(Please post anything you'd like Ray to know).
Dear Ray,
First of all, a sincere thank you ... for being the consummate gentleman of professional sports, for being the definition of Celtic Pride, and for all you did in bringing us Banner 17 and re-injecting the Boston Celtics back into being a true perennial playoff team again. It's been a long time since 1986 and the last era of excellence, and we needed this renaissance badly.
There are many reasons to consider change for a professional athlete like yourself, not the least of which is the well-being of your family and your future considerations. We as fans understand that, and no matter what you end up doing, we will always hold you in the highest regard, because you are not only an incredibly talented athlete, but a human being of unusual character and integrity.
There have been very few players to come through the ranks of the Celtic Green in the last twenty-years-or-so, who have embodied the class and selflessness that you have ... both in your game and in your personal life. My only regret in your being a Celtic, is that Red didn't get to see this team and the 2008 Championship, and didn't get to witness
first-hand, your fulfillment of what Celtic Pride is all about, and the excellence of your game and persona.
Needless to say we want you to
remain a Celtic. Yes, you can obviously make more money elsewhere, and there are warmer (outdoor) climates elsewhere in this country, and possibly more attractive offers. But you will
never find a fan-base that can love and appreciate you more, or a team that is as steeped in tradition and pride, or team-mates that are as willing to sacrifice everything for the ultimate goal, or a coach that is not only a great
coach, but a man with the unequalled ability to walk that fine-line between friend and mentor.
New England is a place where people are exceptionally passionate about their views and preferences, and that is no more evident than it is with our sports teams. When we decide to except someone into our midst, we do so completely and without ambiguity. Our teams are almost a part of our family, and so are the players on those teams. But
you have reached further into our hearts than even
that, and we are very, very partial when it comes to you and our desire for you to remain a Celtic.
I truly believe that Paul's decision to take less money in order to remain a Celtic and keep the core of this team together, is an unusual thing in today's professional sports arena, and is something that should be rewarded in the long-run, and emulated by others in similar situations. I also believe that you are a man of
similar character, and that you will know in your heart that there's still something to be said for team loyalty and Ubuntu, and that you belong here ... with the people that truly love you and appreciate the sacrifice, and where the prospect of winning another championship will be the sweetest.
Only you can make the decisions about what is best for your future and the well-being of your family, but if there is
any question in your mind about what is best for the Celtics or it's fans or the people of New England, please know in your heart that you will find no greater fans, no greater love, no greater appreciation, no greater team, no greater coach, and no greater tradition, than you have right now, right here. All those things are a just question mark if you should choose to go elsewhere, but here, it's
gold in your hand.
Whatever happens, we will always love you for what you helped bring back to us, and what you've done for the Celtic community, but we pray that you'll decide to remain where your heart is, and where the gold in your hand will out-weigh the question marks of prospective changes. You are a Celtic through-and-through, and we are your family. Change can be an exciting thing, but no matter what else we find in life, there is NO place like
home.
Please stay at home ... please remain a Celtic.
Topic: An Open Letter To Ray Allen (Read 3539 times)