Jailblazers "code of conduct"

Cool Texan · 08-07-2003, 02:12 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers announced plans for a player code of conduct and lower ticket prices in a full-page ad appearing in the sports section of Thursday's Oregonian.

The ad was accompanied by a seating chart with the new ticket prices.

Team president Steve Patterson unveiled the code during a special meeting with season-ticket holders Wednesday.

Patterson said the code has yet to be drafted, but it will be in place before the Trail Blazers open training camp in October.

But the team's pledge had 25 bullet points. Some of the promises to fans were:

* To evaluate charachter along with basketball talent when selecting players.

* To establish a player code of conduct and to hold our players accountable for their actions both on and off the court.

* To challenge every obstacle that would prevent us from taking quick and authoritative action for any behavior that compromises our expectation of our players acting responsibly at all times.

The Blazers' last few seasons have been marred by player arrests and quick exits from the playoffs.

The offseason got off to an inauspicious start when guard Damon Stoudamire was arrested July 3 at Tucson International Airport after authorities were called to the security checkpoint. Stoudamire allegedly had marijuana wrapped in aluminum foil in his pocket.

He was cited for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia in what became his third drug arrest in two years. Stoudamire has pleaded innocent.

Portland players also have gotten in trouble for confrontations with officials and for fighting among themselves.

1pump · 08-07-2003, 10:32 PM

So basically the Blazer management is stating that their players are going to held to the same standards as......well, the 500,000 other people who live in this city, as well as 11,000 season ticket holders.
What a concept.

The jury's going to be out on this one for a while. Verdict in June, or thereabouts.

AtWorkALot · 08-08-2003, 05:50 AM

I'll wait until I see some changes before I start getting excited. I heard we could've dumped Damon and Arvidas to Dallas for Nick Van Exel and Raef LaFrentz, but we didn't pull the trigger. Sure, it would suck to lose a legend like Arvidas, but he's way past his prime. His wife was the criminal in that family.

Lovestafish · 08-08-2003, 08:27 AM

I think it's about time someone stood up straight & said 'no more whining, act your age & obey the laws or you may not be a part of this team.' It really grates me when the rich & shameless get off because they're famous &/or can afford a good lawyer. If one of us happened to be in Kobe Bryant's place right now, we'd be in serious trouble & we wouldn't have people chanting our name outside the courthouse. No one would be saying it's okay, we started work when we were young, blah blah blah...... Yes, I have feelings about this issue.... Hats off the the Blazer Administration!

Hoosier Daddy · 08-13-2003, 02:53 PM

Unfortunately, since all pro athletes seem to have the same character issues to one degree or another, I don't know how realistic it is. But kudos for trying.

fishisabonus · 08-13-2003, 07:42 PM

The only thing I can do is

at the team now!

I want the old team.. the one with Clyde "the Glide" Drexler, Terry Porter, Buck Williams, Jerome Kersey, Kevin Duckworth, Danny Young, Wayne Cooper and Cliff Robinson, and the rest of the guys (can't remember names and/or spellings exactly).... you know the team... they gave Portland pride. And they were GOOD too!

CATCH AND EAT · 08-14-2003, 06:52 AM

Sounds great! Pass the doobie! :shocked:

pdxkevin · 08-14-2003, 07:08 AM

I for one feel the current blazers are doing me a big favor. Just look at all the money I am not wasting on tickets and can spend on fishing/camping/hunting stuff!

Will they change? Who cares! Not me. They lost my interest (and money) long ago. This will not bring me to a game (even with free courtside tickets).