It’s always nice to see athletes thanking their fans, but Celtics fans are still mad that the 36-year-old Allen is leaving the Boston Celtics for the reigning NBA Champions, the Miami Heat.
Allen chose to take his talents to South Beach, presumedly to win a championship before he retires his sweet stroke. Allen is accepting half the money with the Heat’s offer of 1-year, 3 million rather than the Celtics offer of 2-years, 12 million.
Nonetheless, Allen still had a great run with the Celtics, helping them win an NBA Championship in 2008. Even if this is just a PR move by Allen, the intent may lesson the blow for his fans.
Maybe these ads will become a common event as players retire or switch teams. Recently, former Wings defensemen, Nik Lidstrom, placed an ad in the Free Press as did Albert Pujols in the Post-Dispatch after signing with the Los Angeles Angels over the St. Louis Cardinals last year.
Here is what Ray Allen said in the ad:
“Dear Celtics Fans,
For the past five years, my family and I took great pride in calling Boston home. We have loved living in the city, being members of the Celtics family and being part of your community. These memories will be cherished forever.
From my heart, THANK YOU Boston for this incredible journey.
Ray Allen #20″
[Boston.com] [Image: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky]
