April 19, 2006

I got your fan appreciation RIGHT HERE! : Philadelphia 76ers Allen Iverson and Chris Webber show up late and don't play on Fan Appreciation Night. "S---- will be different next year," said team president Billy King, who lost his temper early and often last night.

read story | posted by wfrazerjr to Basketball at 9:53 AM CDT (50 comments total)

That is fucking terrible. I respect and admire AI a lot, but that is just super weak. They played the whole damn game a night ago. They weren't physically injured - they were suffering from severe assholism.

Well, this has made the off-season more interesting. Where will AI end up? Please say Charlotte.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 10:00 AM CDT on April 19

how about NY weedy? zeke might give up david lee, channing frye, '09 and '10 1st rd picks too.

posted by ninjavshippo at 10:31 AM CDT on April 19

I am assuming "S----" means "Superstar conduct," no?

posted by holden at 10:34 AM CDT on April 19

Just goes to show (AGAIN) that it is all about the money and themselves and not the fans.

posted by dbt302 at 10:49 AM CDT on April 19

I always, always, always hated AI, mostly stemming from the time that I lived in Philly, which was at the time of the whole throw your wife out of the house naked skip practice pull guns on people stage. What a loser.

posted by adampsyche at 11:11 AM CDT on April 19

Its a good thing there are no blogs for people with regular jobs so when we call in sick (especially when wer're not really sick) there aren't people calling us names. We call it "just a game" and then make these moral judgements about the people playing the games.

posted by tcc1118 at 11:20 AM CDT on April 19

Actually Holden, "S---" meant "Specail friends".

posted by gradys_kitchen at 11:21 AM CDT on April 19

Isn't always about the money? Who in this country works for free? It's never about the customer, not before the employee who could care less about the customer! That's true across the board in every profession!

posted by bkdet at 11:22 AM CDT on April 19

Hey tcc1118 You must make an exorbitant amount of money at your place of employment. Oh and by the way I suppose you have many fans with your name on the back of their jerseys, cheering you on at the job.

posted by livedawhile at 11:32 AM CDT on April 19

We can't trade them (Webber's contract & lack of fair value in return for AI...30+/ppg)...so its looks like we are stuck with them...what this does seem to bear out is the "rumor" of lack of respect the players have shown toward Coach Cheeks all season...

posted by phillyolhead at 11:50 AM CDT on April 19

More reasons for me to not watch the NBA, these players are ridiculous, all about themselves, no respect for the fan...F*ck them!!!

posted by sauceysays at 12:10 PM CDT on April 19

No one learns!Best thing the Warriors did was get rid of the Webber cancer!Sacto learned&Philly ignored all that so shame on you 6ers!!!

posted by mdavidsf at 12:26 PM CDT on April 19

good post tcc118. I totally agree. hey livedawhile maybe you and all these people who are buying these jerseys should stop making these guys your role models and start looking up to people more important like your parents, aunts, uncles etc. The moment we stop making these athletes GODS they will come back to earth and stop acting like they do.

posted by bigpoppav at 1:20 PM CDT on April 19

Good point bigpoppav-these players are far from role models, I lived in Portland and watched the Trail Blazers lose all respect from a great fan base, no wonder Paul Allen wants his hands free of these selfish kids. I think we should send jr. and sr. college players to our olympic team and spare us from embarrassment, again.

posted by sauceysays at 1:56 PM CDT on April 19

I'm not disproving because he's a poor role model, I'm disproving because he's an asshole.

posted by adampsyche at 1:59 PM CDT on April 19

Folks defending these athletes give me the chuckles ... thanks for that!

It's never about the customer, not before the employee who could care less about the customer! That's true across the board in every profession!
Comment icon posted by bkdet at 11:22 AM CST on April 19

Umm ... no ... it's not. God willing, I'll never have a necessity to rely on you or your place of business.

These guys have a responsibility to their orgnaization and to the fans. Remember, even though it's cliche and in today's structure very indirectly, the fans pay these guys' salaries. Without fan support of the players and thereby the team, these specific players or atl east many of their "co-workers" would not have these jobs.
The same can be said for your local food service employee. If I go to a restaurant and my dining experience suffers because of the laziness or irresponsibility of a worker, you can bet that the manager and employee will hear it from me.

This has nothing to do with them being role models. This has everything to do with fans paying money for an expected product, and AI and Webber single-handedly and perceivably intentionally made that product poor.

I'll eat crow if it turns out they were legitimately excused from being there earlier than they appeared. But, unless tcc, bkdet, big have some insider information, I think your angst is misdirected.

posted by littleLebowski at 2:02 PM CDT on April 19

Who cares about "Fan Appreciation Night?" What a stupid thing to have. Yeah, yeah, fans pay to watch, but that's because they WANT to.

I pay to watch a movie because I want to be entertained, the reward is the show. I don't expect the theatre to throw me an appreciation party.

AI plays hard whenever it matters.

posted by Bill Lumbergh at 2:21 PM CDT on April 19

I will come somewhat to their defense because Cheeks admits this is a rule that has not been enforced all season.

The expected product that fans are paying for is the Philadelphia 76ers, not just AI and CWebb. Fans got to watch an NBA game and even better a win. The players were not playing because of various injuries, not to stick it to the fans. They should have been on time and sat on the bench, but those rules are for the coaches to enforce.

posted by bperk at 2:22 PM CDT on April 19

bill, you took the words right out of my mouth.

posted by bigpoppav at 2:29 PM CDT on April 19

AI plays hard whenever it matters.

Previous comments in the same post are well-taken.

But, don't begrudge any fan who doesn't appreciate when a mulit-millionaire who IS a multi-millionaire because of fan support pulls stunts like:
1) Not playing hard all the time
2) Failing to meet the most minor of employer and fan expectations ... simply showing up.

I just find it very ironic - "quit treating these guys like Gods and they'll stop acting like they do" ... maybe if these guys were actually held accountable - maybe THAT would straighten them up.

posted by littleLebowski at 2:38 PM CDT on April 19

I'm a great defender of professional athlete's as people first, but some of you seem to be taking it a step further - into the realm of the misapplication of logic.

It is NOT too much to expect professional athelets to show up to fan appreciation day. It is not the fact that they did not play. It is that they did not even bother to join their teammates on the bench and acknowledge the support of the fans who are their customers. It is not the fans who are the only ones upset. These two players embarrassed their entire organization, most notably their boss.

If you want to compare that behaviour to your job, you'd be fired for the equivalent - and rightfully so.

Guys - these are not merely 'people with different jobs that happen to pay more money'. They are the best of the best. The best of the best in my business make a shitload of money and show up for important meetings and company events. Even if they don't feel 100%. That's what being the best entails.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 2:54 PM CDT on April 19

I agree with you there littleLebowski, every player should be held accountable. It is something our society has given them a free pass on. BUT why should we be mad when they don't play, just because AI or CWEBB take the night off doesn't mean the rest of the 76er's aren't there to perform. I guess I look at it like this. I go to an NBA game to watch my team play and wouldn't expect a refund if one or more of the players on the team didn't. Just as I go to McDonalds and order a bigmac and don't expect a refund if the employee of the month doesn't make it.

posted by bigpoppav at 3:01 PM CDT on April 19

It's funny how there are so many differing opinions in this thread and yet I seem to agree with almost all of them...

Yes it's terrible they didn't show/dress/play; yes AI plays hard when it matters; yes both have checkered pasts; yes fan appreciation is a stupid idea in theory (though clearly not from a marketing stance because they did draw 3000 more fans than average); yes they have a responsibility to their fans, who do in effect pay their ridiculous but justified salaries; and yes, the organization probably could be held accountable for the situation in varying respects...

Of course, put it all together and what you might find is that it all adds up to the same thing: a strong and united effort by AI and CWeb to confront a glaring problem and force the issue before it bleeds into the next season, whether that be to force a trade or right the ship. So I hate to sound like I'm supporting the behavior because I think it just plain sucks (as good business decisions so often do)- but perhaps they ain't so stupid after all, if you can read between the lines.

posted by MW12 at 3:08 PM CDT on April 19

the best in my business make a shitload of money and show up for important meetings and company events.

Damn, I guess I'll have to go to the f-n company picnic this year.

go to McDonalds and order a bigmac and don't expect a refund if the employee of the month doesn't make it.

Dude, that's because it still tastes the same either way.

When you are a fan favorite you should at least sit on the bench and wave or something.

posted by tselson at 3:14 PM CDT on April 19

BTW- One thing I disagree with, however, is the notion that fans should not feel cheated if AI and CWeb don't show up, as if paying big bucks to see benchwarmers should be satisfactory because they are members of the Sixers after all. Fuck that!

Sorry bigpoppav but if the Employee of the Month is the guy that I'm paying big bucks to see make my big mac, then I don't give a flying fuck about his sore back: I want him to make my fucking big mac with great pride and enthusiasm, like it's the last god damn thing he'll ever do on this earth - and I'll be god damned if he's gonna pussy out on me on account of some closed door, behind the scenes corporate decision.

Of course maybe that conflicts with my prior argument, but fuck it- if I were the fans I'd want my money back too.

posted by MW12 at 3:18 PM CDT on April 19

In other words, what tselson just said.

Damn I wish I could type faster...

And censor my potty mouth...

posted by MW12 at 3:19 PM CDT on April 19

listen maybe you guys are getting the wrong impression from me.(I don't agree with what they did.It IS ashame that they didn't show more professionalism. BUT I'm not going to lose sleep over them doing what they did) I do understand that when people are expecting something and it doesn't happen that way they get upset.(me included) but why should we only be upset with the players, why not the organizion they work for. Truthfully we don't pay these players salaries. we pay the organization that pays the salaries. so shouldn't we be upset with them for allowing this to go on. lets face it no matter what punishment they hand down it will be a slap on the wrist for these guys. If the organization were paying attention to Cwebb through the years they would have realized what they were in for. instead all they seen was the dollar signs and now there paying the piper. I can't feel sorry for them

posted by bigpoppav at 3:40 PM CDT on April 19

I sincerely hope I'm getting the wrong impression from you.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 4:02 PM CDT on April 19

What Weedy said, doubled.

posted by irunfromclones at 4:27 PM CDT on April 19

This may be irrelevant, but I was watching ESPN and I heard someone repeat Karl Malon's sentiment about the name on the jerseys and how it's not about the name on the back, it's the one on the front that counts! As some of you know, this is total BS! It is about the name on the back more than it is about the name on the front. Of course if Iverson and Webber are not at the game you paid to see, you are going to be upset, but that does not mean they had to be there!We've all had reasons on why we did not want to go to class, work, or wherever on certain days and nights.

posted by bkdet at 4:29 PM CDT on April 19

I pay for Direct TV and my subscription fee ultimately goes toward the operation costs of the company. Does everyone show up to work everyday, hell no! Do they always have great customer service, HELL 2 THE NO! I should be able to expect the best service as they advertised and everyone that my money help pays should be there everytime I call or have a problem, but it does not work that way!

posted by bkdet at 4:34 PM CDT on April 19

Sixers GM Billy King summed up all that is wrong with sports when he said the Sixers planned to appreciate their fans with give-aways and contests.

NO NO NO NO NO... I want to go to a game and see a game. I'd dance a jig if they got rid of all the "I'm hee in section 123 with Joe..." in between plays. Shut UP!

But i suppose i'm in the minority.

They're all out of touch, but the NBA leads the out-of-touch charge.

posted by SummersEve at 6:17 PM CDT on April 19

"Best thing the Warriors did was get rid of the Webber cancer!"

Yeah, they've been winning all kinds of titles since then.

This thread also introduced me to a new phrase. I plan to say "Hell 2 the No!" as soon as I hear the next opening.

posted by Venicemenace at 6:49 PM CDT on April 19

Just to throw in my $.02, I'm with Weedy all the way.

I think fan appreciation night is a great thing. If it wasn't for the fans there would not be any any professional leagues, there would not be anything but school sports and pick-up games. If there were not fans, sponsors would not pay big bucks just to have thier name printed on a floor or wall or to name an arena. Sponsors wouldn't pay millions for a 30 second commercial. I don't think any athlete starts off doing what they do because of money. It all starts with a love for a sport that they must have been a fan of themselves at one point. Sure a few bad apples turn it into that but the majority of players know how important the fans are.

Sure we are all human and we all have bad days. But I look at it this way, my mother may have pissed me off, but that doesn't give me an excuse to ignore my brother on his birthday just because the party is at mom's house.

posted by njsk8r20 at 7:23 PM CDT on April 19

I believe it is a multifaceted problem. There is no one factor that contributes to this kind of behavior. It's a nickel here, a dime there, etc. It all adds up.

Salary expected, NBA Players union, collective bargaining, owners, coaches, I could go on and on.

I think it's time we throw out everything and just start over sometimes. How about a year with no NBA like what happened to hockey last year. I didn't miss it at all. How many people would miss the NBA for a year? I know I wouldn't.

I just think there are too many self absorbed players and owners. Winning has come at too high of a cost. Too many owners want to win at any cost and if that means having guys who don't give a rat's ass about the fans so be it.

AI will be back next year. My advice is like many before me. Just stop going to 76'ers games and stop patronizing some of their sponsors.

posted by usroute17 at 7:26 PM CDT on April 19

Sorry bigpoppav but if the Employee of the Month is the guy that I'm paying big bucks to see make my big mac, then I don't give a flying fuck about his sore back: I want him to make my fucking big mac with great pride and enthusiasm, like it's the last god damn thing he'll ever do on this earth - and I'll be god damned if he's gonna pussy out on me on account of some closed door, behind the scenes corporate decision.

I have an idea. Go get a fucking whopper if you don't like the person making your big mack. You think your $2 buys you stock in Mcdonalds? It's cheap bastards like you that want an 8 course meal, knowing you're buying something from the $1 menu.

Did AI or Webber call you and trick you into buying your ticket?

This kind of bullshit talk leads me to believe that you're the type of fan that thinks they have the right to hit a player in the face with a full cup of beer if that player does something you don't like.

Here's another idea for you. Go to a game next year, run your short chubby ass onto the court and get dropped by Jermaine O'neal again. You are the guy that took O'neals straight right to the jaw aren't you?

When will some fanatics learn that the $50 bucks you pay for a ticket doesn't make you "massa" and the players "Kunta Kinte"

Here's some more info that might help you function better in society today. The guy at the drive thru window doesn't owe you a free food hook-up just because you went to high school together.

posted by Bishop at 9:13 PM CDT on April 19

Uhm...rza, maybe?

posted by tselson at 10:41 PM CDT on April 19

The guy at the drive thru window doesn't owe you a free food hook-up just because you went to high school together.

No but we did trade a lot of J's for large fries and apple pies.

posted by Folkways at 6:24 AM CDT on April 20

Bishop- I knew you must have been Employee of the Month somewhere along the line, bt I didn't realize it was this month! My apologies for that. Your response, however, is ridiculous.

posted by MW12 at 7:41 AM CDT on April 20

Be easy on Bishop...he's from Phiily.

posted by willthrill72 at 8:22 AM CDT on April 20

Instead of thinking about what the fans didnt get, think about what they did get. A cheap ticket and a great game, with their sixers coming out on top. Why would two superstars like AI and C web want to jepordize their health in a game where the only thing to play for is "fan apprciation".

posted by JimboYo at 11:58 AM CDT on April 20

Actually the spelling of the nick-name Phiily is something that only my frat brothers would recognize or understand. You linking my profile in an attempt to say "hey look guys, he spelled philly wrong" is just foolish.

My apologies for that. Your response, however, is ridiculous.

posted by MW12 at 7:41 AM CST on April 20

This coming from a guy that uses the Mcdonald's menu in a metaphor. Brilliant

posted by Bishop at 7:36 PM CDT on April 20

Bishop what fraternity is that, you wouldn't happen to know the "time" would you?

posted by bkdet at 9:07 PM CDT on April 20

Throw your hooks up.

posted by Bishop at 1:41 AM CDT on April 21

You linking my profile in an attempt to say "hey look guys, he spelled philly wrong" is just foolish.

I would hardly call it foolish, only uninformed. When you post an inside that only a handfull of frat brothers would know on an International blog, you can't expect most of us to know what the fuck you are talking about.

posted by willthrill72 at 2:58 PM CDT on April 21

Having read some of your comments on different threads, I can only offer you this advice Will; Stick to the topic more often and you should be ok. Confronting people on issues that are outside of an 8 block radius of where you live tends to lead you into the territory of the unknown.

In short, stick to the nascar, hockey and baseball threads.

posted by Bishop at 11:32 PM CDT on April 21

Regarding the Sixers playing without their two supposed fan attractions: How many fans are miffed when they go out to see Garnett, or Lebron, and find they won't be playing. Either the team is 'tanking', hoping for a better lottery draw; or they're 'coasting' into the playoffs and resting their stars.

In Philly, the man at the top gets mad because the players were late -- not even late, just not 'early enough'. He's so mad he's inarticulate. The coach dutifully gets inarticulate and mad. The fans are supposed to continue the domino effect. Does any fan, in fact, care about the time of players' arrival? Is someone just venting publicly, frustrated that they've missed the playoffs?

posted by mike goodman at 4:21 AM CDT on April 22

fan appreciation
shit what about team players appreciation
if ya havent taken the time 2 pay attention
AI is always have this team on his back if he likes it or not
just like kobe is scoring fuckin 81 a day
so how about ya leave him alone
maybe hes pissed off he didnt make it to da playoffs

posted by defrag3x at 11:23 AM CDT on April 23

I know I'm wasting my time arguing with you Bishop, but if you are going to make a lame attempt at insulting someone perhaps you should do better research. Of the 277+ comments I have posted, not a single one has been on a NASCAR thread. I have also commented that I have only recently become more than a casual fan of baseball. I have always liked football, basketball and hockey however I have not follwed the NHL that closely this season. Nice try.

Back on topic, whether or not they make the playoffs should be inconsequential to players trying to make an effort of showing up for fan appreciation night. Sure the whole idea of fan appreciation night is hokey, but at least it offers the fan an illusion that the players, team, league, coaches, etc. feel that the fans role has some significance.

posted by willthrill72 at 9:13 AM CDT on April 24

Willthrill, we can respectfully agree to disagree on 1 condition. If you can translate whatever the hell defrag3x said.

posted by Bishop at 9:16 PM CDT on April 25

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