Loyalty isn't a one way street.
Of course it is, and there’s an obvious reason for it: the fans only hold one side accountable.
If a team is “disloyal” by trading / waiving a player, the fans inevitably side with management. They want the best product on the floor, period. It doesn’t matter if a player played hurt, took less in the past, etc. Fans have a “what have you done for me lately” attitude. In other words, fans by and large don’t want franchises to be loyal.
On the other hand, fans take a “how dare he leave” attitude if he goes to another franchise. It’s as if they expect a player to sign for less just to be a Celtic. You see it in some of the criticisms of Marcus Smart, and you see it in continued attacks on Ray Allen. Players get called “traitors”, teams are admired for making nonsentimental decisions.
so what you're saying is that fans opinions of something makes something a case of loyalty or disloyalty? it doesn't matter what side fans take (FANATIC), it's either being disloyal or it isn't. Don't forget the millions of fans that side with the players, you know, the fans of that player! You're only looking at the fans who side with the organization because it fits your narrative.
Fans drive sports. Without them, there are no giant stadiums, no billion dollar revenues. So yes, their opinion (collectively) is the most important thing in professional sports.
If fans valued loyalty from their organizations of choice, then organizations would be more loyal. But, in that regard, fans generally aren't short-sighted. Most fans value winning over loyalty, which is a completely valid choice.
It becomes a one-way street, though, when you see the general contempt by fans for players who are "disloyal". You don't see burned Wyc Grousbeck jerseys when he doesn't pay what a player wants, but you sure do if an important player leaves for a better situation.
LOL. There are no Wyc jerseys but I'm sure there are a lot of people who don't like him so much so that they would burn them if there were. You are telling me PP's fans don't think Wyc and DA are traitors, you know all his fans that moved on when he did? For every fan that said LBJ wasn't loyal to the Cavs, there is a fan that is mad at the Cs for not being loyal to it4 (well maybe less because Cavs have more fans). When you acknowledge that fans side with who they root for, the better off you will be. It doesn't matter whether its fans of a team or player, people will feel wronged. It doesn't mean that they were. This isn't a business of loyalty, no matter how crazy WE fans get. I know I was p---ed at LA when they chose Kobe, it didn't matter why they did it, it mattered that I was a fan of Shaq. BTW during that time I would have burned down the arena if I could have gotten away with it but I definitely wished that all hell would rain down on that organization.
It’s no about individual fans, it’s about vocal majorities. Those majorities are more likely to side with management, whether it be in labor disputes or contract negotiations.
I still hold a grudge that the Sox didn’t re-sign Roger Clemens. My individual opinion means nothing. Collectively fans consider him a villain, instead of chirping about loyalty.
I think we’re in agreement that the “its a business / I’ll act in my own interest” standard should be applied to both teams and players. That’s not how the narratives usually work, though. Good players who leave are scorned; teams that cut ties with former heroes are largely forgiven so long as the team still wins.
You are taking this out of the context. Leaving a team to be a man on the other is one thing. Leaving a team you are leading then join a stacked team for easy rings is another.
Nobody blamed Stoudamire when he left for New York, Alonzo with Miami or Shaq with the Lakers because those teams weren't exactly ready to compete until they came.
Lebron and KD, on the other hand joined teams with established alphas and team. This is why I don't hold much grudge against Lebron this time around when he joined the Lakers but he's pretty much the pioneer of FA super teams.
Because of them, most players would rather join a stack team and win an easy ring and put blood and sweat to legitly earn it. No more spirit of competition with these players.
I never hold grudge with Tony Allen leaving for Memphis because I know he is just looking for himself. Neither did on Rondo or Bass for joining the Lakers.
Forget loyalty to the team. But at least be loyal to the fans who supported you through thick and thin of team.