thanks for the props! trying to keep the Grizz in the loop. the way they’ve played this year they deserve complete coverage!)
huh
what’s he wining about? :P
I don’t take this to mean too much. Look at Rudy Gay. Just from my guess he’s like this
- UCONN
- Baltimore
- Team USA
- I dunno his high school
- junior high
- Memphis grizzlies
This actually used to drive me crazy but I don’t care no more. I guess I"m numb to it after watching Pau injure himself every summer for Team Espana (his first love,) rather than “save himself” for the Grizz
And did "we" (the collective "we") not learn from LeBron this summer?
You almost appreciate a player who acknowledges the opportunity he was given (by Boston) than have the player take his opportunity/fans/franchise for granted.
Also,
this is the last I’ll probably speak of this situation. Really, we have bigger fish to fry Bulls on our plate… we have the Bulls to beat!!
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