Sorry about this, knowing that it's draft time and all, but have any of you seen this?: http://www.washtimes.com/sports/default-2000627225037.htm For a while, I was actually thinking that Francis was maturing and becoming more of a class act, especially after comments after his games against the Grizzlies, which were unexpectedly classy, but then he says this: "I feel sorry for whomever Vancouver picks this year," said Francis, who grew up in Takoma Park. "I am going to call whoever it is. I have to get their telephone number." I won't dwell on the subject, you can decide what you think of that article, but really, what is his problem? He entered into the draft, and worked out for the Grizzlies (albeit in Washington), and the Grizzlies, having decided that Francis was the most talented player available, which he was, selected him. What does he have against the organization? ------------------
Sorry, I had the Draft BBS bookmarked, and thus posted the above here, when I shouldn't have. ------------------
I don't think Francis has anything against the organization, he just doesn't want to play in Vancouver. Does that make him a jerk? No, but it does show that he is not as open minded as some people when it comes to where they want to play. He's not the only one either; newly named New Jersey head coach Byron Scott called playing in Vancouver the "worst thing that could happen to a basketball player." Othella Harrington dislikes playing there also, and has taken much heat for it. Now the way he handled himself right after he was drafted was immature, but Francis is growing up and it has been noticable. Pippen is near the end of his career and he still doesn't know what maturity means. Those statements in the article were just his opinions and aren't wrong like the way he handled himself after the draft. From what he's showed the public this year is that he's just a normal decent guy: not a saint, but in no way an evil sinner. As for NBA players not wanting to play in Vancouver, I have no clue why. Maybe it's the taxes or just the idea of not living in America. I've never been there myself, but I hear it's a beautiful city. ------------------ PRO HOTTEST CHICKS FORUM!!
o boy here we go again. actually i think what francis did was admirable. he wants to tell whoever gets drafted to watch out for the batteries thrown by your classy fans so they dont get injured. sorry but thats expected, he has nothin against ur city but the organization yes. maybe if the grizz wouldve been smart and let him play as a 1 he wouldve wanted to stay. well he wanted to play PG but they didnt listen. ------------------ --TEX
GrizzFan, Why do you come to this board? Is it to try to make us change our minds about Fancis? He is a superstar. He said he wouldn't play for Vancouver, yet they still drafted him. Why? Did they not believe him? You guys made out allright in the trade. Cripes, you got Dickerson and Othella (who will be traded for a draft pick) giving the Grizzlies a nice foundation with which to build from. GET FREAKIN OVER IT, FRANCIS IS GONE, MOVE ON ------------------
Francis should keep his damn mouth shut about the whole Vancouver incident and move on. That quote about feeling sorry for Vancouver's pick and calling them up is completely uncalled for. ------------------
I feel sorry for whoever gets drafted by the Clippers, and I wish I had the ability to warn them not to play there. Does that make me a bad person? And if so, why? ------------------ Its only my opinion. Feel free to disagree.
Grummett I completely agree with you! Francis is making himself look like a brat. He wonders why he shared the ROY while he was a far superior player than Brand look no further than his actions & comments. Francis has a great game but he does need to learn to move on with life. Stevie you get paid to be a player, not a travel agent. Get over Vancouver, everyone knows you didn't want to play there so move on. ------------------
I had to work in Michigan for my first professional job, I hated it. I hated the cold weather and the snow. Although I never showed the disgust to my employer, I was greatly disappointed. Why was I disappointed when they were paying me more than the average salary at the time for my line of work? I was unhappy because I felt they could've found a job for me in Houston where they had many accounts with open positions. Was I being a good person for not showing my disgust. No, I don't think so. I didn't show my disgust because I wanted and needed a job. They were the best offer I had. NBA does not work the same way, you can be a jerk, beat up your girlfriend, or do drugs and teams/fans/NBA would still want you and take a chance on you. Atheletes, on the most part, are really a bunch of oversized children, you create a situation where they can get away with something, they will take advantage of it. I don't condone what Frances did, especially for the negative things he's been saying. I think he is spoiled and a bit immature, but I don't think he is a bad guy. I worked hard to show what I can contribute to the company and convinced them to transfer me back to Houston. Maybe Francis should've played out his contract at Van and then move on, but why do it the hard way when there is an easier way out. Francis just took advantage of the situation that was given to him. I am sure 95% of the people when given 2 options will usually take the easier/most beneficial option. ------------------ "All doors must remain open in order to maintain proper air flow." - a quote from a US Home Customer Service Manager. I Don't Think So!!!
Francis had already convinced everyone to 'get over it'... that he was taking the high road. It was convincing. Why bring it back up? He even used his grandmother as an excuse. For him to drag this up again proves that he's a f@#king idiot. Luckily, I'll get over it, though and still pull for him by the time the season starts again. ------------------ [This message has been edited by Achebe (edited June 28, 2000).]
There is only one thing to say to all the Grizz fans....GET OVER IT!!!! ------------------ Houston Rockets Forever!! In Rudy We Trust
Stop sayin stuff about my man Steve dammit!!!!!! ------------------ I'm tha hip hop attracta, rapper slash acta, right back at cha! <img src=http://www.geocities.com/carlos_rogers_6/Karate.gif> [This message has been edited by Miggidy Markell (edited June 28, 2000).] [This message has been edited by Miggidy Markell (edited June 28, 2000).]
Actually Steve is to blame for this round. His quotes to the Washington Times Monday were appalling. The NBA should fine him for threatening to tamper with Vancouver's draft selection. Francis needs to shut his mouth and take out his anger for Vancouver on the basketball court. I just lost serious respect towards the guy. ------------------
After the whole draft and trade incident, Franny has handled himself REALLY well with the press. (Can we say SUPERSTAR anyone?) But let's face it, for a young guy with a lot of pressure against a whole COUNRY who hates him (even if it is canada) sometime things can be pretty oppressive. Sure he made some statements that weren't "classy". It happends time to time. A week from now no one will remember, no one will care. The only thing the faithful (like us) think about is next year: beating LA, Portland; making the play-offs, winning the first round... ------------------ G
