Ray Allen's message in the Boston Globe

[perks-a-beast]

nice gesture by Ray but it doesn't change how hard he's getting booed when he comes back to the garden.

[Mencius]

It is absolutely a hollow gesture. Actions speak louder than words.

I couldn't agree more.

[wiley]

It is absolutely a hollow gesture. Actions speak louder than words.

I couldn't agree more.

The Celtics are the greatest franchise in basketball. 
A great basketball family.  But it's not a mafia sort of thing.....

People are acting like jilted lovers....then ready to see the business side of it when we land
this or that stud via trade.

[Interceptor]

I really can't believe how bitter people are about this.

Might have something to do with what he did, flying in the face of what he's said: stability, providing for his family, etc. Also that ludicrous 3y/27m counter-offer.

[Emmette Bryant]

That Ray always says the right thing.

[Celtics18]

Do we know if the wife and kids are staying in Boston, or if he's moving the whole family down to
Florida?  I wonder if he'll buy a house down there, or if he'll just rent himself a bachelor pad on South Beach?  

Mid life crisis?

[MJC03]

I think the problem most fans have is that Ray is making it out like he was forced out and that's just not true.  

He chose to take a 50% pay cut to go to the team that is the biggest obstacle to the Celtics and another title.  That's a slap in the face to the organization, players and his fans.  Why should the Boston fans not be upset?

He tried to screw the Celtics and now wants the fans in Boston to appreciate him?  He can't have it both ways.  This was nothing more than a way for Ray to try and deflect some of the negative hit his reputation has taken in Boston.

It actually makes me believe that the guy has a real ego problem.  It's not like he took the Miami job to help his career so his opportunity to show appreciation to the Celtics fans has passed.  

[Redz]

I really can't believe how bitter people are about this.

Might have something to do with what he did, flying in the face of what he's said: stability, providing for his family, etc. Also that ludicrous 3y/27m counter-offer.

Sure.  But his leaving might have just as much to do with some legitimate gripes and a personal judgment on his part that Miami would be a better situation for him.  He played hard and well while he was here and now he's moving on.  Doesn't detract from what he accomplished here (or his appreciation for the fans).

[CelticG1]

Ray made a personal, emotional decision not a business decision. 37 year old HOF's shouldn't have to be told that the grass isn't always greener on the otherside. I suspect he will find that out immediately with MIami

[TripleOT]

Well, some of the text in the ad is not true.  It should have said "For a portion of the past five years."  Allen obviously wasn't happy to be a part of the Celtics family for the past five years. 

This gesture only makes me dislike him more.  I hope he encounters a flesh eating zombie the first time he ventures over the MacArthur Causeway to the arena. 

[CelticHooligan3]

I think the problem most fans have is that Ray is making it out like he was forced out and that's just not true.  

He chose to take a 50% pay cut to go to the team that is the biggest obstacle to the Celtics and another title.  That's a slap in the face to the organization, players and his fans.  Why should the Boston fans not be upset?

He tried to screw the Celtics and now wants the fans in Boston to appreciate him?  He can't have it both ways.  This was nothing more than a way for Ray to try and deflect some of the negative hit his reputation has taken in Boston.

It actually makes me believe that the guy has a real ego problem.  It's not like he took the Miami job to help his career so his opportunity to show appreciation to the Celtics fans has passed.  

Great first post TP!

[BudweiserCeltic]

Bye Ray, nice knowing you.

[Clench123]

Pulease...this is nothing but a damage control and I can't believe people are starting to sympathize with this backstabbing piece of nothing.  He sure as hell wasn't thinking about these "fans" he's now thanking, and neither was he thinking about their feelings when he decided to leave in one of the most unprofessional manners.  

[BudweiserCeltic]

Pulease...this is nothing but a damage control and I can't believe people are starting to sympathize with this backstabbing piece of nothing.  He sure as hell wasn't thinking about these "fans" he's now thanking now, and neither was he thinking about their feelings when he decided to leave in one of the most unprofessional manners. 

Oh, he was thinking of the fans alright, he just took us for granted. He didn't think the reaction to his "decision" would be so "bad". Well wrong, Ray. You miscalculated.

[JBcat]

I still think a big reason why Ray left is because his relationship with Rondo went sour.  Rondo doesn't exactly seem like the easiest guy to get along with, and if you can't get along with the starting PG, it probably made it tough for Ray to come. I'm not saying that's the only reason, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a huge part in his decision making.

I thought ad was nice gesture by him.  He played hard and hurt for us. Most players probably wouldn't be playing with bone spurs knowing they would be a free agent soon.