Okay, I’m now officially doubling my donation to Fanster’s “New Suns Owner” fund.
If only…
In an interview with the East Vally Tribune, and also picked up by Austin Burton of Dime Magazine Online, Sarver places (much more directly) the blame on Suns leadership and veterans for the reason they weren’t in the playoffs. Much of this has to do with Sarver’s assertion that the players never bought into former head coach Terry Porter’s more methodical system, and had they played harder, they would’ve been in the playoffs.
Oh, and just wait for his comments regarding Alvin Gentry….
“Our players could have been more supportive of the coach, despite the fact they didn’t like playing for him,” Sarver said. “That could have potentially led us to win a few more games and get into the playoffs. The leadership didn’t come through as much as I would have liked it to.”
Gee, way to take the high road after the season is over, Robert. Take what you will from those comments, but if I were a player I would be infinitely pissed off at my owner for throwing me under the bus after the season ends. I’ll get to more of my thoughts on this in a little bit.
East Valley Tribune columnist, Scott Bordow, asked the obvious question about getting an extension for Alvin Gentry as the head coach. Before Sarver’s response, I would’ve bet my life that Gentry would return; now I’m not so sure. As a die-hard Suns fan, this was certainly not the response I wanted from Sarver.
“I’m hopeful he will be, but there are no guarantees.”
I’ll let that sink in for a moment….
…
WHAT? What the hell does “no guarantees” mean? If I’m the Suns organization, Gentry would’ve already received an extension and a press conference would’ve been called to announce it weeks ago. Yet, Sarver continues that there are ‘no guarantees’ for Gentry? Are you freaking kidding me? As I stated in this column about a month ago, I’ll quit if Gentry isn’t coaching this team (still not sure what I’ll quit yet, but I’m quitting it). Unfortunately, the response by Sarver is outrageous and, frankly, not that surprising.
From these comments, Sarver has now officially alienated virtually every good player, person, coach, and fan that’s been associated with the Suns over the past 5 years! Always nice to know the proverbial finger of blame is alive and well in the Suns organization.
Regarding the Shaq/Marion trade where Steve Kerr has adamantly admitted that he recognized it didn’t work out and accepts the blame (something I very much respect), Sarver says this…
“In hindsight, I still think it was the right thing to do. Obviously, we’ve won only one playoff game. But I don’t think we were going where we wanted to go with Shawn. I’m a person that’s willing to take risks and go for it. I’m happy we did.”
Awesome, Robert. Way to contradict everything you’ve said about winning, taking risks, and being responsible. It’s great to know that one of sports best organizations is led by someone with very little integrity, honor, character, and dignity. I’ve typically defended the management but these comments by Sarver in this article are indefensible. Would you ever hear Jerry Colangelo say something like that? Hell no. I’m so sick and tired of all the finger pointing and blaming that has riddled the Suns over the past 5 years and it starts at the very top with Sarver.
Why on Earth would anyone want to come and play for the Suns anymore? If I’m a free agent, why would I come to an organization that has made it a point to place blame on the players and not pay them? Why would I go to a Suns team that has virtually run every Sarver has quickly and effectively created an environment where it’s apparently “okay” to blame others. Comparing this situation with the late Utah Jazz owner, Larry Miller, it makes me long for someone similar in the Suns front office with a passion for community giving and advocacy. Instead, we get someone who complains to security guards that fans are too close and waves his arms like a chicken at opposing teams. When you think of someone with integrity and honor, picturing them acting like a “chicken” has to be at the top of your list, right?
For the love of God, Robert…please stop talking. Just stop. Stop talking about the past, the future, money, how you have a high payroll, and about paying the luxury tax. Oh, and FYI, probably not a good idea to talk s–t about your veterans after a tough season. Please just shut up and spend the money it takes to get us a winning product. Stop waiving your foam finger and for goodness sakes, please stop talking to other teams about potential deals with your players! You’re only screwing things up. Maybe with Rick Welts being promoted to CEO things will change. Or maybe they won’t.
But whatever happens…Please. Shut. Up.
