does the shamrock turn some away?

[cornbreadsmart]

 does anyone think the whole celtic name, the green, the shamrock turn some black  players away? we know the celtics have a great history regarding race with red and all that but we also know the old boston rep. i think it does. i'm only saying SOME.

[Eja117]

does anyone think the whole celtic name, the green, the shamrock turn some black  players away? we know the celtics have a great history regarding race with red and all that but we also know the old boston rep. i think it does. i'm only saying SOME.

By that theory there are a ton of teams that people would not want to sign with. The Redskins. The Vikings. Notre Dame wouldn't be able to recruit. The Braves. The Indians. The Chiefs.

Tons of players of all persuasions play for college teams with all sorts of names that have various unpc (sometimes Civil War related) names. The Tar Heels. The Jayhawks. The Rebels. The Fighting Illini. The Seminoles.

I just don't see it. I think it's a money thing

[celticmaestro]

No.

[cornbreadsmart]

wow. really?  not at all. i totally disagree.

[ACF]

I think it's a money thing

Exactly.

[Eja117]

If any player ever comes out and says it I will listen.

[ToppersBsktball10]

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).

[SamuelAdams]

Bill Rusell said it. So did Barry Bonds.

meh

[miraclejohan]

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.

[vagrantwade]

The Celtics have 3 future hall of famers.

Not many vets or big names want to walk into that. They would be completely overshadowed in the locker room.

[screwedupmaniac]

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 

[timepiece33]

When we acquired Garnett and Allen, we went from non consideration to consideration among free agents.  IMO, it is about winning first.

Then you start taking a look at size of city, taxes, etc.   Boston is not favorable with regards to taxes.   

[RAcker]

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.

[cdif911]

blacks, whites, hispanics, asians, etc. are usually turned toward or away by something green, but it isn't a shamrock