Hey Partner, interesting thread. I've read it a few times. I think Les has been fine, smart enough to stay out of the way, involved enough to express his opinions (ugh), and simply not Texan enough to deal with certain things to our satisfaction. I've read what you've written, the case you stated when you started the thread, but all I see is correct presentation of facts, and I can't discern any opinion from you. As this thread has meandered along, why not really tell us what you really think. That'll stir things up.
I haven't even read anyone else's posts in this thread. I just want to respond directly... This is turning into an all out witch hunt. First, it's Rudy. Now, he's been axed. So, let's turn the guns on Les and see how many things HE'S done wrong. For crying out loud people... Look. Les Alexander is one of the best, if not THE BEST sports owner this city has ever seen. Granted, the Rockets were a decent organization before Les bought the team, but that was more due to the genius of Ray and Steve Patterson, not the guidance or pocketbook of the owner. In fact, I know first hand that the old ownership of the Rockets didn't give one crap about winning. They only wanted to sell tickets. If they got to the Finals and lost, that was OK with them because they sold a bunch of tickets and didn't have to pay playoff bonuses. Les, on the other hand, plays the game to WIN. Look at his accomplishments since he came here (although some of them were failed, name ONE owner in this city's entire history who has made deals bigger than Les has in the last 10 years): 1. OK'ed the trade for Clyde. Do you think the old owner would have done this? HELL NO. 2. Brought in Barkley which got us past Seattle and 2 games away from the Finals. (Let's face it... Utah WAS The best team that year). 3. Signed Scottie Pippen (even if it was a bust, it was a bold move). 4. Traded for Steve Francis. Oilers fans would have killed for this kind of commitment from Bud Adams over a ten year period. Astros fans, well.... we all know what that game is all about. Les is going to spend huge money to hire a very experienced and qualified coach to replace the best coach in franchise history. Everybody is taking for granted that Les is making these moves because he WANTS TO WIN!!! Yes, that's right. He wants to win. Unlike Drayton McLane, unlike Bud Adams, unlike John McMullen (if you don't know who he is, sorry), unlike David McDavid... So, everyone whines and complains about Rudy all year, and now he's left them team, and some people are now even dogging Les for possibly letting him go. You can't have it both ways. See you in the playoffs next year.
I guarantee you Rudy was not forced out. I know from personal experience with a family member that cancer changes people forever. Rudy has a more serious type of cancer than the press is letting on (this I also know from someone who knows about his case). Times like these make people realize what is really important in life, and anything outside of your family, friends, and survival becomes a very low priority when you are dealing with something like Rudy is dealing with. Trust me.
<i>If this was Rudy's idea, why did Les have to pay him off? Why didn't he just retire?</i> Ok, let's flip that around. If Rudy was fired, then why would he agree to a buy out? Why not take the whole $12M that he was owed? Maybe, he really did want to cut back on his duties, but still retain a role with the team. Reduced role, reduced pay...makes sense.
Partner, Looks like you're a bit too emotional when you first started this rant. If you want to be hypercritical and blame the Rocket's woes on a Yankee, then you should also kiss the very same TWO Yankee asses that brought us two titles to Houston. It also leads me to believe that you weren't such a Rockets fanatic in the days prior to Les Alexander. Charlie Thomas wasn't the best for Rocket morale. I remember vividly how the attitude changed around that team, and most notably Hakeem after Les's purchase. Last I checked winning two titles in your first two years in the business was superb. Ticket prices go up just about every year, so go cry to someone else about rising ticket prices lol 8 years ago. They won championships, they dont have to answer to you or anyone else about their ticket prices. Can't you find something more tangible to whine about? Try something positive. I read this bbs alot. I wasnt online during our championship years, but I will bet my left nut that there wasn't nearly this many negative fans during those years as there are in this board.
