rockHEAD, you haven't been arrested? And nothing against anyone here, but please spell our players' names correctly.
Geez I was kidding. It's been a running joke on the BBS the last few months. <b>rockHEAD, you haven't been arrested? </b> Yeah rHEAD why haven't you been arrested yet, hmmm. . .
I repeat: If you are over 12 years old, do not ask for an autograph Most people asking for autographs are trying to exploit the athlete for the personal gain, therefor they are annoying to the athlete. Having the signiture of an athelete on a piece of paper does not make YOU someone special. If you feel you must have an autograph ,please, buy one at a charity auction where your money actually goes to a good cause and you will probably get it on somthing with some value like a shoe, a ball or a picture.
And I repeat: The fans are the reason these guys make millions of dollars. They owe us at least as much gratitude as we owe them. They are doing themselves a favor by being cool to people and signing autographs. Most of them are aware of this, even if some fans aren't.
I met Vernon Maxwell and Rudy T at the same restaurant during the Ny Finals. Vernon was really cool. He introduced me to his wife and to John Lucas who was also at his table. Rudy was at another table, all I said to him was something like "hi, congradulations" or something. Later that day, Rudy was being interviewed about his new fame (coach in the finals) and he said the only downside is getting bugged at his favourite restaurants and not getting to enjoy anonymous lunches. I felt lousy, but that Vernon Maxwell, a real class act.
I met Rudy T at an Italian festival off of Kirby back in 1995. He was surrounded by fans and was conversing with them. Very relaxed and drinking a glass of white wine. My friend and I shook hands with him and went on our way.
Hey its just a matter of time. Everyone knows da Food Whole is where all the NBA stars go to get seen and photographed from up above...
I had a chance to meet Steve Francis in his rookie season.I was living in L.A at the time. I never like to leave Houston , but the humidity can get to you sometimes. I remember when I first heard about the trade that sent Steve to Houston. I couldnt believe it. I immeditley started having Rocket withdraws. If you have ever lived somewhere else you know what I mean. So I started collecting Steve Francis rookie cards to help my Rocket addiction. It was easy to get his cards in L.A. because everybody was so hellbent on Kobe.(whatever).I also heard that every year Magic Johnson holds a charity event in town. So I started researching it,and the next day in L.A. times there it was . A midsummers classic hosted by Magic.When I saw Steve was going to be there, I immedietly got a ticket. It being his rookie season I didnt know how much he was going to play.I soon found out that not only was he going to play,he was the starting point guard for Magics team.(big ups to Magic).Soon after the game started I knew why. The crowd at the U.C.L.A. was going nuts over Francis.I was so Amped I knew I had to get closer to the action.I was sitting next to an old Cowboys receiver,I want to say Pearson, but I dont remember.Anyway I saw his son Chris sneak under the rail and got onto the court. I knew then I had a chance. I made my down about 30 rows to that same spot Chris got lucky,and I went over.I hooked up with chris on the floor. I told his dad I would look after him if I made it down their. Chris and I got all the way under the basket.I started taking pictures of Francis while he was playing.I got some great photoes.Everytime Steve came our way Chris and I were going nuts.You guys would have to if you saw the way he was playing.Then they called timeout.Steve was right by us ,Chris started yelling Francis,Francis.The next thing you know Steve walked right over to us.He was mocking Chris saying Francis,Francis in alittle kids voice. He was so cool.I pulled out two Francis PressPass cards.He signed them both.I gave one to Chris ,and kept one for myself.Steve went on to be the second leading scorer in the game . It was awesome.Soon after that game I moved back to Houston. I think you know why.
Gibbon, I never said don't say hi or shake their hand (maybe not if you've been stocking fish at Whole Foods or just finished zipping up) ,tell them that you enjoy their work or even engage in some small talk. It's just that a large percentage of signed paper either ends up in the nearest trash can or offered on E-bay for $10. It's been exploited to the point of irritation. If your not a kid and you ask for an autograph you either look like a cheap opportunist or a fawning sycophant.
Have you ever seen my card on E-Bay.I didnt think so,and you wont either . Buy the way that card is worth more to me than all that money you make on radio.Mabey thats where you need to stay.
