I won't smear Hakeem either because I don't know the details, but just because others do it, doesn't mean that it is OK. My guess is that neither the Raptors or the league want to get a feud going with the Player's Association over something that is only a very small piece of the pie. By staying on good terms with the Player's Association, the Raptors will be able to sign free agents more easily and the league will find it easier to negotiate labor agreements. No one wants to nitpick every issue with a labor union because it only makes life more difficult, and no one wants to get in a skirmish with a future hall of famer. He has shown that he will stand up for something he believes in despite large sums of money being waved in his face by not signing with Nike. Has anyone else ever done that for moral reasons? I hope that he isn't skirting the issues of his contract for 20% more money.
I think it is rediculous for someone to bring religion into this, talk about disrespectful and silly. What.. Muslims are ALL supposed to be good because of their religions and Christians and Jews don't? Don't be stupid people. Stop the ignorance and stick to freaking basketball!!
I'm still pissed at Hakeem for a real estate deal he did here in Houston. Did any of you guys go to any Astros games this year and see the World Trade Center (caddy-corner from Union Station)? It's an old building downtown which has been abandoned for over 15 years that looks completely run down. Hakeem bought it and said he was going to renovate it, but did nothing for over a year. It was an enormous eye-sore which looked like complete crap. What's worse is that the sellers sold it to Hakeem instead of a couple other investors who would have done something with it immediately. Finally, after over a year, Hakeem sold the property to Tilman Fertitta, the owner of Landry's restaurants who is now redoing the property into a hotel and steakhouse. Hakeem made plenty of money on the real estate deal, but left Houston out to dry in terms of delivering on his promise. In hindsight, was it a good business deal for Hakeem? Yes. Was it ethical and good for the city? No.
If I recall, the city of Houston or maybe sports authority (one of those guys) asked Hakeem to donate the land so they could make a park out of it. In return they would put a nice shiny statue of the Dream in the middle. I don't think that enticing offer was enough to persuade Dream, but if it was Michael Jackson, I'm sure he would do it. Are we still bashing Dream for leaving Houston? Yeah, he did tarnish his Houston legacy, but Dream by far is still a good man. A contract is a contract. Don't tell me the Raptors weren't expecting this worse case scenario. The Roxs knew about it, that's why we didn't pull the trigger until after the Raptors threw it out there. The best non-deal of our life. And please stop with the money thing. Yes, he is a millionaire. But because he's a millionaire doesn't mean he shouldn't be a business man. Jesus, look at God Jordan. Where's the complaint on his part? He donated his salary to the NYC families of 9/11 to look like a hero, but in return, he makes 10 times more of advertising. But he plays for the love of the game and seed money to keep his affairs quiet. But seriously, who cares? The fact is Jordan did donated his money whether it has good intentions or not. The fact is Hakeem does support charity whether it's "big" enough for our liking or not. This whole, "it's not honorable" business is rather amusing. Name anyone who would say, "I don't want that free 12 million dollars!" And since I've been screwd by insurance after all these years, I'm happy Dream gets it from them.
I definitely did NOT mean to have this thread turn into a religious debate. I just wanted some understanding about this issue, and from the responses I have been given, it helped clear things up and eases my mind that what Hakeem is doing is NOT unethical. Thanks
I know you did not mean for it to be about religions Manny. I am sorry to say this, but read some of the comments that some people posted here and they ARE religiously offensive to anyone of any religious background. My point was that we need to stick to basketball, that is all. Read the last comment posted by FreeAgent and you will know what I am talking about
Do you know why Hakeem never signed a shoe contract with someone like Nike and Reebok? Remember he signed with Spaulding to make those cheap shoes. He did that so kids wouldn't have to spend to much money on his shoes. I guess that is so unethical.
Where is Hakeem living? Is he living in Toronto or Houston, and when he lived in Houston, did he live in Champions?
That's right! I reckon this thread has been blown out of proportions. I say if you sign a contract that guaranteed you get paid millions even if you are hurt/retired, I'd say take it. Besides, what sort of money would Hakeem be earning if he was in his prime before the cap tax was installed. He would be earning Garnett/Shaq money.
We seem to have a major breakdown in logic in this thread. Essentially, Manny asked if Hakeem was abusing his contract with the Raptors by not retiring after having a career ending injury. It has been pointed out that the Raptors might not want Hakeem to retire because they can use his contract in a trade. It has also been pointed out that Hakeem might not want to retire because he would not be compensated as much money by his sports insurance. One way or another, there are some things going on behind the scenes, which no one here really has the knowledge to comment on, but I can tell you that it doesn't matter what Hakeem thinks he deserves and it doesn't matter what other players make. It does matter where the money comes from. There is a big difference between accepting insurance money and taking a salary.
The deal on the Dream (or the Nightmare as we Raptors fans call him): He is retired, but the raps haven't filled papers with the NBA so they might be able to trade his contract before the deadline. Dream is making his whole salary, and insurance will pick up 80% of it after he missed 41 consecutive games. Is he unethical? Yes. He signed a huge deal and then showed up to camp last year in terrible shape. Not injured, but apparently working on the Shawn Kemp training regime. That's why he played so few minutes most of last season, he wasn't in shape -- which to me means he didn't live up to his contract. Unfortunatly, many players in this league do the same thing -- Vin Baker, Kemp, Coleman etc.... It is sad to see Dream join that list, I expected a whole lot more from him than those guys. The other thing that gets me is that he didn't talk to the Raps during the off season. He didn't like the way he was treated last year (too much time on the bench -- whcih was his own fault), so he wouldn't tell the team his plans. Some posters here have said the Raps and Dream must have some sort of deal about his retirement. Not true. He won't talk with them, so they can make a deal. Low class. Very low class, a sad end to what had been a great career.
Hakeem did live in Champions Mr. Stalker. But I don't know where he is now so you can't go after him. JK
Hakeem came into camp in that shape every season of his career. It was just his way to pace himself, so he wouldn't burn out. Antonio Davis couldn't adjust to his PF role, and everyone knows it. Hakeem doesn't make any extra money right now or if he retires. His not retiring is benefitting the Raptors.
