Information released by the Rockets: -------------------------------------- <font face="arial" size="3" color="#cc0033">Hakeem Olajuwon:</font> "I never realized what a big issue this would be. I didn't really understand why a mountain was made out of a molehill. (Miami's) two reporters came to me before the game and asked me a few questions and I just talked to them. It wasn't a big issue until the results became so big and others tried to twist the situation. So I was surprised to see how big it came out to be. This was before the game and these guys just asked me a question. I didn't even know these guys. They told me they were from Miami and had been following what had been written in the newspaper down there about the idea of me coming to Miami and they asked me what I thought about that. On a very light issue, I said, 'Of course, I've thought about it.' But I didn't think it was going to be a big issue the way it has been made into." <font color="#003366">One of the statements you were quoted as saying, "It was supposed to be confidential, but that was the plan." Why did you say that?</font> "First of all, it wasn't the plan. That wasn't a fact. Because what I talked about with Rudy was very different than when I talked with Les (Alexander). We said, if you release me, for example, one of the teams I mentioned was Miami, but that wasn't the only team. There are so many other options. It is not like it is planned that way. So everything is twisted." <font color="#003366">Are there still thoughts that you could play for Miami this year?</font> "Like I said before, there is a possibility of many teams, if I get released. That isn't new when I talk about getting traded or released, that was three weeks ago. If I get released, I would try to see the team that I fit the most. So there is no definite plan. They said, 'Is Miami a consideration, how do you feel about that?' I said, 'Sure.' Many teams are a possibility; it's not like anything is for sure." <font color="#003366">Why wouldn't you say, "Forget about all of this, I'm just going to finish my career with the Rockets?"</font> "The key is, first of all I talked to Coach about playing. I think I've been more involved in the offense the last couple of games. That issue was settled. Because my main issue before was that I could still contribute, I could still help. Once he understood that, he involved me more in the offense. But that is settled; I don't have any problem with Coach." <font color="#003366">Do you think this is over now? What happens now?</font> "I think everything is just exaggerated. They make this to be a mountain out of a molehill. I think what was in the article already triggered what has already been said a couple of weeks ago. That's why I was so surprised that all of a sudden it came out as something new. I was surprised about that." <font face="arial" size="3" color="#cc0033">Rudy Tomjanovich:</font> <font color="#003366">Were you surprised to get a call from Hakeem last night during your radio show?</font> "No, I knew Dream was trying to get in touch with me. I heard about five minutes before the radio show that he had been trying, so when his name came up on the switchboard I wasn't surprised." <font color="#003366">Do you think Dream, you and the team can put all this behind you?</font> "We are going to try. We are going to try to concentrate on the task at hand, and that's winning games. I think that should be our focus." <font color="#003366">Hakeem mentioned that after his meeting with you, you two have communicated better. Why did it take that long?</font> "In one of our meetings we had, and I'm not going to get into the fine points, but there was a misunderstanding. While we were in this misunderstanding, it was never a negative reaction until after he got hurt. One of the things that as an organization we try to keep a pulse on is how players are feeling. That's why I was very happy we had the meeting because my understanding was a little different than his at that time. After the meeting, I was just very grateful that we had had that opportunity because I could understand where there could be bad feelings if I didn't understand his stance." <font color="#003366">Are you concerned at how this is portrayed locally and nationally image-wise about you, him and the team?</font> "I think you've seen some of the demonstration about how we feel about each other. I think it's obvious that there's tremendous mutual respect and it's always been that way. You have to understand this; I have problems all the time. Most of the time, the way they have been handled have been in the lockerroom. I've been through a whole bunch of things that you guys just don't know about, and that's the way it should be I think. Where it doesn't become a debate with fans who don't have all the facts, where people's character start to be questioned. As I said on the radio show, it is counter-productive. I don't see anything positive I can get out of commenting on these things. Enough has been said. I've got a task to do here, and that's to try and get us into the playoffs, and that's what I'm going to focus on." ------------------ NOTHING BUT .NET CLUTCHCITY.NET [This message has been edited by Clutch (edited February 01, 2001).]
Enough has been said. I've got a task to do here, and that's to try and get us into the playoffs, and that's what I'm going to focus on. Go RUDY! Looks like he doesnt want to tank it. ------------------ "Break off the block like Maurice Green" --- Steve Francis President of the Moochie Norris fan club.
Damage control. Rudy is the man. nuff said. ------------------ President of the Official Welcoming Committee for Shareef Abdur-Rahim!
Even if he did, which I believe he doesn't, would he say it? That would be funny... "Enough has been said. I've got a task to do here, and that's to try and get us into the lottery, and that's what I'm going to focus on, losing games!" ------------------ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
this is becoming funny. the way a 6'10" man can jump through hoops and keyholes is comical. let's get this over with. bring on on winnie the pooh (big country) and tigger (reef).
"Released by the Rockets" Good thing you didn't make that the title of the thread!! hehe... So, are you on their mailing list Clutch. Anymore news on the trades.
if i am stupid enough to do it once, why not do it twice... [This message has been edited by Det The Threat (edited February 01, 2001).]
Let's put all this behind us and let's really fockass on getting one trade done that can bring us to the playoffs and then - anything can happen if the team manages to play together and to fockass on the common goal. Hakeem can definitely still contribute and if you get one more upgrade through a deal, this team might have enough talent to go all the way. Hopefully this whole thing turns out to be helpful in the end - if the team is closer than before because everyone is more sensitive about what it means to be a team. ------------------ Rudy T: "Enough has been said. I've got a task to do here, and that's to try and get us into the playoffs, and that's what I'm going to focus on."
I think that situations like this can often bring a team together. It forces them to listen to each other, have meetings, and to try and understand what is going on. I am glad to finally hear Rudy say: "Playoffs". ------------------ "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning how to put food on their family while being put to death."
