No.

I think it's a money thing

Exactly.

Didn't KG come out and say initially thats why he rejected being traded to the Celtics? Same for Jermaine O'Neal (Thank god we didn't get him) and Shawn Marion (Thank God we didn't get him either).

I know a handful of sports fans who, as persons of color, have patiently explained to me how they were raised with a distaste for Boston as a city because of the history of its fans a racist people.  The city, I believe, has come a long way from the days of Russell and the bussing issues, but there is a fundamental and underlying element of racism that is inherent in such a white, "educated," and OLD city.  It is not just Jermain Oneal or Garnett saying that Boston is racist, its their mentors telling them and their mentors telling them because Boston, at least, WAS racist and VERY unfair to its prominent black athletes from an early time. 

So no, I do not think the shamrock turns players away, but I think the historically prominent white presence in Boston has, however fair, unfair, accurate, or inaccurate it may be now.

i can see where it would be offensive...i mean heck, i LOVE to wear red socks all the time, and i always take crap from people. so, to see a team called the red sox is what i consider to be a complete mockery of who i am...

haha, seriously, i don't think the shamrock turns anyone away...also seriously, i don't wear red socks all the time, that'd just be wierd 

The Ole Miss Rebels have turned out a few pretty good players in their history both white and black.  See Deuce McAlister and Eli.

Might I also add that The University of Alabama has a very checkered past (read the 60's) with race relations and have turned out the likes of Ozzie Newsom, Derrick Thomas, Cornelius Bennett, Bobbie Humphrey, Jeremiah Castille, Andre Smith, and on and on.

As for Alabama white players: Joe Namath, Kenny Stabler, John Hannah, Bart Starr, etc.