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Lee Benson: Hey, Derek, those boos are personal
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wgilly | 3:22 p.m. March 20, 2008
who cares that he left? i mean really!!! he is now a laker enough said.
Jon | 4:28 p.m. March 20, 2008
Some of you you who are complaining of the article need to go back and read it.
If you read the article, what the author is saying is not so much that Fish did
these things maliciously but that they way he did them allowed fans to question
his motives. This is why it "is personal" and any fan that loved him
last year that is personally hurt and feels a little betrayed might boo him. Lee
Benson is pointing out that the circumstances of the situation LOOKS deceptive
and that him not acknowledging that just makes it worse. Fisher says he thinks
they don't "have a certain connection with [him] personally", but
the author is saying it is personal .
I see the ones who are booing the loudest are the ones who hurt the most, much like an ex-girlfriend. It was love at first sight (shot). But now, the perfect (classy) guy got away and is living with some other girl and so (being hurt) the ex-girlfriend now wants to call him names when he drives by in a new car.
I see the ones who are booing the loudest are the ones who hurt the most, much like an ex-girlfriend. It was love at first sight (shot). But now, the perfect (classy) guy got away and is living with some other girl and so (being hurt) the ex-girlfriend now wants to call him names when he drives by in a new car.
Comments continue below
RE: Jon | 7:01 p.m. March 20, 2008
I think the intent of the article is pretty clear.
Derek Fisher is probably one of the most respected players in the league.
It looks like "the game" has become more important that an individual with an ill child...pretty sad....
Derek Fisher is probably one of the most respected players in the league.
It looks like "the game" has become more important that an individual with an ill child...pretty sad....
Old School in AugustaGA | 7:37 p.m. March 20, 2008
Benson - I'm glad you're a small market sports reporter so I
don't have to consider your "off-the-mark" perspective too
frequently.
On the other hand, perhaps your intention is to be inciteful . . . not insightful.
The only reason I read you is because of the Jazz, and the only reason for the Jazz these days . . . is Jerry Sloan.
On the other hand, perhaps your intention is to be inciteful . . . not insightful.
The only reason I read you is because of the Jazz, and the only reason for the Jazz these days . . . is Jerry Sloan.
Steve | 10:33 p.m. March 20, 2008
What a shame that many of the Jazz fans cannot show good sportsmanship. Is it
any wonder why our kids act the way they do. You should all be proud.
Anonymous | 11:37 p.m. March 20, 2008
this is the worst article i've ever read in my life on sports. seriously,
i'm not even a lakers fan. fish is a good guy, he's a great player,
has a great ethic, and has a family-first attitude. you, sir, are just a
pathetic journalist looking for a good story to warm up jazz fans.
Anonymous | 12:39 a.m. March 21, 2008
"Heh, Jazz Fans, those baskets tonight were personal! (106-95) Sorry
about ending your home winning streak....."
Sincerely,
Derek's friends Kobe, Lamar, Vladimir, Luke, Sasha, Ronny, Jordan, etc!
Jazz players play with class & sportsmanship...how about showing a little from the fans side of it?!!
Sincerely,
Derek's friends Kobe, Lamar, Vladimir, Luke, Sasha, Ronny, Jordan, etc!
Jazz players play with class & sportsmanship...how about showing a little from the fans side of it?!!
JazzStink | 1:18 a.m. March 21, 2008
Yup, getting rid of D fish and getting Kyle Korver was an excellent move!
Let's see; in tonight's LAKERS win - Kyle was 0 for 5 for ZERO points;
D Fish was 4 for 8 for 11 points. Hmmm; I guess stats can be very misleading.
Hey, good luck you inappreciative Jazz fans! Look forward to an early exit in
the playoffs... AS USUAL!!!!!
Voice Of Reason | 2:07 a.m. March 21, 2008
First of all Fisher got a list of places that have facilities for his daughter
to recieve treatment. LA happened to be one of the top choices and SLC sadly is
not. Fisher did what was convinient for him and his family. A place where his
wife could take care of his daughter during the season, and a place that he
could be in the offseason.
It suckes that he signed with the Lakers. But remember at the time Kobe wanted out and the future didn't look like the present.
It is disgusting that Jazz fans would boo a good man. He was the leader of the team last year. I would imagine if you asked Larry Miller if he regretted pulling out the red carpet for Fisher he would say no. He would only regret that he had to leave.
Before people start booing and acting like "Ignorant Fools" they should ask themselves if they would do what Derek Fisher did.
So save your boos for scum like Kobe!
P.S. He got less money in LA too!
It suckes that he signed with the Lakers. But remember at the time Kobe wanted out and the future didn't look like the present.
It is disgusting that Jazz fans would boo a good man. He was the leader of the team last year. I would imagine if you asked Larry Miller if he regretted pulling out the red carpet for Fisher he would say no. He would only regret that he had to leave.
Before people start booing and acting like "Ignorant Fools" they should ask themselves if they would do what Derek Fisher did.
So save your boos for scum like Kobe!
P.S. He got less money in LA too!
rickyblaque | 6:06 a.m. March 21, 2008
I guess Derek and the Lakers showed you how personal it was last night,
didn't they.
RJ | 7:26 a.m. March 21, 2008
Check yourselves Jazz fan! Fisher is one of the most outstanding people we have
in the NBA. When Fish originally left the Lakers to sign with Warriors as a free
agent I can guarantee you Laker fans did not boo him when he returned. Now
unfortunate circumstances and a life threatening illness for his daughter lead
him to leave and you boo him? Very classy, great job keeping life in
perspective. He did sign for less money also. He signed with your most hated
rival now get over it.
Spike | 7:27 a.m. March 21, 2008
Stop being haters. I wonder if you would feel this way if it was your daughter
who was sick?
Hefty Smurf | 8:07 a.m. March 21, 2008
I think Derek Fisher is a respectable person. I was impressed with his
character in Utah and continue to be impressed with his character. When he was
released by the Jazz, the fans knew he could be resigned with the Lakers. It
seems logical to me that he should return to LA because that is where he lived
previously.
I think it is an indicater of Jazz Fan's character when they booed Derek. And Jazz fans have a right to display that character. I just thought Jazz fans had more of it.
I think it is an indicater of Jazz Fan's character when they booed Derek. And Jazz fans have a right to display that character. I just thought Jazz fans had more of it.
CougarKeith | 10:55 a.m. March 21, 2008
I am not much of an NBA guy, but I am a people person. The guy left to get
optimal care for his kid. The sad part is Primary Children's is one of the
best in the country and is compared to the "Mayo" Clinic as far as IHC
is concerned, and guess who Primary Childrens Hospital care falls under? I think
the guy thinks he was doing what was best for his family, but passed up better
care for his kid right here in Utah. I live here for the medical care I get
because of my disability, I have lived in the Buffalo NY area and the Rochester
MN area where the Mayo Clinic is, and I prefered LDS Hospital's care! IHC
is hands down the best in the nation in my view! Get off Fishers case, if he
wants sub-par care for his kid, that is his loss not ours, and I feel sorry for
him and his kid, the fact is we treated him great, Larry treated him great, and
he obviously wanted to be a Laker, which is why he is not a Clipper. We should
applaud the guy for giving us what he did.
I Love It | 2:18 p.m. March 21, 2008
How many times do you agree with Charles Barkley?
Like Charles Barkley said,"He could have went to Seattle, or Miwakee; they've got great doctors there, but he decided to go to the Lakers the jazz's rival so he should expect to be booed."
Fisher asks Utah to take him at his word. Why should they when he signed so soon after being let go? I am not saying he lied, I don't know that. I am just saying, I understand why some people would question him, including Charles Barkley.
I think Lee gets it. If you agree or not that is fine, but Lee's point is that there is reasoning behind the boo's and to pretend otherwise is just silly.
Good article.
Like Charles Barkley said,"He could have went to Seattle, or Miwakee; they've got great doctors there, but he decided to go to the Lakers the jazz's rival so he should expect to be booed."
Fisher asks Utah to take him at his word. Why should they when he signed so soon after being let go? I am not saying he lied, I don't know that. I am just saying, I understand why some people would question him, including Charles Barkley.
I think Lee gets it. If you agree or not that is fine, but Lee's point is that there is reasoning behind the boo's and to pretend otherwise is just silly.
Good article.
Sandy | 2:59 p.m. March 21, 2008
Fans certainly have the right to express their disapproval if they choose to.
However, they should also accept the fact that their expression could be [in
this case especially] strongly criticized. Those fans who chose to boo one of
the most dignified and professional pro athletes this town has ever seen just
shows their lack of class and humanity. Mr. Benson and those who side with his
take are sadly misguided. That's just one person's opinion.
dubs | 4:31 p.m. March 21, 2008
game over, next!
wxfan | 4:45 p.m. March 21, 2008
hey boo birds
just a thought
YOU bought your tickets so you can boo or show some class it's up to you
I do have one observation
I think your boos and blogs helped motivate an average player at best and upped his concentration and determination much more than it bothered him personally.
what did Malone-always do when he felt slighted? He usually turned up the after burners and showed his detractors they were wrong.
same thing re especially d-wiil this year and to some extent Boozer
You don't get to NBA level without a lot of personal pride--DO you REALLY want Fisher to get that extra motivation? In an 82 game season it's easy to coast at 70-75% effort because most other players are as well.but tweak their pride and they become supermotivated and will usually give outstanding performances.
So did the boos or the poor reffing (jazz got creamed with very few fouls called inside )give the JAZZ their first home loss this year?
you decide
I think the differrence in NBA top 9 teams in the west is 80% mental attitude--I don't plan on giving our opponants the extra motivation.
just a thought
YOU bought your tickets so you can boo or show some class it's up to you
I do have one observation
I think your boos and blogs helped motivate an average player at best and upped his concentration and determination much more than it bothered him personally.
what did Malone-always do when he felt slighted? He usually turned up the after burners and showed his detractors they were wrong.
same thing re especially d-wiil this year and to some extent Boozer
You don't get to NBA level without a lot of personal pride--DO you REALLY want Fisher to get that extra motivation? In an 82 game season it's easy to coast at 70-75% effort because most other players are as well.but tweak their pride and they become supermotivated and will usually give outstanding performances.
So did the boos or the poor reffing (jazz got creamed with very few fouls called inside )give the JAZZ their first home loss this year?
you decide
I think the differrence in NBA top 9 teams in the west is 80% mental attitude--I don't plan on giving our opponants the extra motivation.
Cyanotic doc | 5:28 p.m. March 21, 2008
Hey Lee Benson, you made the game personal and we dominated from wire-to-wire.
Thanks for the motivation. Kobe said it after the game. The Utah fans and press
made it personal and you paid the price,
Kind of depresssing that even without Gasol,Bynum or Ariza we could win at Energy Solutions.
The playoffs don't look too good for the Jazz, again!
Derek
Kind of depresssing that even without Gasol,Bynum or Ariza we could win at Energy Solutions.
The playoffs don't look too good for the Jazz, again!
Derek
Jazz fans are crap | 1:08 a.m. March 22, 2008
This article got what it wanted, a rise. It played on Utah fans ignorance or
lack of interest in facts, and a reason to be complete morons at basketball
games.
The Lakers put you in your place and showed you what comes to those who show bad sportsmanship like you do night in and night out.
For those of you who think Utah has a chance in the playoffs against the Lakers or any other team needs to wake up and realize that the only reason you even have a chance of getting to the playoffs is because your division is weaker than the rest. You'll be out in the first round no question. I can only wish that Kobe can be there to rub it in like he did last night.
The Lakers put you in your place and showed you what comes to those who show bad sportsmanship like you do night in and night out.
For those of you who think Utah has a chance in the playoffs against the Lakers or any other team needs to wake up and realize that the only reason you even have a chance of getting to the playoffs is because your division is weaker than the rest. You'll be out in the first round no question. I can only wish that Kobe can be there to rub it in like he did last night.
fg | 1:04 a.m. March 22, 2008
The ONLY clinic in the world that does this experimental procedure is in New
York. Fisher is head of the players union and sets a bad example to the other
players.
He had my respect until this. Now he deserves none for using his child to get out of Utah. A place where he did not want to be traded to. He also was in talks with the Lakers before he cleared waivers. When his agent told the media he was fired.
Parents every day make sacrifices in their lives for their sick children. Derek felt it entitled him to lie and cheat.
He had my respect until this. Now he deserves none for using his child to get out of Utah. A place where he did not want to be traded to. He also was in talks with the Lakers before he cleared waivers. When his agent told the media he was fired.
Parents every day make sacrifices in their lives for their sick children. Derek felt it entitled him to lie and cheat.
Papeluv | 9:20 a.m. March 22, 2008
As usual Benson is kissing Larry Miller's ---. What a surprise. It's
Benson and Miller that we should be booing for their sanctimonious arrogance.
Can I be a sportswriter too? | 9:59 a.m. March 22, 2008
Seriously, can I? I'm also capable of spewing random crap about players I
don't like without providing logic or evidence. I can't believe this
article or that people can agree with it! Please tell me what Fisher did wrong?
He put his family first and requested out. Your gm agreed. Why? While
I'm sure he is a man of strong moral fiber, he's also a businessman
that sees the benefit of cutting a vet's contract to create money/roster
space/playing time for a young, up-and-coming team. It was a move that benefited
both parties. The only thing classless has been the reaction of (some) Jazz
fans. I mean, I can understand booing if Fisher publicly criticized the Jazz,
or maybe if your sportswriters could support their opinions (all that article
consists of) with fact. But as far as I know, neither has happened. So
please...can I be a sportswriter too?
papaluv | 11:52 a.m. March 22, 2008
Get over it Benson. If you don't like it move to Canada with your
sanctimonious friends Larry Miller and Doug Robinson
Jazz fans made it personal | 12:34 p.m. March 22, 2008
ESPN article quote...
"Fisher spent last season with the Jazz before asking out of his contract for family reasons. He was booed loudly when the Lakers played here in November, but got a warmer welcome Thursday night.
Bryant said the Lakers hadn't forgotten the way Fisher was received last time.
"Derek's the type of guy that's not going to say anything, but I'll say it for him. He took it personally tonight and we wanted to send a message," Bryant said."
Jazz Fans consider the message delivered!
So. Calif. people think the world of Derek Fisher. It is too bad that you could not take him at his word. He is humble and a man of integrity.
Larry Miller and the Jazz Organization are to be commended for placing value on family rather than basketball!
"Fisher spent last season with the Jazz before asking out of his contract for family reasons. He was booed loudly when the Lakers played here in November, but got a warmer welcome Thursday night.
Bryant said the Lakers hadn't forgotten the way Fisher was received last time.
"Derek's the type of guy that's not going to say anything, but I'll say it for him. He took it personally tonight and we wanted to send a message," Bryant said."
Jazz Fans consider the message delivered!
So. Calif. people think the world of Derek Fisher. It is too bad that you could not take him at his word. He is humble and a man of integrity.
Larry Miller and the Jazz Organization are to be commended for placing value on family rather than basketball!
clod | 9:54 p.m. March 23, 2008
some of these comments are funny. "giving up millions to seek treatments
for his kid" as if he couldn't get treatments in LA if he played for
Utah.... He didn't give up millions to seek treatments for his kid. he was
released so he could spend more time with his ailing kid. at least as a Laker
his season will end at least a month sooner than it would with the Jazz!
Anonymous | 11:01 p.m. March 23, 2008
It is disgraceful to use your daughter's cancer in such a decieptful
manner. Until that happened, I had a lot of respect for him. But needless to
say, I now have as much respect for him as I do Kobe - none.
Chris | 7:43 p.m. March 26, 2008
1) Fisher makes less money now that he did under contract with the Jazz.
Multiple comments have been made claiming the opposite. People who support the
booing of Fisher should get their facts straight before being taken
seriously.
2) There is something to be said about Fisher's known character. Using his daughter's illness to leave a team would be completely out of character. This isn't Ron Artest or Terrell Owens. Ask around the league and sports media. When it comes to character, Fisher's reputation couldn't be higher.
3) It's interesting that everyone in the media outside of Utah agrees that the booing was callous and uncalled for. As the nation's most read sports columnist, Bill Simmons, just wrote on how the Jazz will remembered this season, "The team whose fans killed its karma for the season by callously booing Derek Fisher."
4) Jazz fans are known to be irrational. As I've read before, they are great, great Jazz fans, but terrible NBA fans. Even though the Jazz are one the NBA's top teams, it appears as though their fans can't shake an inferiority complex that's causing them to throw hissy fits when players leave them.
2) There is something to be said about Fisher's known character. Using his daughter's illness to leave a team would be completely out of character. This isn't Ron Artest or Terrell Owens. Ask around the league and sports media. When it comes to character, Fisher's reputation couldn't be higher.
3) It's interesting that everyone in the media outside of Utah agrees that the booing was callous and uncalled for. As the nation's most read sports columnist, Bill Simmons, just wrote on how the Jazz will remembered this season, "The team whose fans killed its karma for the season by callously booing Derek Fisher."
4) Jazz fans are known to be irrational. As I've read before, they are great, great Jazz fans, but terrible NBA fans. Even though the Jazz are one the NBA's top teams, it appears as though their fans can't shake an inferiority complex that's causing them to throw hissy fits when players leave them.
Ron | 11:36 a.m. May 8, 2008
Fish loves his daughter.
The BEST care for her is elsewhere (adequate care may be in SLC, but the BESt was elsewhere).
Fish has enough money to be able to afford the BEST care for his daughter.
He chose the BEST care.
If you wouldn't have made the same choice given the opportunity, then you probably deserve to be Jazz fans.
The BEST care for her is elsewhere (adequate care may be in SLC, but the BESt was elsewhere).
Fish has enough money to be able to afford the BEST care for his daughter.
He chose the BEST care.
If you wouldn't have made the same choice given the opportunity, then you probably deserve to be Jazz fans.
randy | 3:26 p.m. May 8, 2008
This article if you can call it that, is so off target. Derek Fisher is and
will always be a stand-up guy with a lot more class and humanity thant this
author. So the idiots can boo him all they want, but the world will praise him
for what he is...a real person, with real life problems, that are more important
than basketball.
Anonymous | 10:06 a.m. May 16, 2008
This is idiotic. What Boozer did to Cleveland was 1000 times worse than what
Fisher is perceived to have done. Benson conveniently ignores the blatant
deception of Boozer to get Cleveland to release him in the first place. Also,
the Lakers were believed to be lousy when Fisher re-signed with them, and I
think he took a $6 million pay cut.
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Malone leaves Utah for the Lakers and there is hardly a whimper! Fisher leaves for his daughter and family's welfare and you trash him!
I'll be watching the game tonight to see if Utah Jazz fans can show him the same respect he showed the Utah fans last year when he returned after his daughter's surgery and entered the game ready to play when he didn't have to!!
Show Derek Fisher what true Utah Jazz fans are made of!