Stephen Jackson made some statements over the weekend that apparently got the Warriors' attention. On Monday, they issued a statement in response to Jackson's statements.Jackson made it clear on Friday he doesn't want to be a Warrior anymore. But less than 10 months ago, as he was personally negotiating a contract extension with team president Robert Rowell, Jackson talked of wanting to be a "Warrior for life."
Jackson wound up securing a three-year, $27 million extension last November. The Warriors' statement from general Larry Riley follows:
"Stephen Jackson has been a true professional since arriving here three seasons ago, and our expectations of him have not changed despite his recent comments. He's been one of our most consistent and productive players during that time. We expect that same display of professionalism as we begin to prepare for training camp and the start of the upcoming regular season.
"As far as his remarks on playing for a championship ... that's not the first time we've heard it because that's the goal that he sets up for himself and his teammates every season. That's the type of confidence that he exudes as a player and the reason that he has endeared himself to our fans. That's who Stephen Jackson is.
"We have always understood his desire to contend with the NBA's best; that's an aspiration that is shared by our entire organization. We will continue in our quest to achieve that goal, and to be aggressive in pursuit of those results."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-31-2009 @ 9:05PM
mcjesus666 said...
ever since karl malone and gary payton went to the lakers for no money in a failed attempt to win a championship; i am appalled by the lack of loyalty by player to the franchise, the cities they play for, and ultimately the fans who pay said players salaries. Has the NBA become MLB? And I don;t want to hear how the owners have no loyalty, plenty of players get paid well for playing good only during "contract years". Reggie Miller had it right.........oh yeah, stephen jackson sucks so bad that no one even remembers it was him who went into the stands with artest!
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8-31-2009 @ 9:24PM
Giles said...
I think, particularly in Karl Malone`s case, he basically retired and went to the Lakers, pushed his luck, got injured, then fully retired. I don`t think he held Stockton, who retired when Malone left, or Sloan, in low regard. He was friendly with Shaq, and wanted to play with him in retirement. Shaq has plenty of good side, and the alternative to being on his good side is being on his bad side. Wilt Chamberlain was a more productive player than Shaq, but even he would have been much more comfortable on Shaq`s good side. And if LeB J wants a championship, he should lead the association in assists, passing the ball in to the former has been. Loyalty is a two way street. Reggie Miller wasn`t loyal to his wife, tried to date another man`s fiance, but he and the Pacers were loyal to each other. Few other examples since Stockton retired, though. The Knicks dumped Pat Ewing, which is why he is an assistant coach for Orlando not New York now. Maybe his son will get a try out with the Magic? Can`t shoot, wing forward size, won`t make the team, but might be a nice gesture to try him. Loyalty, even slogans like Celtic Pride, is a retro notion anymore, in marriage, not just sports. Half of Americans cheat on five marriages, divorce from all five. But it is a fad I would like to see make a comeback.
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8-31-2009 @ 11:47PM
mstski said...
i only wish he had said he wanted to leave a month ago so we could have kept bellineli..was at a warrior game 2 yrs ago.. front row behind the scorers table... the usher was bad mouthing jackson.. calling him the "black hole" meaning once he gets the ball he never passes.. the usher was right.. i say good riddens.. can only hope we get something in a trade for him...
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