See the message below copied from the official Rockets homepage. Maybe he was in good mood after a great game but still tells something about a guy's character, I think. Mar. 10 - Dear Steve Francis, I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank you on behalf of my eight-year-old son and myself. We attended the game (last night) vs. the Clippers. You may not remember my son but you made a lasting impression on him. After your actions, I felt compelled to send this e-mail. We were located very close to the exit and entrance of the Rockets. My son screamed out to several players but you were the ONLY player that took the time to acknowledge him; you gave him eye contact and said hello. Not only did you acknowledge him twice you gave him the wristband off your arm at the end of the game and a Toyota Center hat! Wow! My son probably called every family member from Texas to Wisconsin after the game. Right before he went to bed he said, "This was the best night of my life." This was a profound statement coming from a person that has spent eight full years in this world. Again, I just wanted to say thank you for being a true NBA STAR! --Vickie Johnson, Houston
I've interviewed several of the Rockets before for my college--on two separate occasions (once in 2000, once about a month ago, against the Wizards)--and I can say that Steve is genuinely a nice guy. He's approachable and does not seem at all arrogant. I also met him at an autograph session at the Foot Locker in Willowbrook Mall after his rookie year and he was very cool then, as well. The same can't be said for Cat, who made a complete 180 from the first time I interviewed him versus this past time. Absolutely wanted to be anywhere else but answering our questions...and this was BEFORE the game. Steve takes a lot of crap and says some dumb things sometimes, but he's a good guy for the most part.
Its not a question of that at all, I don't doubt the heart and character of the other members of the team either, but if this story is true Steve was the only one of them to take the extra time............
Much respect to Steve. I think he re-defines himself a little more everyday to many of us ... As a basketball player to those who watch ... And as a man to those who are just learning more and more about him. Good luck tonight, Rox.
You definitely get the idea from reading articles about Steve and then hearing Steve in the half-time interviews - where players are too rushed and pumped to think about PR - that he's a much better person than the media makes him out to be.
I've met and talked to Steve for a little bit here and there. Every single time he has been about as nice as one can be. Always smiling and willing to say whats up or answer a question or two. Steve is definitely not a bad guy. That is one reason my heart wishes he never gets traded and becomes the player we all know he can be.
I don't think the people who have problems with Steve Francis have problems with him because of his bad attitude or lack of heart. It's all about the on court performances and what he does or does not do to help the Rockets win.
Everytime someone i know starts bashing steve I always tell them about the time he represented the Rox at the lottory drawing...He was looking real sharp had the old rox logo next to him and was representing big time. That means alot to me in my book...Then we get Ming and lots of people want to replace him...With who? I dont really care. Steve is a true all star Rocket.
