Ray Allen's message in the Boston Globe

[KGs Knee]

folks should really get off there high horses and stop criticizing others who are being critical of Ray.

Yeah, for the most part I'm over this whole "situation".  I still don't have anything nice to say about Ray, but don't really care too much either.  The C's are probably better off anyway.

The audacity of those who seem to have this "holier than thou" attitude irks me though.  If some here want have fond memories of Ray, great.  Don't tell me I shouldn't feel however I want though.

[GreenFaith1819]

Class Move by him - as usual.

Thank You, Ray Allen! For me, you WILL be missed.

God Bless you and your family, and thanks again for the memories:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i19lSd7pAiE

And:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu4VqafW5ZU&feature=related

Yes - Paul got Finals MVP, and KG put up 26 pts and 14 rebs in that game, but YOU had 26 pts, too.

And one of my favorite games:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RciLe9SUqVM

And finally - let's not forget that we'll be missing a BIG FAN in the Garden as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubQ1MNF_BOU

Thank YOU TOO, Flo Allen!!

Ray Allen, always and forever more a part of Boston's Big Three.

[nickagneta]

folks should really get off there high horses and stop criticizing others who are being critical of Ray.

Yeah, for the most part I'm over this whole "situation".  I still don't have anything nice to say about Ray, but don't really care too much either.  The C's are probably better off anyway.

The audacity of those who seem to have this "holier than thou" attitude irks me though.  If some here want have fond memories of Ray, great.  Don't tell me I shouldn't feel however I want though.

Actually if you guys go back and actually read the posts, I don't think one single poster in this thread said people didn't have the right to feel jilted or angry or whatever. All a few of us said is that we don't understand the feeling.

Ray was a player here. A commodity this team had to do as they see fit as a basketball player. We paid him handsomely and he performed admirably. After the contract ends he can do what he wants the same way Ainge could have traded him any time he wanted. Its the nature of the business.

So before criticizing people as being "holier than thou" perhaps understanding what they wrote would be in order first. I don't think anyone was being critical of anyone's hurt feelings. I think some just don't understand why the people have hurt feelings, that's all.

[Kay.B09]

You know, I've been a Celtics fan my entire life (24 years) and though the past 20 years for the Celtics organization has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, I've enjoyed every bit of it. To me, being a Celtic transcends well beyond basketball. In fact, this franchise has taught me a lot about family, selflessness, and sportsmanship. There have been countless times where this team has disappointed me whether it was Doc, Pitino, Ainge, Bird, Pierce, Rondo, KG, Antoine, etc. and times where I set my hopes really high only to get let down (ie. the 09 Finals, Reggie Lewis, and now Ray Allen), but never once have I questioned my loyalty to this franchise.

It's funny to me because I truly believe that it truly takes having thick skin to be a part of this organization whether you're a player, part of the staff, or just a fan. Even though, the Celtics is arguably the most storied franchise in NBA history, it's constantly criticized and the center of public scrutiny. People love to hate the Celtics, but in hindsight, we love that. It only makes us stronger. That is why this is so ironic to me. I've cheered for Ray pretty much his entire NBA career and I was ecstatic when he teamed up with the Celtics in '08. I always saw him as the consummate professional and I just knew he'd represent the Celtics well. He did for 5 years and I appreciate every single game he suited up for my favorite team, but I can't help but be disappointed with his recent actions.

Red Auerbach and this franchise are the first to actually utilize sportsmanship, the 6th man, and unselfish play. We've prided ourselves on that. I'm sure Ray knows the history of this franchise. I do look at it as a slap in the face that it seems that he wasn't willing to make sacrifices and swallow his pride for the betterment of this team. All we really have is 1 common goal, Banner 18, and I think any player for this team should be more than willing to make an effort to attain that goal at all costs. I'm sure KG plays through pain every single game and I'm sure playing the 5 the majority of all last season was outside of his comfort zone. I'm sure Rondo knows that he could possibly be signed to some other team with a max contract or that his teammates aren't really "fit" for his style of play. Paul could've left years ago for a contender. It's just funny to me.

I knew after this season, that the Big 3 would probably be dismantled and I knew more than likely Ray would be the guy to leave. I just didn't think it'd result in him playing for the 1 team that stands for polar opposite of what Boston stands for and the same team that has prevented us from playing in the Finals the past 2 seasons. It's weak to me and this is coming for a female. I've never been the one to support "if you can't beat them join them". No, if you can't beat them, you regroup, get stronger, play smarter, and harder.  You never quit at any costs. Celtics don't quit. That's the only time we don't swallow our pride.

[wahz]

You know, I've been a Celtics fan my entire life (24 years) and though the past 20 years for the Celtics organization has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, I've enjoyed every bit of it. To me, being a Celtic transcends well beyond basketball. In fact, this franchise has taught me a lot about family, selflessness, and sportsmanship. There have been countless times where this team has disappointed me whether it was Doc, Pitino, Ainge, Bird, Pierce, Rondo, KG, Antoine, etc. and times where I set my hopes really high only to get let down (ie. the 09 Finals, Reggie Lewis, and now Ray Allen), but never once have I questioned my loyalty to this franchise.

It's funny to me because I truly believe that it truly takes having thick skin to be a part of this organization whether you're a player, part of the staff, or just a fan. Even though, the Celtics is arguably the most storied franchise in NBA history, it's constantly criticized and the center of public scrutiny. People love to hate the Celtics, but in hindsight, we love that. It only makes us stronger. That is why this is so ironic to me. I've cheered for Ray pretty much his entire NBA career and I was ecstatic when he teamed up with the Celtics in '08. I always saw him as the consummate professional and I just knew he'd represent the Celtics well. He did for 5 years and I appreciate every single game he suited up for my favorite team, but I can't help but be disappointed with his recent actions.

Red Auerbach and this franchise are the first to actually utilize sportsmanship, the 6th man, and unselfish play. We've prided ourselves on that. I'm sure Ray knows the history of this franchise. I do look at it as a slap in the face that it seems that he wasn't willing to make sacrifices and swallow his pride for the betterment of this team. All we really have is 1 common goal, Banner 18, and I think any player for this team should be more than willing to make an effort to attain that goal at all costs. I'm sure KG plays through pain every single game and I'm sure playing the 5 the majority of all last season was outside of his comfort zone. I'm sure Rondo knows that he could possibly be signed to some other team with a max contract or that his teammates aren't really "fit" for his style of play. Paul could've left years ago for a contender. It's just funny to me.

I knew after this season, that the Big 3 would probably be dismantled and I knew more than likely Ray would be the guy to leave. I just didn't think it'd result in him playing for the 1 team that stands for polar opposite of what Boston stands for and the same team that has prevented us from playing in the Finals the past 2 seasons. It's weak to me and this is coming for a female. I've never been the one to support "if you can't beat them join them". No, if you can't beat them, you regroup, get stronger, play smarter, and harder.  You never quit at any costs. Celtics don't quit. That's the only time we don't swallow our pride.

Great post. TP

[KGs Knee]

folks should really get off there high horses and stop criticizing others who are being critical of Ray.

Yeah, for the most part I'm over this whole "situation".  I still don't have anything nice to say about Ray, but don't really care too much either.  The C's are probably better off anyway.

The audacity of those who seem to have this "holier than thou" attitude irks me though.  If some here want have fond memories of Ray, great.  Don't tell me I shouldn't feel however I want though.

Actually if you guys go back and actually read the posts, I don't think one single poster in this thread said people didn't have the right to feel jilted or angry or whatever. All a few of us said is that we don't understand the feeling.

Ray was a player here. A commodity this team had to do as they see fit as a basketball player. We paid him handsomely and he performed admirably. After the contract ends he can do what he wants the same way Ainge could have traded him any time he wanted. Its the nature of the business.

So before criticizing people as being "holier than thou" perhaps understanding what they wrote would be in order first. I don't think anyone was being critical of anyone's hurt feelings. I think some just don't understand why the people have hurt feelings, that's all.

Meh...sounds like rationalizing to me.

I did go back and read through the comments in this particular thread, and sure there were really only 2 or 3 comments I found to be of the "holier than thou" nature.  For what it's worth, I don't think any of your specific comment were.

That being said, over the last week, there have been a great number of such posts bemoaning and criticizing those of us who have been venting our frustration and severe dissapointment with Ray.  Denying that fact is closing you eyes to it.  But no, I will not post any references to specific quotes.  I'm not interested in further inflamming the matter.

I don't think I've once criticized anyone for having feelings of "fond memories" or "gratitude for his time here".  I just wish people would accept that there are those of us who see it differently.

Really though, we should all move on.  Ray is gone, he is now the enemy, and quite frankly I'm tired of discussing it.  I guess I really only have myself to blame for that though.  Sometimes I just can't help but throw in my two cents.

[KG Living Legend]

I can't blame Ray for leaving, although I hate it.  I appreciate what he did here.  Sure, the ad is PR, but whatever, it's more than some players do.

 I can blame him though. I mean he left millions on the table to play for the enemy. KG or Paul or Rondo would have never done that period.
 I'll take a line from the great M.J. "I don't know, I just thought he was more competitive than that".

[dark_lord]

thanks ray for everything.  i thoroughly enjoyed ur time here and appreciate all ur efforts.

now that ur a heat.....u suck!

 

[2dark]

The 'jilted lovers' thing is an okay analogy, as sports provoke really strong passions, like politics and religion, but in the end, I think war analogies work best for sports (which is why they are so frequently used, by both fans and players).

People are p---ed off because it's as though one of your soldiers, who you regarded as as brother, as family (another common sports analogy) with whom you've been to battle, fought tooth and nail with, experienced the incredible highs and lows with, suddenly, while the war is still raging, decides screw you guys; I'm going to switch sides to our mortal enemies and try to take you out, and oh by the way, for half the money.  The analogy works because it feels most like treason (although jilted lover works if you like that better).  In either case, it feels like an enormous betrayal of trust.  But it's not a bad or irrational thing to think that way.  We are indeed passionate about our team.  I think it's an entirely normal response.  Weird to me, from a fan's perspective, is the bloodless, measured, milquetoast response to Ray's defection approach.

Great analogy, but as always there is 2 sides to a medal.

Using your analogy correctly everyone would be more or less OK with your general sending your comrade to the "other side", and even those who wouldn't, would be far less vocal about it than in this situation.

If DA traded him to Mia I doubt people would react like this, and if you as a soldier have already been told by your superiors that you're leaving your brothers in arms to join some other side, the talk about brotherhood, family etc. would mean very little to you.

My take on all of this is that it is ok to be p---ed if you would be p---ed if Ray was traded to memphis too, if not cause "it is just buisness" than it is hypocritical to feel betrayed now when your soldier decides he will use his buisness side of equation and choose him next destination.

I know I m oversimplifying it a lot since his destination is cHeat, but I ask all of you calling him Judas would you be calling Danny Judas if he traded him to Mia for lets say N. Cole and 1st rounder?

If the answer is no than there is something wrong in your calculations:)

[thirstyboots18]

Actually I feel sorry for Ray.  He made a rash decision without really thinking it through or trying to correct what he
felt was a bad situation and IMO will soon regret his decision.  Maybe he does already.   

[dark_lord]

Actually I feel sorry for Ray.  He made a rash decision without really thinking it through or trying to correct what he
felt was a bad situation and IMO will soon regret his decision.  Maybe he does already.   

i disagree.  i think he has known for a while he would leave boston.  however, at the time, i dont think he knew he would leave for miami (or maybe he did, who knows)

[NYDan]

I don't doubt that offending the Celtics fanbase for bolting to Miami is not lost on him, but we've got a right to our feelings considering the circumstances as much as he had a right to feel slighted by management's decisions. A good guy but his place in Celtics lore is not for him to define anymore, time will take care of that.

[heitingas]

WHO cares?

Lebron Edited.  Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline. bag, did the same in Cleveland newspaper after he made his "decision".

Allen is a slimy snake.

[CapnDunks]

I was initially pretty angry. But I think this was Ray's best option. We all know fairly legitimate issues he had with the organization... the trade deadline call, Rondo is clearly not easy to share the backcourt with and I'm sure there's a lot more that we don't know about. Is he's technically a traitor? Yeah, I can't argue with that. Do I think he's classless fraud etc.? No.

He had reasons to leave Boston. As for the Heat, signing there just shows what we already know about Ray. He wants to win. He could have signed in a worse basketball situation for more money. Weren't other teams willing to offer him the full MLE? I just don't buy that he chose the Heat to "stick it to anyone" no matter how much it stings.

[thirstyboots18]

Actually I feel sorry for Ray.  He made a rash decision without really thinking it through or trying to correct what he
felt was a bad situation and IMO will soon regret his decision.  Maybe he does already.   

i disagree.  i think he has known for a while he would leave boston.  however, at the time, i dont think he knew he would leave for miami (or maybe he did, who knows)

I didn't say it was a quick decision...I said rash, in that he never faced the problem directly.  (Sort of like when a husband/wife expects the spouse to be a mindreader and know there is unhappiness, without saying anything.)  He has probably allowed this to fester for a while instead of confronting it.  He even said that he had not been  vocal enough...