http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/24/...ft-carrier-puts-christmas-day-debate-i/#cntnt ORLANDO, Fla. -- Celtics coach Doc Rivers doesn't normally like to see one of his players sitting courtside on a cellphone, especially if it delays the start of practice preparation. That's generally a big no-no. Except for this time. While most of his teammates were loosening up, or taking shots Friday morning -- preparing for their Christmas Day game against the Orlando Magic -- guard Ray Allen was on the phone talking with soldiers on the USS Abraham Lincoln, the aircraft carrier sailing through waters in Southwest Asia. His voice was being piped to an estimated 5,000 military men and women on the ship, smiling as he answered some of their questions, and offered them words of encouragement. Allen, as much as anyone in the NBA, knows the sacrifices that those soldiers are making. He is the son of a military man, and he moved many times as a youngster as he followed his family from stop to stop. He has both friends and relatives now serving in the military around the world. "Talking to these guys means a great deal to me,'' Allen said after his call. "We're over here, complaining about playing Christmas, but we're basically home on United States soil. We're at least close to our families. Some of those guys in the military haven't seen their families in a year, or six months, or maybe three months.'' In contrast to people like Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Heat star LeBron James, who have whined publicly about having to play on Christmas Day, Allen views it as part of his job -- a safe, easy job compared to what military men and women are doing for a much higher cause. "This (phone call) really puts it in proper perspective. We're playing a game we love every single day. Those people fighting for our freedom are the ones who are away from their families. All this talk about playing Christmas Day, it's pebbles compared to what our soldiers are doing,'' he said. "I just told them that I appreciate what they're doing, and we're happy to provide them a little entertainment while they're doing that.'' Someone on the aircraft carrier did ask him a question that made him laugh. They asked who he would be rooting for in the Lakers-Heat game being played after the Celtics-Magic game. "I just said, 'Is it possible for both of them to lose?''' he said. Ray Allen is pure class, definately my favorite non-rocket And I agree is it possible for them to both lose?
Ray Allen speaks the truth pure class im not rooting for LA or Miami but i will be rooting for the celtics other than the rockets i always root for the celtics
Ray Allen has been one of the reasons I have started to liken the Celtics. Still think Pierce/KG are douches though.
what's most impressive is his discipline to me, he is the ultimate professional and always prepared. Have you heard of someone in the nba lifestyle with all the money, clubs, that sort of thing who doesn't even drink alcohol? That would be him....I read an article abut his ocd where he has to have everything ordered and perfect to perform and do it the 'right' way. I respect him because his approach and dedication to his craft, same reason I respect christian bale(despite his temper) bc of how serious he takes his craft and same reason i respect kobe(despite his clear flaws) because of their approach, dedication, commitment, and respect for their craft and how serious they take it and that is the only connection i have with any of these people, that craft. Its part of the reason I don't like mr south beach as well despite his enormous talent.
Ray Allen is the only player in tht whole team that brings class to the Celtics. Everyone else are just divas and douches.
Rondo is a diva and or douche? I also found him to be quiet and soft spoken... He seems to be very professional in his craft...
Agreed, Rondo and Ray never seemed to bother me - but KG and the rest seem to work extra hard to make you hate the Celtics anyways
So true. Even though PJ manages to do that all the time without the need of additional help from anyone.
