Why I'm a Spurs Fan

Thought this would be a fitting way to get my 1000th post.<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>by Samr</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END--><br>
<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>SpursCentral Columnist</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--><br>
January 9, 2005<br>
<br>
<br>
I’m a Spurs fan because they’re the home town team. Nothing gives you a feeling quite like walking into a stadium full of 18,500 people and knowing that you’re all cheering for the same five players. Watching a Spurs games allows you to feel the full gamete of emotions. I was there to cheer along with almost nineteen thousand of my closest friends when the final buzzer sounded in game 6 of 2003 NBA finals. I gave hugs to everyone within reaching distance because I had just experienced the single greatest moment in my life. And so had they. I was there when Derek Fisher hit the shot with .4 seconds left and I felt the pain along with the larger portion of San Antonio. And I watched as a Lakers fan threw punches at a person in a Spurs jersey after the game was over. The season provides for so many emotional highs and lows that it becomes an addiction. Am single game can make your day or break your week. It’s an addiction, and it’s not illegal.<br>
<br>
I’m a Spurs fan because of David Robinson. I went to my first Spurs game and watched in amazement as the 7 foot center tore up every part of the Charlotte Hornets. And when the game was over, he was smiling. He was graciously doing interviews and showing off his extremely genuine persona which has made him a mainstay in the city’s history. David showed everyone that it was not about the money when he took a hit on his last big contract so that the Spurs could sign and retain other players. He demonstrated a passion for charity when he opened up the Carver Academy, which has remained the standard of excellence for other schools to follow. It wasn’t the points, the rebounds, or the blocks that made him fun to watch. It was his passion for the game. It was knowing that he was not only a good player, but a great person, and a true role model.<br>
<br>
I’m a Spurs fan because of Tim Duncan. While I enjoy the taunting, the flashy dunks, and all the generically NBA entertainment as much as the next guy, nothing is more awesome than watching Duncan calmly bank in shot after shot over a now embarrassed defender. Tim shows every young kid that he too can be a great player without being able to fly. He plays the game the right way, he’s pure. Tim is also modest. He’s better than most all the players in the league, and yet he doesn’t show, and he doesn’t care. He is just as happy to score 12 points, hand out 6 assists, and grab 13 rebounds as he is to score 25 points and take down 11 rebounds. When the Spurs won the championship in ’03, Duncan didn’t even realize how close he was to a quadrupled-double until a reporter asked him about it in the post-game press conference. For Duncan, it’s not the individual stats, it’s all about the win. He’s the superstar next door, and that’s why we love him.<br>
<br>
I’m a Spurs fan because they can afford to feed their families. The Spurs sign players based on character as much as talent. While there has been some notable exceptions, the Spurs pride themselves on being a team full of great people, and not just talented egos. The Pacers charge the stands to punch opposing fans. The Spurs charge into the stands to go for a loose ball, they apologize to whomever they landed on before returning to the play. Bruce Bowen, who is by no means making superstar money, agreed to take less in the first year of his contract so the Spurs could resign leaving players. The Spurs never complain about not getting enough money, wanting to be traded, or getting penalized because they were stun gunned at a party. They complain because some people won’t be getting presents on Christmas day. And then they go do something about it.<br>
<br>
I’m a Spurs fan because of the Coyote. The Coyote isn’t just some tacky costume that dances around center court, the Coyote is a part of the organization. And Tim Derk is part of the community. When he had to retire as the Coyote because of medical complications, the city opened their hearts and prayers for the person behind the costume. They did it because he did the same thing for them. When the Coyote steps out onto the court, he’s not just a furry mascot with a #2! jersey, he’s a part of the team. He’s a part of the SBC Center experience. Though his skits may not always be funny, you have to admire his effort. #2! has never meant to much.<br>
<br>
I’m a Spurs fan because the players are not only accessible, but humble. During Tim Duncan’s rookie year, when I was significantly younger, I saw him walking into the movie theater. I searched around for a pen and paper and ran out to ask him for his autograph. Noticing that I was wearing a Wake Forest shirt, the irony of which made me blush, he joked with me a bit and happily agreed to sign. The Spurs never skip post-game interviews, as a certain unnamed, self-proclaimed “Superman” once did. They would never even think about it. The truth is, the Spurs realize that they’re the only show in town. It’s their paid duty to provide the city with some level of excitement and joy, and they make sure that they take their job very seriously. The Spurs care about the city. They care about how the fans view them. And as anyone will tell you, they rarely disappoint.<br>
<br>
And finally, I’m a Spurs fan because they win. Because I mean, come on, everyone is allowed to be materialistic sometimes.<br>
<p>+++++++++++++++++++++++<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://donttakemeseriously.blogspot.com/"> The Samr Blog</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://somewhere-usa.blogspot.com">Somewhere, USA</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--> I did a spin-off blog by a fictional, OCD (obsessive complusive disorder) lawyer. Think "Catcher in the Rye" meets "As Good as it Gets" <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p204.ezboard.com/bsanantoniospurs62937.showUserPublicProfile?gid=blondie4spurs>Blondie4Spurs</A>  <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://homepage.eircom.net/~bray/em/orose.gif" BORDER=0> at: 1/9/05 4:13 pm<br></i>

Hahaha thats cool. Mine wouldnt be a story, I just liked basketball and the first team I saw at 6 years old was the team I liked. <br>
<br>
Plus the winning thing. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
Also, I think it was good thing too emotionally, now the Spurs to me are like a brother I never had. Tis' truely why I got the Spur inked onto my shoulder. I'm going to show this story to my friends Samr. Gj. <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.msnbc.com/modules/famulus/spt/images/NBA/24.gif" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p204.ezboard.com/bsanantoniospurs62937.showUserPublicProfile?gid=silverspurz>Silver Spurz</A> at: 1/9/05 5:12 pm<br></i>

<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :clap --><img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.sahoops.net/jackie/blondie4spursbanner.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--></p><i></i>

Congrats on your 1000th post and what a great way to achieve it. My favorite lines:<br>
He’s the superstar next door --- that's Timmy!<br>
They complain because some people won’t be getting presents on Christmas day. And then they go do something about it. --- And they don't do it for the headlines they could receive, they do it because it's important to them. <p><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.mistilynn.com/temp/banner.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--><br>
<!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:x-small;">"I haven't hit the big shots like Robert has. He's obviously been in the Finals and hit the big-game shots. There's never going to be another Robert Horry. I'm just trying to make my own footpath." Brian Cook, 11/30/04</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--> </p><i></i>

SamR, you always impress me with your insight. Nice post, and congrats on 1K. <p></p><i></i>

I love the Spurs for all that Sam mentioned, including the neat little fact that the players are accessible to the local media, unlike Randy Moss. I also love the Spurs organization because they treat their players well, their fans well, return phone calls and even make contacts for young, aspiring agents who represent some Brazilian talent.<br>
<br>
I also love the organization because they are able to retain their most talented players, unlike the Astros. <p><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6171/GD.jpg"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--></p><i></i>

Wonderfull article Sam.<br>
Awesome.<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :thumbsup --><img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/thumbsup.gif ALT=":thumbsup"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://nl.msnusers.com/_Secure/0OwD7d!kUbmI41zzLQ6DPI*FYQ3ceK!EAGHsn7Ds1fk822dJP8FoQFBq5*nMDTPoFUQzLb73iIzUWLmz5RhMQODGBigU7lIPm/alamo50.jpg"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--></p><i></i>

Some of this makes a ton of sense, but a lot of the same things could be said for many teams in the league. So I'll be a little constructive and see how the chips fall.<br>
<br>
"<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>I’m a Spurs fan because they’re the home town team.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->" - This makes perfect sense and is probably the number 1 reason for many fans to choose their teams.<br>
<br>
"<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>I’m a Spurs fan because of David Robinson.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->" - My feelings on Robinson are different. They have been expressed elsewhere, so I'll leave it at that. On a different note, I will say that many teams do have that "nice guy" on the team. <br>
<br>
"<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>I’m a Spurs fan because of Tim Duncan.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->" - Makes sense. No other team does have a Tim Duncan. <br>
<br>
"<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>I’m a Spurs fan because they can afford to feed their families.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->" - This is probably a slap at Sprewell's comments, but while his comment came off sounding really goofy with all the money they make, he does have a point. I will also comment that doing charity work in the team's town is not strictly a "Spurs' thing." Every other team does it, they just don't seem to publicize it as much. It is a legitimate reason to like a team, but a reason that a fan of any team can give. <br>
<br>
"<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>I’m a Spurs fan because of the Coyote.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->" - I don't know the story, but you talked about the person in the costume, so I can understand that. Most teams have mascots I have never met the Nets' mascot.<br>
<br>
"<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>I’m a Spurs fan because the players are not only accessible, but humble.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->" - I don't know how skipping a post-game interview makes one a bad person or egotistical. I'm not defending Shaq, because egotistical certainly could describe him. But what I'm saying is that this is another item that could apply to most teams. Most players aren't jerks. They do sign stuff when you hand it to them. But professional athletes are human beings and as human beings they do have bad days. <br>
<br>
"<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>And finally, I’m a Spurs fan because they win.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->" - Ultimately, this is what it comes down to. You are a fan because it is the home town team and you love them even more because they win. If they didn't win, you may not be fair weather, but many fans would have less interest. THis is just the facts of sports and those that attend the arenas they play in. <br>
<br>
Not a bad article over-all, but sometimes teams have a reputation for being "good guys" when in reality many teams could have that same reputation, it just isn't as publicized. <br>
<br>
I also think that San Antonio, being the small city that it is, has an advantage in the fact that there isn't any competition. The fans care about the Spurs and the organization has a wonderful PR staff because it is the only team in town. It is the only professional franchise to represent the city. <p></p><i></i>

Sam was giving his reasons why he is a fan...nowhere did he say that they were only his reasons. No one ever said that the charity work done by the Spurs was only done by the Spurs. It is sad that a lot of time the good that players do is overshadowed by the bad that some do. You are right, skipping an interview does not make you a bad person. Personally, I have no problem with that. If a player just busted his or her butt for a full game, win or lose they are probably tired and sore..the last thing they need is a microphone in their face. San Antonio, while not a small city (more negative stereotyping, SA is the 8th largest city in the US) does have only one major sports franchise. Because of that, even minor things are amplified. Things that in a city like LA or NY would go unnoticed. There are other professional teams here but they are on the minor league level. Oh and if Spreewell cannot afford to feed his family on what he makes, then he is in a world of hurt. <p><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>We few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></p><i></i>

In reference to Sprewell, he was referring not only to his children, but to his children's children and their children's children. I would love to be able to take care of several generations beyond me because I was particularly good at basketball. Sadly it won't happen.<br>
<br>
I'm not sure what you mean when you said, "Nowhere did he say that they were only his reasons." <br>
<br>
Sam speaks for Sam, so his reasons giving were his reasons. I'm sure others share some of those reasons, based upon the initial reaction to the post I would say that it is a given that others share some of his reasons. But I don't think he wrote it saying "All Spurs fans think this exact same way." Sam could say differently though.<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>

<!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>In reference to Sprewell, he was referring not only to his children, but to his children's children and their children's children.<hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END--> <br>
<br>
so you know Spreewell too then. <br>
<br>
Its an opinion piece, he expressed himself the best way he thought he should. Just because he did not do how you would doesn't make it wrong. <p><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>We few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></p><i></i>

I didn't say his opinion was wrong. And I believe Sprewell was the one that expanded upon his thoughts in a later interview while admitting what he said came off sound pretty foolish. <br>
<br>
While I still think Sprewell is a moron, I don't think the idea to provide as much money as possible for one's family is a bad idea. Trying to become as financially stable as possible seems like pretty good idea.<br>
<br>
Oh yeah, and I also forgot that this article missed "Family enjoyment." Many, maybe not Sam I don't know him, follow a team because their father, mother, grandparents, etc did. So watching a particular team is a passing of a tradition from one generation to another. <br>
<br>
It is something fathers and sons discuss on the phone. (Note: Fathers and sons could just as easily be fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, mothers and daughters etc.) Phone calls are made and bonding occurs. <p></p><i></i>

Maybe to Sam, that is not a reason. Just because it is for you does not make it universally so. <p><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>We few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></p><i></i>

I am a Spurs fan because I can appreciate the low-key style of play that the team tends to lean towards. Quietly taking care of business without being flashy, but still ultimately getting the W.<br>
I'm a Spurs fan because the fans are TRUE. We live and die with this team, and can't get enough information fed to us about the players/staff.<br>
I am a Spurs fan because of the Silver Dancers! What more do you need to know about that?!?!? <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :wiggle --><img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/wiggle.gif ALT=":wiggle"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
Finally, I am a Spurs fan because I ABSOLUTELY DETEST EACH AND EVERY DAMN THING ABOUT THE LAKERS!!!<br>
Are all those reasons enough to justify my enthusiasm for our great team in Silver and Black?<br>
<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :logo --><img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/logo.gif ALT=":logo"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/lol.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
well done my friend. That is the beauty of sports, if you want to like a team...there is no one standard or set reason..you can have any reason that suits you! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>We few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></p><i></i>