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Brad Rock: Carlos says business is business

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The Nail | 1:13 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I think you hit the nail on the head with this article. Well written.

I expect some boo birds when he walks back on the floor at ESA for the first time...

He might as well ask to be traded now. I don't see our fans getting behind him for the rest of the season. Personally I think he should be the backup for Millsap until he leaves for Miami.
GoodGuyGary | 2:06 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
He may think he will get a raise, regardless. But don't forget the money is not form the club's boss, it is from the fans. All NBA fans saw how happened in Cleveland, and now Utah, how can he ever be popular again? He also remind me about Sprewell's golden quote "I got a family to feed." and then what happened? Last time I checked, he was unemployed since he said that.

Good luck to you Boozer.
Monty Montana | 7:08 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
The Guy was never what Utah needed. He has no guts! Total whimp on defense. For every bucket he made he gave up another on the other end of the court! Make him ride the final year of his contract on the pine behind Milsap!
Comments continue below
gin | 7:37 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I am so tired of watching Booz ride the pine with a superior smirk on his face. If it wants out of Utah so bad let him go. But don't put him on the front row and showing closeups of him and talking to him on FSN. Why should he use game time for exposure when he is not even playing (doing the job he gets paid for.) It is very obvious he does not have the heart to play anymore. Whatever respect and beleif in him that the jazz fans had for him when he first came to Utah is gone. I hope he can find a carrer in the nba with very slim fan base. My boozer shirt has become a work shirt at home not to be seen in public. so sad
Value for value | 7:51 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Boozer gives less than he gets. PERIOD.
Mike | 7:57 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
How someone says all this when being sidelined again????? If I was him I'd just stay in Utah at least it's another year with a paycheck. If he tries to go elsewhere teams will take his injury history into account.
I always thought that as soon as we got Millsap he should be starting anyway. Millsap has the toughness and the inside presence that Boozer lacks.

Now with that said I think boozer's game is better then millsap's right now (well not right now boozer is hurt) but MIllsap definately has more upside.
Move on Boozer | 8:05 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Enough is enough. Missed two two seasons plus this season 15 games and counting. Not worth dealing with him. Trade him but not in Miami or LA.
Who cares | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
A 2nd rate player in a 2nd rate city in a pathetic excuse for a professional sport. UT needs an NFL franchise but pro games on Sundays seems to be an issue there. Too funny.
note to jazz managment | 8:11 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
trade him for something now, while you have the chance. draft picks, rookies, anything is better than a noisy allstar... on the bench
Re: Who cares | 8:17 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
You seem to care enough to spend your time reading an article and posting a comment.
Great Article? | 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I don't care if Boozer goes but no wonder he doesn't want to explain himself to the media. He explained the obvious yesterday and today you compare him to an adulterer. I would never take an interview with Brad Rock either. I bet his wife doesn't appreciate it. No wonder no one wants to play in Utah. We're pretty mean here. I hope Boozer goes but who else are we going to get that will tolerate this abuse in the media? Who are we going to get? Next it will be fat jokes.
Jazz Homer I Am | 8:35 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Boozer is not the future of the Jazz he is done, no way is he staying. With that said Millsap has proven he deserves to start, put Boozer on the bench he should now back up Millsap until he gets traded.

I hope Utah isn't dumb like Cleveland, trade him for something now before its too late.

Trade him to the Lakers for PG and Odom or better yet to the Clippers.
2nd rate City? | 9:18 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
How can anyone call SLC a second rate city? Compared to what? The barrios, smog, traffic and bankruptcy of LA? The human cesspool of SF? The sprawl and financial mess of Chicago? The high taxes and mess of NYC?

I've lived all over the world and been to most big cities. SLC is a well run city, in good financial shape, with an invigorated downtown, plenty of good culture, parks and great people. I chose to live here. SLC is a first rate city.
IDJazzGirl | 9:23 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Boozer is a waste of money! He is never healthy and doesn't hustle. Millsap does hustle.
St. George Aggie | 9:40 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Great article Rock. I love this line:

He is a master of the nine-mile stare. He couldn't appear more disinterested if he were assembling cheeseburgers at Wendy's.

That is classic. I laughed pretty hard on it.

I love how Boozer is now retracting his statement and saying he never said "raise". The reporter put words in his mouth.

We all know the future is Paul Millsap. But the Jazz got to keep Boozer on the payroll 'til Summertime 'cause otherwise we tie up Millsap's money on someone else if they trade Boozer.

I like Boozer and wish he would stay but he is a snake when it comes to his "word" and trusting the guy.
Well | 9:44 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
when we trade him to the Bobcats for Emaka Okafur we'll tell him. Business is Business Carlos.
Jimmy Z says | 9:48 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I am going to Boo Mr. Boozer when ever I hear this
guys name. He deserves to be booed by all Jazz
fans. What a snake, he played terrible in the playoffs
last year and since he has been a member of the Jazz
he has played in 2 out of every 3 games played.But,
he still collects his check. GET Rid of him what
a huge distraction to the team and fans.
John S | 10:18 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Boozer will never be able to elevate his play to superstar level but he wants superstar money. Trade Boozer now, even if you get a guy who sits on the bench the rest of the season. That seems to be the place Boozer has planted his fanny the last two seasons anyway.
James K | 10:34 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Boozer already has been given a 50% raise. He has only played in half the Jazz games since he signed his multi million dollar deal. It is amazing to me that a guy that completely disappeared from the playoffs last year and is injured so much can say these things. I say let him go.... Move on Jazz.
For the love of the game | 11:09 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
What seperates great athletes and people is their motivation. Boozer is motivated by a bigger check, that seems to be the only reason he plays - to make money. We were blessed to have John and Karl (especially John) here when it came to setting the example for other Jazz (and NBA!) players. When Stockton was asked about money and contracts we would repeatedly say: I get paid to play a game that I love, and for that I'm grateful.

They played hurt, they hustled and played to win, not to jsut do their job and collect a check.

It's demotivating for a fan to hear this and makes me less likely to cheer for Booz becasue I know his heart is not in it to win it 100%.

We should trade him for Camby
Old Stink Fing | 11:19 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Boozer nees a rest!
Trade him | 11:20 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Please trade him and get something out of it instead of just letting him walk at the end of the season. PLEASE KEVIN OCONNOR. He will walk at the end of the season. He doesn't want to resign here. TRADE HIM.

Get a decent center who can block shots. We would be so much better off.

Boozer is a loser!! Anyone watch the playoffs last year?
Austin Powers | 11:58 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I pesonally cant stand a guy that sits on the bench in his best Austin Powers outfit. Diamond bracelet shimmering, gimme a break! Just play, dont try to make a statement with your cute outfit. This isnt going to fly in Utah.
Ing | 12:16 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Good article, Rock. This reminds me just a little bit of another power forward who used to make waves by talking about contracts. I think that Jazz fans in general were spoiled by the consistency and durability of Stockton and Malone on the court--and are conveniently forgetting all the talk and posturing that went on whenever Malone was in a contract year.

Boozer saying he's going to opt out is not that big a deal. As fans, we're emotionally involved in what happens to the team, but the team is also a business, and in business, sometimes people change jobs. Sometimes people consider it, get other offers, and decide to stay put. Only difference here is it's all out there in public. And the people involved make a LOT more money than most of us (I'd be thrilled to see 60k, let alone 60 mil).
FINGERSON | 1:13 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Who is this Boozer? Everyone is talking about him? Is he on our team? Why havn't I seen him play?
bob carlisle | 1:29 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
boozer is like shaun alexander, he gets all of his points from the jazz pick and roll system. he doesnt work for baskets. he is great at getting good passes and making wide open jumpers or driving the lane when it is open. the jazz should have traded him after the olympics,
Wrong Carlos | 1:56 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Sport is more than business. It is emotion and you have demonstrated your lack of commitment to the Jazz. Before I (emotionally) pay for a ticket, I had better look past the business and have some interest in the team or its players. BTW, nice threads, but not for a player.
This has to be old news already | 2:01 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I agree that this is nothing new. Everyone knew Boozer was going. He's just announcing it now because Millsap is getting attention, he wants it to go back on himself. I was hoping we'd get rid of him after he choked last year in the playoffs, so this can only end well for the Jazz if they let him go.
AK KID | 2:08 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Simmer down jazz fanatics....Boozer is and always will be a 20 - 10 guy. No matter the system. He has soft hands and always shoots a high percentage. His use of the off hand is second to none in the league. I know you feel betrayed and want to diminish his overall talent. But your flat wrong!!!! He has talent thats through the ceiling but he believes the nba is a business and it is. He is doing what he feels is best for him and his family and I know I would do the same. LIFE IS SHORT!!!!
Anonymous | 2:39 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I love your story Rock YOU WERE RIGHT ON. This guy is a big baby and is not what we need anyway. Trade him now and find someone who wants a championship. He disappears in the playoffs. Find a trade that works for us this year.
Miles | 2:46 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
What makes you all think that Millsap is going to be a bargain? He may get "max" money from some stupid desperate owner. Plenty of them out there. Millsap may cost more to keep than Boozer by the end of the year. I say bench Millsap so no one wants him and we can afford him. Or get rid of Memo and keep Booz and Sap.
Tyler | 2:57 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I agree with "Great Article?". Why would he want to stay here after everyone starts giving him crap for wanting more money. No one can say that they wouldn't want more money, so why does Boozer make any difference. This article is degrading to the Boozer family and also the Jazz franchise. It just shows how big of babies we have here in Utah. Its his right to do what he wants and no one has the right to judge him otherwise. Also, people say he didn't give enough warning, this is the warning. This way it gives the Jazz management enough time to do what they can to either try and keep him or trade him for someone else. I would rather have him say now, instead of next summer, when everyone would feel blind-sided and be really pissed off. Either way, if he leaves or stays, the Jazz will still have a good power forward. Everything will be fine and everyone needs to just worry about this season.
fred | 2:57 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
The Jazz should have traded him for Al Jefferson when Boston offered him for Boozer. Instead Boston trades him to Minnesota for Garnett and so Boston wins a championship and Minnesota gets one of the best young players in the league and what did the Jazz get?

Why they got to keep a player that is a traveling man or soon will be. While it would be nice for the Jazz to win a championship, they will never do it with Boozer at the four. He has plenty of talent but what he lacks is something even the Wizzard of OZ can't give him, courage.
Bankshot | 4:18 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Utah can't win anything with Boozer on our team. He has no heart and never will risk injury by playing "D". He might get hurt and shorten his career. Get the bum off our payroll and pay Milsap his worth. We need a good backup to Milsap and not someone with no heart.
Funskir | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
All you nouveau Booze haters will disappear after a couple of 20/10 nights.
Jazz can't win with Boozer? | 4:58 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
The team's record THIS YEAR is much better with Boozer. Remember Game 7 against Houston in Houston? Remember Boozer and his 35 points and 12+ rebounds? It sounds like you have forgotten which Jazz player led which Jazz team to its best season and performance since Malone left. I didn't.
macnamara | 5:15 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
This is typical. Even Salt Lake City Sports Journalists,(I use that term loosely), use not so thinly vield derrogatory comments about the Jazz team and players. The National Media Hacks are generally going to follow their lead. It's a shame and I hope LHM and the FO aren't as taken in by it as you folks seem to be. Boozer got blindsided. No doubt in my mind he was pressured into saying what he would later regret. These reporters never quit until they create some kind of controversy. By the time they twist it with their spin, it no longer resembles the truth. People get hurt in the process but what do they care. I couldn't live with myself knowing I had deliberately torpedoed someone. If there was a penalty to pay, they'd think twice about their actions.
RE: jazz can't win with... | 6:18 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
There record is better with boozer because has played only when they played weak or bad teams.

When the going gets tough boozer disappears.
Just let him go... | 6:46 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Good article. I'm certainly not going to have my feelings hurt when he walks. In fact, I'd prefer to have Jazz brass let him do precisely that without even extending an offer to come back.

Smart front offices don't tie up cap space for a 20/10 guy when the 20 stands for games played and the 10 stands for games sat due to injury. Missing 30% of your games doesn't "get you a raise, regardless." If another team offers him a dime more than he's making now, he'll be grossly overpaid.

Snakes | 7:26 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
You people are like a brood of vipers. Given half a chance, you'd turn on your own grandmothers.
Wipe the smirk off his face | 7:31 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
He does not care what we think. He actually thinks he is above all of us because he makes so much money. What a punk , what a waste of money. I hate even watching tonights game with him sitting behind the bench laughing and having a good old time. This can not be tolerated.
Re: Snakes | 7:35 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
You are wrong. My grandmother is not a greedy self centered person. I like the hypocricy of your comment though.
re: macnamara | 8:09 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
I think you are being a little naive about this whole thing. Boozer probably talks to 2 to 3 reporters a day on average. This was not his first Rodeo. He knew better. But its hard when you have always thought of yourself first to change that I guess.

You know these blogs back up what I have always felt about people.Most people in the world are honest and caring individuals who know the difference between right and wrong. The ratio of 30 comments going against what he did to the 1 comment condoning his bad behavior kind of proves my point.
Most people can understand what is going on here. Just because you can does not mean you should.
sherri | 8:19 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
All you have to know is his own college coach didn't play him and he left a team with the with the best player in the NBA and his excuse was the coach told him he would never be an allstar. I think he is a good man and a good father but he isn't a team player.
WOW! | 9:34 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
That's thats an overly simplistic rundown on the reasons he left cleveland. As for him not being a Team Player, there's a youtube video on the net with coach K singing his praises and saying he is great with his team mates, totally unselfish, and exactly a team player.
Nonsense | 10:24 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Boozer is a great player. He is also competitive and he is going to go where he gets the best deal. What is wrong with that. When he is healthy he delivers. Utah got what they paid for.

The key thing is to get a ring out of Boozer before the team has to rebuild next year. If the Jazz get a decent developing PF who plays better defense for 1/2 of Boozer's salary they will adapt. They will be just as well off as SAP, CJ, Koufos and the new first round draft picks continue to develop next year.

Trading Boozer makes little sense. Who is willing to trade? and for what? The Jazz need him for the rest of this year (Get the Ring!).

If his price is right next year the Jazz will keep him. If it is not then the Jazz have an opportunity to get a better defender.

It is business both ways. There will be other people opting out. The Jazz can pick someone up next year. Beside the Jazz are stock piling picks in Europe. This year the Jazz need to keep Boozer, buy out Collins and get a defender.
Nicholas Harris Ogden UT | 10:33 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
The Jazz need to get rid of Boozer before we lose him at the end of the season. They should trade him for amare Stodimare or see what teams are interested before the trade deadline.If they don't Boozer will be gone look at what he did to Cleveland it's all about money that's all he care for. Plus Milsap is playing well and knows how to play defense unlike boozer. boozer is very unloyal and a discrace to the Jazz. GET RID OF BOOZER!!! HE IS ALWAYS HURT ANYWAY
Re nonsense | 10:42 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
Finally! A voice of reason in the midst of all this insanity. Good job!
hmm | 11:06 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
if boozer is so motivated by money why doesnt he get his fanny of the bench and play because if he walks he is basiclly in a contract year. The better he plays the more he will make next year...
Ernesto de Bajo | 12:11 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008
My sentiments are with posters "Nonsense" and "Re nonsense", above. Why not analyze it rationally rather than climb all over each other in the rush to join the lynch mob?

All of the knee-jerk, "Boozer is a looser" stuff is worthless.

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