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Lee Benson: Hey, Derek, those boos are personal

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Wow | 12:50 a.m. March 19, 2008

I don't think that I agreed with any of this. Isn't this a church owned paper? What's with the running for prophet comment? Pretty much lost all credibility right there. Derek Fisher is an upstanding citizen, his daughter had cancer; come on, what would you do? It ticks me off that everybody jumps on board on booing Fisher and then when Gira comes to town suddenly there's a taboo on showing any upset feelings toward whatever team he's grafted himself onto now. What the heck is wrong with you people?

Fishy | 12:45 a.m. March 19, 2008

Great article. Right on target. Something was definitely Fishy about Fish leaving.

Steve J | 1:25 a.m. March 19, 2008

What is wrong with us? Perhaps the millions Fisher is getting from the Lakers and it is not like he could not be where his daughter is having treatments. As I recall in the playoffs his daughter's treatment were in New York. The last time I checked LA is further away from New York than SLC. Simply put Fisher wanted out and used his daughter to get out.

Comments continue below

adam d | 1:30 a.m. March 19, 2008

As a fan you can boo if you want to. You paid for the ticket and it may even help win the game at some poor fellows expense. Unless it is one of those players who thrive at the booing.

On the other hand some may think we as fans come off as looking like a bunch of slack-jawed yokels. Is this a possible reason, along with a hard nosed coach and little nightlife, that players do not want to play in Utah?

Anonymous | 1:41 a.m. March 19, 2008

Lee, great article. Everything you said was right on the money. Derek was abjectly deceitful when he left Utah, and really took advantage of a sympathetic owner and general public. I really respected him when he first came to Utah because he seems more down to earth and decent than many NBA players, but he showed his true colors when he lied to fans and Jazz staff alike about the reasons fro his departure. Miller shouldn't have released him - how many NBA players actually live full-time in the city where they play? If he had felt that his daughter needed to go to LA for care, great - do it. But Miller didn't need to release him to achieve that end.

yuck | 1:45 a.m. March 19, 2008

Fisher is head of the players Union and should be setting a good example. Using a sick child to get your way is pathetic.

To Wow: | 1:43 a.m. March 19, 2008

Stop taking yourself so seriously and realize that the "prophet" comment was a literary device used to exaggerate the popularity of Fisher at that time. Nothing more, nothing less. Quite funny, not at all sacreligious, church-owned paper or not.
The bottom line is that the Jazz wanted to help Derek, and were taken advantage of in return. In the long run we are probably better off without his large salary, and it has allowed our younger guards like Brewer to develop. But that doesn't change the fact that Larry was trying to do the right thing, and got tricked in return. It would have seemed wrong at the time to release Fisher and include a requirement that he couldn't sign with another Western Conference team, yet in retrospect, that's what should have been done. I wish he and his daughter well, but still feel like he took advantage of Larry's kindness to leave the Jazz, which is too bad.

re Wow | 1:50 a.m. March 19, 2008

No not a church owned paper

Sinan | 1:54 a.m. March 19, 2008

Derek was a player of the Jazz and fans loved him. Today, he is not a player of the Jazz. Also, he's now playing for a team which in a race with the Jazz. Our, fans' of the Jazz mission is to do something fair to ensure him not to play good . If it is booing, yeah let's do it. But i wonder, booing ensure him play better ? or applauding him as crazy as he gets the ball ? or a mixture ? To me, let's applaud him when he gets the ball and boo him when he makes a score.
GO MEMO, GO JAZZZZZZZZZZ

slimjim | 2:42 a.m. March 19, 2008

Where's the rest of this article? It reads like the columnist stopped writing half way through. I am perfectly willing to entertain the idea that Fisher was deceptive but you have to offer proof in your article. You can't just state the conclusion without a premise -- especially when you are accusing a guy of using his cancer stricken daughter as an excuse to get out of his contract. This article was bizarre. IF YOU HAVE EVIDENCE THEN STATE IT!

B | 3:20 a.m. March 19, 2008

The simple fact is, it's much more convenient to get a flight from L.A. to New York than it is from Salt Lake. Further, while his daughter's specialized care may be in New York, she probably needs local follow-up and primary care frequently. Not any old doctor can do that for someone with such a serious and rare condition. I've dealt with this issue myself having been born with a congenital heart defect. I've also lived in So. Cal and Utah for extended periods of time. Not that there aren't good doctors in Utah, but someone with a rare condition needs highly specialized doctors and they tend to be at the major coastal hospitals. Right now I'm living in the Bay Area for this reason. I had planned on staying in Utah after my graduation, but I needed some medical care that I couldn't really get there. So stop blaming Fisher. I still believe he made the decision based on what was best for his family. You wont hear me booing him.

Ed Drood | 4:47 a.m. March 19, 2008

His motive to care for his daughter was pure. What was disingenuous was the claim that she could not receive excellent cancer treatment in SLC. Is there a finer hospital for children in the western U.S. than Primary Childrens Hospital? The U of U's cancer center is also one of the finest in the nation. The only difference between L.A. and SLC in this regard is that in L.A. Fisher can earn $millions more than in UT. So go ahead, Derek, say it wasn't about the money. I defy you to show us that your daughter is getting better care in L.A. than she could have received here while you played for a supportive and sentimental fan base.

KP | 4:57 a.m. March 19, 2008

Don't agree with the booing of Fisher just because signed with the Lakers. If booing is acceptable, it ought to be for showing displeasure of a call, a hard foul, a cheap shot, etc., or an act that occurs on the court that is unacceptable.

If we think that Fisher's departure was deceptive, blame Mr. Miller as well--he was as much a part of it as D-Fish. Fisher had a family matter to deal with (indisputable fact). While signing with the Lakers seems questionable to the skeptic, it was something that LHM could have predicted or forseen. I propose that Jazz fans give Derek a round of applause when he is introduced and nothing else for the rest of the game.

Anonymous | 5:20 a.m. March 19, 2008

If I remember right, didn't Fisher specifically tell Miller before he was released that he was planning on signing with another team? We all knew he wasn't done playing basketball so calling it a "sucker punch" is a just a little off the mark don't you think? Simple fact, he's a Laker now so he gets booed.

Convenient | 5:53 a.m. March 19, 2008

I agree. Fish pulled a fast one. He made no attempt to sign with the Knicks (granted, who would?). He went straight to the team who he wanted to play for all along. Convenient.

Chad | 5:57 a.m. March 19, 2008

To: Wow,

Maybe part of the problems stems from the fact that the Fishers took their daughter from LA to New York for treatment. The treatment they were seeking was in New York. In LA all they got was the same they could have had at Huntsman, follow-up care for treatment they were having in NEW YORK.

Get the picture? Instead of just saying "hey guys, it's been fun, but I don't want to play here anymore" he came up with some excuse and basically lied his way out of the contract.

Does it strike anyone else as ironic that in the time since he left they have brought their daughter back to Utah for consults at the Huntsman Cancer Institute?

Hmmmm.

Gary | 6:55 a.m. March 19, 2008

Moving to take care of you daughter and taking a pay cut to take a job in another city. What is the difference in him doing that and anyone else? He lost millions.

Doug | 7:04 a.m. March 19, 2008

Is it also possible that Fisher wasn't happy with the coach-players relationship in the Jazz organization so when his daughter's problem gave him a reasonable argument for leaving--he left.

bob | 7:06 a.m. March 19, 2008

As a physician with knowledge of the rare eye condition, treatment is available in Utah for the aftercare. The treatment in New York was experimental. I believe D Fish used his daughters tragedy to escape from Utah where his WIFE was probably not happy.

jonah | 7:02 a.m. March 19, 2008

would you be booing d-fish if his team (not necessarily the lakers) is not winning? i think you are selfish people with your selfish attitudes!!! Jazz fans should examine themselves first before passing judgment on others. let the man without sin cast the first stone

Bart | 7:03 a.m. March 19, 2008

Nothing personal, NBA's just doing another "business" transaction. What makes it more personal is that we were never crazy about the Lakers and our once-beloved Fishy went there now... that's a big blow.

CAE | 7:04 a.m. March 19, 2008

Fisher will be booed anyone who really wrongs the jazz the fans let them have it, no biggie, some believe fisher used is daughters condition as a loop hole to get out of utah, when he was first traded here, there was talk about him not wanting to come here, so form your own opinion there.

Daryl | 7:14 a.m. March 19, 2008

I think it's crazy that people would say that Fisher tricked the Jazz into letting him go. He has always been a family-first kind of guy, and to question his character like that is unbelieveable to me. Why would he leave all that money on the table and leave a team that had advanced deep in the playoffs to take a paycut and sign with a Laker team that wasn't even sure if they'd still have Kobe on the roster at that time? Come on now people, think!! It had nothing to do with him being unhappy in Utah, or even missing L.A. for that matter. It had everything to do with his daughter!!

Winston | 7:27 a.m. March 19, 2008

Fisher's leaving made a pretty strong statement. Not everyone wants to be a part of the Jazz system. Guess some feel more comfortable in other work environments.

I don't think his departure had much, if anything to do with the fans or our community.

Thank you Mr Sloan. You must be something else to work for. But thank you for being here. I know Utah is fortunate to have you. We couldn't get anyone else to come here. Thanks for being here so long.

Fish | 7:24 a.m. March 19, 2008

I'm glad Fisher left. The Jazz are a better team without him.

Bill | 7:38 a.m. March 19, 2008

I'm with the majority. I never understood his reason of seeking help for his daughter. We have one of the best childrens' hospital in the nation as well a a top-notch cancer center. It was dishonest on Fisher's part unless he can give a real reason of why Childrens Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Center would have been unable to treat his daughter. It was all about playing in L.A. versus Utah.

Mark | 7:39 a.m. March 19, 2008

Revenge is best served cold....acording to Khan. For me the best revenge on Fisher would be to have the Jazz take them out of the playoffs and reach the chanpionship game.

Let Derek watch the championship from his house while the Jazz play in it. This simple fact out to be a great motivator for the current squad.

re:Gary | 7:48 a.m. March 19, 2008

So Fisher did what anyone else would do in today's society, said one thing, did another.

The guy is a professional and made a professional decision, but on the face of it, he used a personal reason.

What you basically stated, was that no one in today's socieity has any personal integrity or honesty.

Some Corporate people say things, then do another. Make choices that are disingenuous, and their former organizations understand and take it, but when the guy shows up back at the office, they don't cheer.

"My Child is sick, and I have to do what is best for the child". That plays well to the crowd, but there are those of us out there, who still do business with a handshake, where our word is more important than the money, cars, sun, beach, or limelight.

No, as you pointed out, personal integrity just doesn't mean anything to some.

So let them boo, let them feel wronged, because they feel they would have dealt with integrity.

Derek represents to many of us, broken promise after broken promise at our jobs, buying cars and homes, etc....

If Derek didn't care then... isn't it a little hypocritical to care now.

Alex | 7:45 a.m. March 19, 2008

Articles like this and the attitudes described therein are one of the many reasons I gave up on sports in general.

How was he dishonest? | 8:03 a.m. March 19, 2008

Does Los Angelas have the medical care his daughter needs? ...OK...now that he has solved that problem, is there anything wrong with him taking up a job while he's there?

Fact man | 8:11 a.m. March 19, 2008

I loved fisher, but now he wheres gold and purple,and Jazz fans hate hate hate the Lakers no matter who is playing. Fisher could have went to New York, and he probably wouldn't have got booed. Boozer has a similar situation and he stuck with the Jazz. The fact is don't trade in your jersey for another, or you will face the consequences of getting BOOO BOOO BOOOO. thursday night BOOO BOOO BOOO

Timmay | 8:09 a.m. March 19, 2008

Booz's kid is also sick and can't come to Utah due to the elevation and air quality. He left his family in Miami. You don't hear him trying to leave the Jazz for the Heat...do you? I wish Fisher and his family all the best, though.

Boo Jazz Fan | 8:16 a.m. March 19, 2008

You Jazz fans are the absolute worst there is, probably because you are all Ute fans too. You have no right to be an expert on this situation he did what was best for his family. Why don't you get over the little brother syndrome and worry about your own life before you question someone else. Jazz fans are pathetic!

Anonymous | 8:15 a.m. March 19, 2008

Regardless of Fisher's motivation his departure has been a positive opportunity for the Jazz. There are several young players on the roster that can share the minutes that he left behind and they are the real future of the team. Developing them is now more important than carrying a player passing his prime. Derek's presence here last year was helpful to the franchise but is certainly no longer needed.

The Team is Better... | 8:21 a.m. March 19, 2008

My opinion is that the team has grown up and is now better without Derek. I am glad for what he helped the Jazz accomplish last year and I am fine that he left. He has already been boo'd once, let's get over it and not feel so sorry that he is no longer in Utah. As Coach Dale says in the famous movie Hoosiers "I would hope you support who we are, not who we are not". Boo the Lakers, please boo Kobe, but from the reasons you have posted in your comments, do not boo Fisher.

Cut the BOOs but..... | 8:16 a.m. March 19, 2008

Lee's comments and observations were correct. However, next time Fisher is in town and is introduced, instead of a chorus of BOOs, how about giving him dead silence instead. We shouldn't lower ourselves to his deceptive and inconsiderate level, should we?

Come on | 8:35 a.m. March 19, 2008

All his family is in the LA area, his wife's family is in the LA area, and I think he wasn't really happy living in Utah anyway. When there's a sick kid, go where your family is. I have no beef with Fisher, and we had a great run with him here. You won't catch me booing.

The man without sin | 8:35 a.m. March 19, 2008

*throws stone at Jonah*
Oh, wait...you weren't being literal. My bad.

Anonymous | 8:29 a.m. March 19, 2008

Weak argument. If you are gonna accuse someone of weaseling out of a contract and "blaming" it on a sick child, you might want to try to put forth a little evidence or something. In fact, at the very least, even if you don't have evidence, which you don't, you might want to try to set forth a well reasoned argument that makes sense. This is seriously one of the most poorly written articles I've ever read in the D News. Stupid.

KST | 8:31 a.m. March 19, 2008

Hey whats the problem here ?

He asked the Jazz to release him from his contract - the jazz obliged him.

I agree with the Dr. that his WIFE probably wanted to live where they have always lived - L.A.

It is much easier to get flights from LA to NY direct... that alone makes life for the entire family easier - they can stay in their home when not getting treatments and dad is home much more.

If LHM did not see value in dumping his contract it wouldn't have happened. Quit acting like LHM intentions were purely altuistic - if he thought it would have helped the Jazz more ... LHM the buisnessman would have suggested to Fish to let them explore trade options to a city of preference before his outright realease.

grc | 8:39 a.m. March 19, 2008

The Moran eye center has kings from other countries have their operated there.Only one other time has a player had their contract cancelled. He took care of family alright the Laker family. He did us a favor now we can develop younger players.

Defender of Truth and Righteouss | 8:40 a.m. March 19, 2008

There are seemingly a lot of uninformed comments. He left money on the table by going to the Lakers didn't he? He said that one of the major reasons he moved to LA was because he had family and a support system there. I think that this community especially should exemplify that family is more important than a sporting event and try to be as classy as Fisher has been. Don't boo, and just cheer for our Jazz.

grc | 8:37 a.m. March 19, 2008

they had their eyes operperated on.

Get over it! | 8:52 a.m. March 19, 2008

Derek was there, now he is gone. I'm a T-Wolves fan, but I was happy KG got traded as that is what was best for him. The same way Derek getting his family to LA was best for him. When the story originally went down, I remember a journalist stating there were four (or five) locations that had the specialist that were needed for his daughter (and were the BEST of the best). Even fewer had an NBA team. I don't know the man, but would like to think that he chose a situation that was best for his family and not his career. Everyone is going to say "Why not New York", when that was were the treatment was held. That doesn't mean it was the best location for her recovery though. For those that compare this to Boozer's situation, maybe this compares the two men's character regarding family and money. You pay good money to attend the game, boo if you must. Just do society a favor and make sure its for the right reasons.

Ken | 8:54 a.m. March 19, 2008

Lee Benson and anyone who feels like he does need to grow up a little. Good grief, did you really take the time to write and publish an article that sounds more like a jilted 13-year old (girl) than that of a sportswriter?

It's creepy you or anyone would care this much about a person who never asked to be your "boyfriend."

Great Article | 9:04 a.m. March 19, 2008

First of all, I'm Mormong, very active, and revere the prophet. And that running for and winning two out of three comment was FUUNNNYYY. Ha ha. If you can't laugh at that, you are too high strung. DFish left deceitfully. No if ands or buts.

Sandy | 9:06 a.m. March 19, 2008

The truth in all of this is missing. Derek Fisher left a big amount of salary in Utah. He is making much less in L.A. When he signed on with the Lakers, the team was in disarray and not expected to win much of anything. The experience of having to fly to New York may have been what made Fisher realize that it wouldn't work living far away from a top cancer center and eye clinic. I would be willing to bet that if the Jazz was further up in the standings and the Lakers further down that the booing for Dereck Fisher would not exist. Fisher is not a major player on any team, just a good guy and team mate. Get over it.

Anonymous | 9:06 a.m. March 19, 2008

I wouldn't want to play for the Jazz either. That was a good move by Fisher. He'll probably get a couple more championships with the Lakers.

Jaz Fan thru & thru | 9:07 a.m. March 19, 2008

For whatever reason he left, I wish him the best. He was a great support while he was here. I don't criticize him for the decision he made to leave. Maybe his wife was unhappy, as mentioned before. I would hope my hubby would want to make me happy before worrying about what the outside world expected him to do. After all, family is supposed to be the most important ï¿½ right? The fact is, if he did lie, and it really wasnï¿½t about his daughter, he just wanted to run with the Lakers, people would still BOO him. So I guess either way, he couldnï¿½t win with his decision when it came to the Jazz fans. On what terms can someone leave the team and not have the fans upset? I personally feel we should be grateful for the energy he gave while here and respect him through and through. He worked hard and never let us down. You wonï¿½t see me throwing Booï¿½s his way. I cheer for him! (As long as heï¿½s not scoring a point against us) ~ï¿½~

Lame . . . get over it. | 9:13 a.m. March 19, 2008

Get over it you are making points that have already been made quit making LAME points.

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