I attended the Jets/Dolphins game today, basking in the hot sun of Miami. No doubt, it was a great game, and my team came out on top, though, the end of the game was a heart pounder. After the game, I went to see the players before they got on their buses to leave town. Many Jets fans were there, as well. This was my first time doing this. My impressions. My opinion, of course: 1. I was under the impression that football players get dressed up before they leave the stadium, like they do in the NBA. A large percentage of the Jets players were dressed like slobs -- totally unprofessional. Vernon Gholston was wearing an old t-shirt with a hole in it. Others wore t-shirts as well. I was surprised. Do all teams allow this? I think this laissez faire attitude contributes to gripe number two... 2. These are Jets fans in Miami -- people that follow the Jets and obviously are die hards. A few of the players signed autographs. Gholston did. David Bowens signed quite a few. But overall, in this very small area, the fans were totally ignored, as if they did not exist. Thomas Jones, Brett Favre, Laverneus Coles, Bryan Thomas, Nick Mangold, Leon Washington, Bubba Franks and many others, including Eric Mangini, refused to acknowledge the small crowd that waited so long to say hi to the Jets and maybe get some autographs. The players stood around, smiled and spoke with their friends and family, but the fans that gathered didn't exist to them. Maybe I'm overreacting, but I thought it was pathetic. If the Jets and/or their coaches/management are reading this, I would just say we put a lot into supporting you, and maybe you should be more professional in your demeanor and treat us fans a little better. Don't worry, I'm still a fan, even if you lost some of my respect for you.
I can say this as I have some experience with this, although mostly college and some NBA. These guys are profesionals. They have a job to do and unfortunately pleasing you or I isn't part of it. I think these guys were a bit exhuasted and probably just ready to head home and start preparing for the Pats. It was 100 degrees on the field today. I've seen the other side of this too, I've seen Coles throw his gloves into the crowd after games and hi five fans after games. There is a time and a place for what you were looking for, it's called training camp. For me it's spring training in baseball. When I was younger i would always go to the games in Arizona with some balls and I'd always leave with autographs because that's the time to do these things. As far as the dress thing I can say that while I personally think the dress code in the NBA is stupide guys should show a little pride in themselves and at least wear something presentable. I saw Cotch on the post game with a really nice suit and then you say Gholston had holes in his shirt. That's just wrong. Like I said I've been around college athletics and with the schools I've been around these guys always wear shirts and ties on the planes and to the arena or stadium. The women's teams always have to wear nice clothes. I understand your disapointment but understand it's not personal it's just what pr sports have become.
Do you realize how many fans these guys have? If they were to comply to every one of their wishes they'd have to no time to actually play any football.
@RichMiano: I would have to disagree w/you.I do consider 'pleasing' the fans as a big part of the professional athlete's business. IMHO, it´s because of the fans that most of these players are being paid money you and I can only dream of. To say 'hi' and to shake hands with guys who have been waiting in 100 degrees weather to meet you, I do not see it as such big of a favor. @uberchink: I believe all RedWhiteBlue&Green was expecting was a small gesture of appreciation by the players. 'Every one of their wishes'?...Come on.
