Love Letter from Captain Jack

MPM · Post #1 » by **MPM** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 6:48 pm

Just showed up in my inbox. Discuss among yourselves.

"Charlotte Bobcats
Personal Message from Stephen Jackson

Bobcats Fans,

People do not like to admit they are wrong, but my actions in Milwaukee last week resulted in an ejection and ultimately an NBA suspension for the next game. As a result, I let myself, my teammates and my coaches down, but more importantly, I let our fans down. In my heart, I know I have to adjust
my emotions on the floor and I vow to work harder than ever to not put myself or this team in that situation again.

I understand the rules that the NBA has established to govern players' behavior on the floor and I respect the job the officials have each night. NBA players are bigger, faster and more athletic than ever, so being able to call a perfect game each night and see every foul is tough, and I have to take that into consideration.

I play this game with all the passion, love and respect of those who came before me. It's a privilege to play professional basketball and I have been blessed with the talent and opportunity to play this game at a high level. In order for me to display those gifts, I have to be on the floor with my teammates. As a co-captain, I have to lead by example and I feel it's my obligation and commitment to thisteam to carry out those responsibilities.

I'm back tonight as we take on the New Jersey Nets, and I hope to continue bringing you memorable moments on the court and not for my behavior.

Sincerely,

Stephen"

dmutombo321 · Post #2 » by **dmutombo321** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 6:52 pm

No doubt Stephen penned that himself...

ajbry · Post #3 » by **ajbry** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 6:54 pm

Just got it too, and it's on Bobcats.com as well.

Initial thoughts:

- I wouldn't be surprised if this was prompted by MJ in some fashion.
- Joe Johnson is having a mediocre year and will be out for 4-6 weeks; if Jack wants to be an All-Star, this should be the time.
- The Bobcats organization is responding to fan concern about Jack and his technicals, and I think this was a good gesture on their behalf to recognize that.

MPM · Post #4 » by **MPM** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 7:24 pm

ajbry wrote:Just got it too, and it's on Bobcats.com as well.

Initial thoughts:

- I wouldn't be surprised if this was prompted by MJ in some fashion.
- Joe Johnson is having a mediocre year and will be out for 4-6 weeks; if Jack wants to be an All-Star, this should be the time.
- The Bobcats organization is responding to fan concern about Jack and his technicals, and I think this was a good gesture on their behalf to recognize that.

I thought he heard that I was upset with him and sent it to me personally. Damn.

Agree. It was a good (if not canned and expected) response from Jack/Bobs. Whether its utterly meaningless remains to be seen.

Post #5 » by **BigSlam** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 7:34 pm

MPM wrote:It was a good (if not canned and expected) response from Jack/Bobs.

You think it was an initative of Jax/The Bobcats?

I think this smacks of a Stern directive as a part of his punishment.

Jaruff · Post #6 » by **Jaruff** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 7:43 pm

Nah, I think he did this one himself. While he's an emotional player, he'll also admit when he's wrong. I'll take it in good faith that he initiated this letter though as ajbry said, MJ might have "encouraged" him to do it.

Or perhaps he came on these forums, realized the mass amount of bitching that was going on because he was suspended, and realized that he didn't want to piss us hardcore superfans off again.

That explanation sounds much better.

PS: Stephen, homie, while you may produce memorable court moments, your most famous moment is still thuggin' with Artest at The Palace.

MPM · Post #7 » by **MPM** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 7:45 pm

BigSlam wrote:
MPM wrote:It was a good (if not canned and expected) response from Jack/Bobs.

You think it was an initative of Jax/The Bobcats?

I think this smacks of a Stern directive as a part of his punishment.

Hmmm...wasn't my first thought, but I could see that. I definitely don't think it was initiated by Jack, but assumed it was the Bobcats organization (MJ). Stern does like to pull the strings though...

ajbry · Post #8 » by **ajbry** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 8:15 pm

I couldn't picture Stern mandating that Jack do this. Stern revels in how badly Jack is perceived - something like this would completely counteract that notion.

Post #9 » by **fatlever** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 8:21 pm

i dont think this was anything related to stern.

whether it was prompted by jax himself or mj, i think its a great thing. i love that the players and the team are still connecting with the fans in a way we did not see under previous ownership. obviously jax still has to prove himself on the floor. as they always say, actions speak louder than words.

MPM · Post #10 » by **MPM** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 9:45 pm

ajbry wrote:I couldn't picture Stern mandating that Jack do this. Stern revels in how badly Jack is perceived - something like this would completely counteract that notion.

Yep. Love him or hate him, Stern is not a dumb guy. He understands that the "tech rule" controversy, Jack's bad behavior, Lebron's saga, etc., all make for great theater (profits).

Marvel · Post #11 » by **Marvel** » Fri Dec 3, 2010 10:31 pm

Come on...MJ/Stern made me do it...

ajbry · Post #12 » by **ajbry** » Sat Dec 4, 2010 12:09 am

I'd say it was more genuine than a couple of you are making it seem:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/12/03/ ... bcats.html