Deseret News | Hey, Derek, those boos <I>are</I> personal

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Lee Benson: Hey, Derek, those boos are personal

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ID Jazz Part2 | 7:10 p.m. March 19, 2008

Its highly suspect that after he states that only four cities have the DR.s and the facilities to treat her all in the south and the east and three weeks later he signs with the Lakers and by the way there is a facility and DR.s to treat her there. If you are going to tell me that in the town where his wifes family is and where he lived for eight years just opened a facility and found Dr.s to treat her then I have a some Ocean front property to sell in Arizona. Fact is that most people would probably not care if he had stated that LA was one of the places and probably the best fit for there needs. But when you tie his statements together along with the time lines then something smells fishy. Pardon the pun.

cheer where it counts | 7:10 p.m. March 19, 2008

Water under the bridge. Move on! Jazz have a big game tomorrow. People move around in this league all the time for every reason under the sun. I won't boo Fisher but I will cheer when the Jazz beat the Lakers.

wii | 8:00 p.m. March 19, 2008

It is not "easier" to get a flight to NY from LA and that is no reason to get out of a contract. Fisher wanted to live near where his daughter was treated. If she were being treated in LA, I have no problem with him. She is not and this was a pure pretext to get back to the hated Lakers.

We embraced him and he broke our hearts in so many ways. That he can't see yhat is reason alone enough to boo him.

Comments continue below

A Fisher Fan | 8:02 p.m. March 19, 2008

Hey, Jazz fans, get over it already! Fisher is still a great player and a classy individual. He was a great asset to our community. I certainly bear him no ill will and hope that he and his family are happy in LA, regardless of how they got there. Show some class and give the guy a hand when he shows up tomorrow.

Ed | 8:09 p.m. March 19, 2008

Does fisher remind you of the commercial of the guy in his golf duds who tells his boss that he has to go home to take care of his sick daughter. Both are liars whose motives were not truly related to the family pretext.

We are all sympathetic to fisher's daughters problems and this treatment has nothing to do with her. This is personal and relates to his betrayal. If he wanted to be a Laker, why didn't he have the intregrity to ask for a trade. At least Utah would have gotten something in return.

Philippines | 8:11 p.m. March 19, 2008

You say that as if Fish had a better chance to do things in LA game-wise. He was the soul of the Jazz run and you could remember how you guys thrived when he hit three after three on the faithful night against GS.

Now he takes less salary and a lesser chance at winning just to bolt you guys?

Jazz Fan | 8:13 p.m. March 19, 2008

Must have been a slow news day, Lee. Derek Fisher did a great job for the Jazz when he was here and deserved the cheers and respect he got. He had a tough family situation and had to make the best decision he could for all concerned. Unless you know it is untrue that he can more easily get care for his daughter in L.A. and unless you can cite figures that prove he gets more money in L.A., you have absolutely no leg to stand on. Derek Fisher still has my respect. I save my booing for refs that blow calls, but I won't cheer for anyone in the Laker uniform. As for Larry Miller, I'm sure he'd rather do the right thing by one of his players, even if there was some doubt in his mind, and I think he deserves everyone's respect for that. Jazz fans (and BYU and UofU fans) should grow up and learn to enjoy the competition as a game. The world does not revolve around sports.

true blue jazz fan | 8:29 p.m. March 19, 2008

I HATE that people are saying "you jazz fans are horrible, heartless,etc" Don't group us all together. Some jazz fans still love d fish, and some don't. I do. He gave me one of the greatest moments of basketball I've ever seen. If I could afford a ticket to the game I would cheer for him.

Uptight people | 8:29 p.m. March 19, 2008

Cancer or not, Fisher would be a Laker this year.

I would Boo Fisher for being a Laker, I'd do it cause he made a cheap foul, because he stole the ball, because he checked in the game, I love "evidence guy's" intensity, but don't car about what he says. Fish did it. Deal with it.

I've lived in So Cal. I know why he's there. He used his little girl as an excuse to get there. He's not a man. I have a contract, my word is my word. I know people who work in a different state than where their family lives, it's called a contract. Dude used his baby daughter as a pawn.

Cold hearted.

--but--

Swimming Pools, Movie Stars.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

Haters Listen up... | 9:54 p.m. March 19, 2008

It's just basketball. Do you understand that? Its just entertainment! Why some of you fans are taking it too personal? Basketball, Utah Jazz, LA Lakers are no where near anyone's wellness and health. Not even a spec! To all the people who accuse Fish of using his daughter as an alibi, it means that basketball is more important to you than life. Very shallow and classless! NutHuggers who think that basketball is everything. Putting too much loyalty as if the Jazz, Lakers, or any team will be there for them in bad times. Educate yourself haters. One way or another, I'm sure Fisher made some impact towards your community and the Jazz, so I guess he deserves some appreciation regardless of what team he plays.

Duggock | 9:59 p.m. March 19, 2008

Booing is part of the game. It's an effort to get the good player's out of their game. Derek should take that as a compliment, that the Jazz fan thinks enough of his skills to try to take him out of his game. If we didn't boo him it would mean he has no game to worry about. I have no question about his character or his dedication to his daughter or family, if I was in his position I would do the same as he did. Doesn't mean I don't want him to stink it up when he steps foot on the Jazz' home floor.

wow | 10:17 p.m. March 19, 2008

this was a way back, but yes this is a church owned paper. sorry like i said this is in response to an ignorant comment posted a ways back.

Ron | 10:31 p.m. March 19, 2008

For Fisher to feign why he doesn't understand I believe incriminates him. He must know Utah fans feel he baited them with his daughters condition. Why doesn't he just say 'There were 2 or 3 cities that had the medical facilities my family needed and SLC wasn't one of them. I chose LA because they had the best team of those cities. I appreciate what the Jazz did for me.' If he stated that, then Jazz fans would respect him. Has he stated this? If he has stated this Jazz fans need to step back; otherwise, maybe they're right. Not my concern, I'm a scared Rockets fan - team realizing it can't really score consistently without Yao.

Thack | 10:40 p.m. March 19, 2008

I boo him because he plays for the Lakers...period! I don't need any other reason.

Re: Ed Drood | 10:48 p.m. March 19, 2008

"...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."

Derek Fisher forfeited $22 million in salary when the Jazz released him, all of it guaranteed. This is a fact! The Lakers were limited in how much they could pay him. He signed for 3 years, $14 million, giving up $8 million. This is also fact, backed up by the salaries the NBA reports, which proves it's not 'about the money'. It's likely about a lot of things, the daughter being first and foremost, and all of it is NONE OF OUR BUSINESS! Fisher's life is his life, just as mine is mine, leave him alone. I for one will always cheer Fish, no matter who he plays for.

I Pity This Author | 10:56 p.m. March 19, 2008

Hello? You must really bored in Utah to write this horrible article. Why would Derek Fisher go to the Lakers when they have been doing horrible these past years while the Jazz excelled? D. Fish came way before the uprising of Bynum and the arrival of Pau Gasol. He clearly went to save his daughter's life. Obviously, you don't have a family or family that ever cared about you and for that, I pity you.

So. Cal Laker Fan from Utah | 11:15 p.m. March 19, 2008

If Carlos Boozer did to the Utah Jazz what he did to the Cleveland Cavaliers I don't think the Jazz fans would think it was so great!! You were on the receiving end of a great player!

I was happy when Golden State traded Fisher to the Utah Jazz because I thought he would love getting to know the wonderful people in Utah. The way you have treated him since he left with his sick daughter makes me embarrassed to be from Utah!

Anyone who has ever had association with Derek Fisher says that he is truly a class act and the nicest guy!

I can't believe how the Utah Jazz fans turned on him in a very sad situation. When he left and signed with the Lakers it wasn't like the Lakers had a great thing going. Kobe was asking to be traded, Pau Gasol was not in the picture....give me a break! Show some compassion!

pathetic | 11:51 p.m. March 19, 2008

Absolutely horrible article. You are a pathetic person to even think of writing an article like this. Sometimes in life there are things we think but do not dare say, and this is one of them. You may even be right (which I doubt) but when you are speaking of a child with cancer, (something no parent deserves to go through) you get a free pass. It is just an unwritten rule amongst the caring humans of the planet. (You just lost your caring humans membership card).

RaphDaRussian | 11:56 p.m. March 19, 2008

Having read all the comments which accompanied this article, I won't say "You Jazz fans are pathetic and classless".

Most of you realize that this article is utter garbage and I applaud you for it.

As for the "journalist" who wrote this drivel... I'm sure you thought you were being clever, edgy, provocative... Nope. You were just being petty and mean

Joe Schmoe | 12:16 a.m. March 20, 2008

I thought I was reading a blog by a fan with all the accusations and sensationalism. I did not read any proof of wrongdoing but rather a feign attempt to demean a man who left guaranteed money on the table only to sign with a team for less money, less talent (at the time), and more turmoil. C'mon people, and especially to you, Mr. Benson, clean the hypocrisy off your Jazz colored lenses and realize this was a man who made a move for the best of his daughter, his family, and himself...and in that order. I would hope Fish is not booed tomorrow but I'm not going to bet my daughter's health on...knowing how people may perceive her illness and a way for personal gain...

Meet half way | 12:23 a.m. March 20, 2008

I'd have been fine with him signing with the Lakers if the Jazz had received some compensation in return. Seems like he used a technicality to his advantage, to end up where he wanted. I mean, really, couldn't the Knicks have used him?

It felt, and still does, like he leveraged his position as head of the union to uncover and utilize a loophole, to the Jazz' disadvantage.

Frankly, I was disappointed the Jazz didn't press harder to get something out of it, but then, how would they have looked? As bad as Fisher.

We all make mistakes, all do things we regret afterwards, just recognize and admit it Derek. It wasn't fair that you got what you wanted professionally, the Lakers got a starter, the Jazz lost a starter, and got nothing in return.

Meet half way cont. | 12:25 a.m. March 20, 2008

Of course, no one expected the scummy Lakers to do anything to meet the Jazz half-way in helping the Fishers -- which is why it would've been great if "nice guy" Fisher would've tried to look after those who looked after him, but he didn't. The head of the union, who was in a unique position to find a way to make this work for everyone, only looked after himself while the Lakers looked after themselves.

He may think he helped the Jazz a lot while he was here -- which he did -- and for which he got paid, well. (And for those who think he took a pay cut to go to the Lakers, trust me, he'll get that back in endorsements over the years.)

Boo for you | 12:43 a.m. March 20, 2008

I don't care what his reasons were to leave, I will boo him and any other person wearing a Laker Jersey during the game.

fact-checker | 12:41 a.m. March 20, 2008

Facts often get in the way. Fisher transferred his daughter's care from New York to a highly respected eye doctor at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

For the same reason | 12:44 a.m. March 20, 2008

I would boo Boozer if I was a Cavalier fan and lived in Cleveland.....

I would boo Garnett if I was a T-Wolves fan and lived in Minnesota.....

I would boo Jordan if I was a Bulls fan and lived in Chicago (when he played for the Wizards)...

I would boo Shaq if I was a Laker fan...
I would boo Kidd if I was a Nets fan...
I would boo Nash if I was a Mavs fan...

The best players will always leave behind a bad taste when they change teams - for whatever reason.

E-Dog | 1:17 a.m. March 20, 2008

Wow,

I didn't realize that Fisher was faking the cancer in his daughter's eye or faking trying to get the best treatment or whatever you were insinuating but didn't have the guts to come right out and say. Also, he left Utah a young team with many playoff runs in their future and a city that embraced him to go to the Lakers for a better opportunity. Are you kidding? They had not even lasted as long as Utah in the playoffs, Kobe was demanding to be traded and the thought of Gasol had not even been raised. And all this coming from the team that has Boozer? I know longer have to wonder why beautiful Utah has the rudest fans in theNBA. Keep serving the koolaid.

Fan of children fighting cancer

JR | 2:14 a.m. March 20, 2008

So many completely ridiculous comments from Jazz fans about Fisher. It's the highest level of hypocrisy considering you have Carlos Boozer on your team. Fisher went somewhere that he could seek the best medical care for his family and took less money to do so.

Boozer flat out lied to Gordon Gund. How in the world can someone in good conscience deceive a BLIND MAN? Jazz fans have absolutely no room to talk so long as this guy is a member your franchise.

Jay | 4:02 a.m. March 20, 2008

Get a grip on life man.I know him personally and he did not want to leave Utah.He only moved to provide his daughter the best medical attention he could.You need to grow up.Who cares about basketball when your daughter has cancer.Anyone who agrees with you cannot have kids.If you are a parent who loves your child you would do anything for them.Also Derek left almost two million dollars a year on the table.It is fine to support your team and you guys in Utah have always been one of the best in the league,but you are way of base with this article.Respect his values as a family man and keep your silly rants to yourself.

Kenny | 4:43 a.m. March 20, 2008

After meeting with several doctors, Fisher found a very good one in his old home city. He took a hugh pay cut to play in a city that could treat his kid. Get a life Utah! You low class idiots!

Jazzyjob | 5:38 a.m. March 20, 2008

As a Jazz fan I'm ashamed that this article was written. What's worse than a child having cancer? What is more terrifying to a parent than facing the ill health, and G-d forbid, death of a child? Well if Fish felt better in LA for what ever reasons, then all the power to him. He took a pay cut, was allowed out of his contract while saying he'd sign elsewhere, and moved to a city that suited his family's needs (with a nutty team in disarray). What kind of journalist writes such an article about a man whose child has eye cancer? Show some empathy. There are more important things in life than basketball...

IS THIS GUY FOR REAL? | 6:15 a.m. March 20, 2008

Dumb hick. That's all this author is. And the fans who are supportive of this negativity are no Christians. If so, they would pity someone who had to mislead to accomplish his ends. My Utah relatives were upset about Malone too, but they didn't curse him. Fisher left for lower pay, a team in disarray, and the likely scorn of former fans. That he is on a good team is payback for making the right decision, the family decision.

This banter probably won't make a difference in the game, since Fisher is not that dynamic a player, and anyway, he is more likely troubled than angry. But watch out for an angry Kobe already looking to break a streak (something he failed to do in Houston.) Keep being stupid angry little people, and those same Lakers will have a reason to play up a notch against Utah in the playoffs.

Ironic that such an outwardly pious community would be so wrathful towards a man who either pitiful enough to use his sick child to deceive good people, or at his detriment made a tough decision for his family. Hey, WWJD?

Why the Lakers? | 6:31 a.m. March 20, 2008

I'm a season ticket holder and I didn't boo Fisher. But why the Lakers? There were so many other teams he could have gone to. I dread when they play here. It seems like the seats I have,that there will be more Laker fans than Jazz fans sitting around me.
My question to him is WHY the Lakers, MONEY...
He knew Jazz fans can't stand the Lakers..

wow | 7:19 a.m. March 20, 2008

This writer is terrible. I cannot believe we care more about a game than the well being of a person ANY PERSON. I think this writer needs a new profession. What a waste.

Spike | 7:30 a.m. March 20, 2008

Way to go Jazz fans. Go ahead and boo. It will just show that you lack class. And by the way, you are setting such a great example for your children.

sad | 8:14 a.m. March 20, 2008

How unbelievably petty and small minded.

Fact: Fisher is head of the players union because he is percieved to have great character.

Fact: he has been a leader on every team he has been on (including the Jazz) because of his outstanding character.

Assumption: Contrary to Fisher's universally regarded reputation, he lied to get out of Utah.

I can't believe you folks are saying with utmost certainty that Fisher lied. Do you you truly know his heart? Booing in this situation says more about the fans than it does about the player.

vascular | 9:12 a.m. March 20, 2008

listen all you morons....d fish gave up millions in his contract with Utah so he could seek treatments for his kid. By the way, he opted for cities with good cancer centers, LA being one of them. MSKCC (in NY) was another. Fact it, he gave up millions....would you give up millions if you wanted to opt out and sign with another team? Lakers didn't even have gasol yet

Steve | 9:39 a.m. March 20, 2008

What a classless and a total crok of an article.

Fisher stated on the day he was released that he was looking for a city where his daughter could be treated. He never said he was going to NY. LA was mentioned from day one as a city with the proper facilities to treat his daughter.

When Fisher signed with LA it was a franchise in chaos. Most did not think they would make the playoffs. Utah was a much, much better team.

Yea, he was probably comfortable going to the Lakers. He played there before. He lived there before. Hey, think about that, all that is less stressful on his wife, his family, and himself, and he could get the care his daughter needed. So what if he probably would not make the playoffs. Family comes first, right?

Plus he took a big cut in pay.

Good golly, miss molly, what deception!!

What class by every fan who boos.

David in New York | 9:36 a.m. March 20, 2008

This article is unfair, unobjective (by not laying out all the facts), and encouraging of poor sportmanship and humanitarianism. Our fans behavior and this article reflect poorly on Utahns. It wouldn't surprise me at all if his daughter can get better, more immediate specialist care in LA than Utah (a 1 million person population compared to thier 10 million. Hard to believe? I think not. Also, his wife's family is in LA. Emotional support is certainly an element of what's needed to care for anyone with cancer. Family can really help in a stressful, trying time like this. Shame on us for judging him so harshly. We don't know all the details. His decision is his own. We let him out of the contract to do so and then hammer him for it. Shame on Utahns and shame on this article for perpetuating such poor sportsmanship, and a complete lack of mercy and consideration.

DCJ | 10:26 a.m. March 20, 2008

Ridiculous article. Let go of the grudge. Also a cheap way to recycle a bunch of Jazz fan commentary that has already gotten too much play. This is the kind of article some anonymous poster puts on a blog just to get a bunch of people agitated and commenting on things. Is the Deseret News now turning to "trolling"?

Hey, let's BOO Stockton and Hornacek while we're at it since they retired too early to be with their families. They still owe Jazz fans big time since they never won the title.

My unsatisfied sports fan fantasies are all that really matters in the world anyway...

Cold and Insensitive Fans... | 10:41 a.m. March 20, 2008

The article states that it is "personal". To all the fans who booed Fisher in a personal way, with intent, motive, malice, hate, are COLD, CLASSLESS, & INSENSITIVE! Boo him when he shoots FT's or tries for a 3, that is fine. That is part of the game. But to boo him if he is introduced and unnecessarily all through out the game, that is cruel. All because those fans think they were betrayed. Betrayed of what? Basketball? Come on! You shallow minded people. Is basketball larger than life or anyone's wellness and health? Be consistent Utah fans if Fish betrayed you. You need to bash or boo Carlos Boozer too since he betrayed the CAVS. Be consistent if that is the argument here. Truth is, when Fisher signed with LA, there was no Gasol at that time, Bynum was a nobody, and Kobe was ripping the Lakers apart. Therefore Fisher's decision this summer was not about winning/money since Jazz was way better than LA and $8M more but rather he just wants to continue his source of living and be close to home with the ailing daughter and the worries that cancer brings to the family.

We are better off? | 10:58 a.m. March 20, 2008

I think Fisher leaving was shady, but that being said, I still think GOOD RIDDANCE!! He never did anything tangible to help the team. He was costing us a TON of money and he did us a favor in leaving. Now we have an extra 6 million a year to give to D-Will and Millsap to keep them locked in for a few more years!

david | 12:09 p.m. March 20, 2008

maybe the dumbest article i have EVER read....and i have read plenty.

Wow! | 12:43 p.m. March 20, 2008

Utah has one of the best cancer institues in the country. He wanted to leave. Great article hit it on the head.

To Alex: | 12:42 p.m. March 20, 2008

And yet you continue to post in sports forums...

Fisher did the team a favor. Would you rather have Brewer/Korver at the two-spot, or Fisher/Brewer? Who cares why Fisher left, all that matters is that he did leave. Last year we were torched by about 5 players for 50 points, this year 0 (a couple at 40, but no 50's). From a basketball standpoint, we're better off...so for that reason alone, we should cheer...just as we'd do if Jarron Collins left.

Uncle Ernie Woo McCooter | 12:57 p.m. March 20, 2008

I don't even follow the Jazz, but I smelled a big, fat, stinky, feral rat when the Jazz agreed to Fisher's request to release him rather than try to trade him. These spoiled rich brats don't deserve to be released without just compensation to the people that make it possible. I would boo Derek Fisher if I could recognize him.

You're all ignorant | 2:11 p.m. March 20, 2008

Fisher doesn't take his daughter to New York anymore. She gets treatment in LA at what is considered one of the best Retinoblastoma hospitals in the world. I know a family from here in Utah that also left the hospitals in Salt Lake to go to the same hospital as Derek Fisher because they were so much better. When Fisher left the Jazz, anyone with half a brain could have told you he was going to sign with the Lakers again. He was either going to New York or LA, and the Lakers were his old team. With over half of his games in the same city as the hospital his daughter goes to, he no longer has to catch flights across the country during games. You're all a bunch of heartless jerks and I hope he hits the game winning shot tonight.

Kentu | 2:24 p.m. March 20, 2008

Does the author have any proof of what he is accusing Derek Fisher of? Or is it just speculation? I did not read one word of evidence that Fish colluded or lied to leave the Jazz. I hardly think a man like him would sink so low as to use his baby daughter's illness as an means to an end. Unless you can offer proof, I just can't buy what you're trying to sell.

Josh in NY | 2:49 p.m. March 20, 2008

Perhaps I am blind, but I did not see Fisher's desire to leave the Jazz last year as him having ulterior motives other then what he told everyone. Why are we questioning his integrity? Why did Jazz fans boo him during the game in November? I have been a Jazz fan for as long as I can remember, and until that game I had never been embarassed to say as much. The guy should have been given a standing ovation when he came back to play in November. Even if his decision was not popular, it was the right one. What is more important than family? So he signed with the Lakers, can you blame him? He was out of a job and a team he that was familiar with, from a city that he and his family have lived in, offered to pay him to play basketball (in a city that could provide his daughter the treatment she needed).

For those of you who do not think that this is reason enough to give him the deserved ovation, just think of how letting him out of his contract has actually helped the Jazz's future (no Korver if Fisher's here).

DerekEnters | 2:49 p.m. March 20, 2008

Does Derek remember how it was for Bronco. I don't think so. It was a solemn occaision but also a rite of passage. Boos and whistles rained down from the seats of the packed stadium to the point where the frenzied cries of "soï¿½s yer old man" were drowned out over the loudspeaker. It continued for a good 45 seconds or so until Bronco just served the ball to start the next point. Ultimately, he held his serve and broke Edwards the next game. his victory was met with boos. When he autographed the lens on the camera and the image was on the big screen, he was booed. When he walked out onto the court to wave and blow kisses, he was booed. If no joy in Mudville then certainly courage and pride!!! Go Derek!

Anonymous | 3:09 p.m. March 20, 2008

this is seriously ticking me off. there was no deception. he needed to go to a mega-tropolis so he could get the best treatment. LA and NY offer the best treatments. it was the knicks or the lakers. LA still loves fish, fish loves LA and the lakers needed a point guard. it was a perfect fit. that is why he signed so fast. there was nothing to think about. fish is right when he says that jazz fans would think differently if he went to any other team. stop being delusional from your jealousy, jazz fans. grow up. to those of you classy fans, god bless.

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