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Blazers Issue Threat to the League!!!!!!!!

blazerhopeful just reported in a fanshot link that the Blazers issue a league wide warning (i used the word "threat") to GMs and Presidents of NBA teams trying to sign Miles:

Here's some juicy excerpts:

"The Portland Trail Blazers will take all necessary steps to safeguard its rights, including, without limitation, litigation,'' wrote Blazers president Larry Miller in an e-mail addressed late Thursday night to all NBA team presidents and general managers. SI.com was provided access to the memo by an NBA team executive.

"Team Presidents and General Managers,

"The Portland Trail Blazers are aware that certain teams may be contemplating signing Darius Miles to a contract for the purpose of adversely impacting the Portland Trail Blazers Salary Cap and tax positions. Such conduct from a team would violate its fiduciary duty as an NBA joint venturer. In addition, persons or entities involved in such conduct may be individually liable to the Portland Trail Blazers for tortuously interfering with the Portland Trail Blazers' contract rights and perspective economic opportunities.

"Please be aware that if a team engages in such conduct, the Portland Trail Blazers will take all necessary steps to safeguard its rights, including, without limitation, litigation.''

A team executive said it was "unprecedented'' for an NBA team to threaten a lawsuit against a rival for signing a player who is a free agent.

Full Link:

Full Article from Sports Illustrated

I personally think this is intense but it will backfire...

  • GMs and Presidents have egos...they don't like to be threaten
  • KP will have a harder time trading players because some GMs will find this insulting.
  • Miles will sue
  • David Stern might get mad since he likes to be in control.

Why didn't the BLazers just wait and take it up with the League and Stern? 

I guess Mile's cap space is a BIG DEAL.  I don't know why, but this makes things sooo much more exciting before the trade deadline.

Edit:  after much discussion and paranoia, seems to me the Blazers will be fine...thanks again BEdge members for a fun night.

 

12 recs | Comment 647 comments

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yep, its on the cover of Yahoo too

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba;_ylt=Ai8sX9cB4SrgbSCh56uZZUA5nYcB

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 9:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

here's the link not broken

Yahoo’s NBA Front Page

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 9:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

forget it...it's not letting me link...

just go to sports.yahoo.com

then click on NBA

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 9:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think it's fake because

“perspective economic opportunities.” is such an obvious mistake when the word “prospective” is what was meant. If someone running a team doesn’t know the difference, then I want their job.

by raoulduke on Jan 8, 2009 9:56 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

also "tortuously interfering"

That sounds like enhanced interrogation at Gitmo.

The author meant to say tortiously interfering, as in, doing something that is actionable in tort.

The question we should really ponder is not why al-Zeidi could be so impolite as to throw his shoes at Bush, but why the dozens of other shoes in the room remained on people's feet, why no foot odor ever purifies the air at a White House press conference, why a man who throws his shoes at our president is more popular than our president himself.

by MT Suit on Jan 10, 2009 1:33 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Despite what some say, this 9 million dollars in cap space is quite important

I’m glad the Blazers are doing something about it, even if they don’t have all the power in the world to back it up. I’d prefer Miles not playing the rest of the way, to almost all the trades (non-homeristic trades) I’ve heard on this site.

by as11osu on Jan 8, 2009 9:56 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wonder how Dave feels about this...

because after reading his post, I didn’t think it was a big deal for us…or maybe he meant they plan for this already, and the warning was part of it….

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:00 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I feel fine

This doesn’t necessarily mean this is a Big Deal in terms of, “Oh jeepers, we’re SCREWED if Miles is signed!!!” I see this as the Blazers simply trying to protect territory as they see fit.

In poker terms this is like defending your blind. You’re trying not to get pushed around. But that doesn’t mean if you lose this pot anyway you’re out of the tournament.

I doubt it will work, though.

—Dave

by Dave on Jan 9, 2009 12:12 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is very much real. Also reported on Yahoo

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ap5rPz2HYLSwbMDzGcMDGba8vLYF?slug=aw-blazersthreat010809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

by as11osu on Jan 8, 2009 9:57 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow, just wow

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 8, 2009 9:58 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we come off as douchebags here

I hope this doesn’t keep other teams from trading with us.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Jan 8, 2009 9:59 PM PST reply reply actions actions   2 recs

the spelling error was probably due to the GM who leaked it to the media...

my guess is Danny Ainge and he was re-typing the hand written letter…

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't you mean copying it in crayon on a cocktail napkin?

Or maybe that was McHale…

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 10:04 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he asked Stephon Marbury to write it...

as part of his homework before joining the team

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

dude, I don't think you're right about that

Because “perspective” as an adjective means “relating to or represented by perspective [noun]” it can refer to things being seen as perceiving things in relation. Which although not as germaine as the word “prospective,” does not make it wrong. It makes it different.

[I’m spelling ‘germaine’ wrong to bug you, it’s with a ‘mane.’

by rmcdougall on Jan 8, 2009 10:07 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahah..i can't help here...

english is not my first language or my second…so because it’s my third, i can live with the fact that these things don’t bother me. it’s all about tone…and the tone of this message is pretty clear…“we have a loaded shotguni, so don’t make a move.”

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Perspective is correct

“Perspective” has to do with “relative”. If teams sign Miles to benefit from luxury tax, they are attempting to lessen the Blazers’ income and increase their own. They are interfering with the perspective income by attempting to redirect revenue from the Blazers (by hitting our luxury tax) to themselves.

If a luxury tax payer signs Miles, this statement probably doesn’t apply. If a luxury tax receiver signs him, it does.

If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President

by jscot on Jan 8, 2009 11:20 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i'm sure

that everything kp does is well calculated and thought out. so far we’ve seen moves that he has made and unreported moves (that ben has shared with us) that don’t seem too obvious at first, but with time they have all panned out. kp has always been a couple steps ahead in the game of chess. i dont know what hes trying to pull here…but theres gotta be something if hes showing his hand this early.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 10:48 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey jksnake99!!!!!!!!!

One of the things my 8 year old son and I share is our love of the Blazers and reading Blazers Edge. After reading your comment he asked me what a douchebag was. I’d appreciate it if you could provide the answer for him here at the Edge.

by fat27 on Jan 9, 2009 2:13 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahahahaha

Fat27 is a giant hygienic irrigation device bag.

lulz. (and y is a kid up at 2:30)???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj8DgWnbVng&feature=bz303
MVP *** MVP *** MVP
I've never scored more than 38 ..... not even in Little League.

by Portland89 on Jan 9, 2009 2:32 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no name calling

not nice

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 9, 2009 2:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just joking about the previous comments.

all in good fun mate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj8DgWnbVng&feature=bz303
MVP *** MVP *** MVP
I've never scored more than 38 ..... not even in Little League.

by Portland89 on Jan 9, 2009 2:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

fat might not live in portland

thus we dont no wut time it iz where hes at

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 9, 2009 2:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You don't know where he is posting from.

Just because it clocks in at 2 AM PST, doesn’t mean it is 2 AM poster’s time.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Jan 9, 2009 3:56 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If he's 8 he should know what a d-bag is...

I mean, you haven’t sat him down for the douche bag talk yet?

Catalina-Wine-Mixer.

by ArbyOSU on Jan 9, 2009 9:02 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not worried about it.

We are tough, this is how KP and LM roll.

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:03 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE! What happened to “In KP We Trust?”

The Kings have the best bench I’ve seen. There are easily 14 guys on this team good enough for every bench in the league. Now if we could only get some starters, I’d totally jizz in my pants.

Kings fan

by dyshooter182 on Jan 8, 2009 10:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we still trust him 100%...just giving our opinion of an unprecedented move by the Blazers...

to sue other NBA GMs…hahahah…that just sounds funny to me.

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:19 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah I understand

I’m not saying you can’t have opinions about this. Just doesn’t seem nearly as bad as others think it is.

The Kings have the best bench I’ve seen. There are easily 14 guys on this team good enough for every bench in the league. Now if we could only get some starters, I’d totally jizz in my pants.

Kings fan

by dyshooter182 on Jan 8, 2009 10:22 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

paul wrote this?

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:44 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep. This isn't a message from KP.

This is Larry Miller and Paul Allen, with KP fully in the loop, I’m sure.

I would not be surprised if the NBA front office was aware of this in advance.

by Timmay! on Jan 8, 2009 10:51 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would be shocked if the NBA didn't know about this beforehand

KP has known that the preseason games counted for months. This course of action has been in their back pocket the entire time, which is why KP didn’t seem worried when the preseason games news broke yesterday as he already had this ready to go.

Nothing KP does is reactionary.

by tingeyga on Jan 8, 2009 11:19 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No....

KP does NOT report to LM. They are both at the top of each side of the Org Chart. KP is tops on the basketball side and LM is tops on the business side, and both report to Paul.

by fat27 on Jan 9, 2009 2:00 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow

I really don’t know how I feel about this? And I know it’s not about the $$$, esp. when you’re team owner is PA….and I know that PA probably isn’t behind this..but I can’t help but feel like a guy walking down the road, and I spot a 20 on the ground, and as I reach for it, Paul Allen steps on it, shouting, “Dibs!”

by Griff on Jan 8, 2009 10:04 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's like that, but not quite

It’s like you spotting a twenty, reaching for it, then having someone yell “Although I will not myself be taking that $20, I will club anyone who does.” The result would be a bunch of people circling around the $20 and just wishing they could have it, but not wanting to take on the guy with the club.

by rmcdougall on Jan 8, 2009 10:09 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

actually

It’s like telling somebody if you pick that $20 up it’s going to cost you $50

by nikolokolus on Jan 8, 2009 10:40 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doubtful...

Any court costs incurred by this ridiculous threat would no doubt be paid by the Blazers when a right minded judge deems it all baseless conjecture.

Nocioni has an Olympic gold medal, a bronze medal and a EuroLeague MVP, and now… His legs are broken! Coming to an arena near you.

by Khalid El-Amin on Jan 9, 2009 12:18 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's precisely what a counter suit is for.

Nocioni has an Olympic gold medal, a bronze medal and a EuroLeague MVP, and now… His legs are broken! Coming to an arena near you.

by Khalid El-Amin on Jan 9, 2009 12:18 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Blazers are being this bold it means two things

1. They are absolutely sure of their righteousness on this issue of Darius. They are medically backed up by a league approved doctor. They have had time to consider this threat and this is not an off the hip reaction.

2. Their IS a master plan and KP doesn’t want ANYBODY messing with it.

I actually like this threat. I must be an illiterate whiney dbag.

by tweener on Jan 8, 2009 10:04 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, that's the intense part...

we’re not backing down…i hope the players read this.

even though it doesn’t come across quite right…hahahaha

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:06 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think

that if 1 is true…he wouldnt really say anything and just sue when a team decided to play them…theres gotta be a reason he is showing his hand so early. 2 seems more likely…especially with kps track record. it seems like he is creating a distraction to hide his true intent.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 10:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If the Blazers have such a good case.....

why didn’t they sue Boston or Memphis for signing Miles in the first place? This is smoke, mirrors and intimidation from Paul. No lawsuit will ever be filed.

by fat27 on Jan 9, 2009 2:21 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They didn't sue Boston or Memphis

Because those teams made good faith efforts that they wanted Miles for his basketball skill and not for his ability to hurt Portland’s cap space and/or put Portland over the luxury tax threshold. Boston playing Miles 6 times in the preseason and Memphis signing him and having him serve a suspension seem like reasonable actions if you think that a player will help you.

Now with Miles sitting 2 games away from messing with the Blazers, any team could sign him to a 10-day contract, play him twice and pocket the Blazers luxury tax payment. That is an action designed solely to harm another franchise and enrich your pocketbook.

by tingeyga on Jan 9, 2009 2:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And maybe Travis won't launch an ill-advised fadeaway 17-footer on Saturday, too

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 10:06 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

but he'll launch a 7 footer FTW!!!

i love trout.

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:07 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey, I didn't say Travis wouldn't MAKE the shot

But I do know that we’ll all be yelling “Travis, NO!” when he puts it up

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 10:10 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i know

his go to move:

run into a pack of defenders, jump, turn in the air and throw it up.

never once have i seen him plant before he shoots.

always the running fadeaway…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj8DgWnbVng&feature=bz303
MVP *** MVP *** MVP
I've never scored more than 38 ..... not even in Little League.

by Portland89 on Jan 9, 2009 2:39 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can you plagiarize yourself?

I don’t think it’s immoral or anything, but it was kinda jarring when I found myself reading something he had written the day before.

From Adrian Wojnarowski’s article last night:

ny team in the NBA simply can sign Miles to a 10-day contract, play him twice and punch out one of the summer’s top free-agent destinations.

From his article today, that we’re referencing:


Any team in the NBA can sign Miles to a 10-day contract, play him twice and punch out one of the summer’s top free-agent destinations.

by rmcdougall on Jan 8, 2009 10:15 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Plagiarism? No.

Laziness? Perhaps.

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 10:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

plagiarism

C’mon! When you’ve gone to all the trouble to think up an expression as apt and original as “punch out” it’s just a waste to use it only once. It’s solid pulitzer!

by cantdunk on Jan 8, 2009 10:38 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL

Punch out didn’t really make sense the first time, which is why I thought of it the second time.

Abbot and Dave both said that Miles going on our books DOESN’T punch/knock/kick us out of anything. So he’s lazy, bad at thinking word-choice, and wrong?

Note: I actually don’t think he’s a bad writer, just laughing at how this one sentence has looked out of context.

by rmcdougall on Jan 9, 2009 12:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I asked my teacher that one time

she said it’s impossible to plagarize yourself, but I thought it was pretty tacky.

"Man with 1 chopstick go hungry." ~W.P.

by prezofdeath on Jan 9, 2009 12:48 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In Happier News

The Clippers signed Freddy to a 10 day deal.

by TheTinfoil on Jan 8, 2009 10:17 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not happy for Freddy

He’s still with the Clippers

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 10:17 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahahahahahaha

yes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj8DgWnbVng&feature=bz303
MVP *** MVP *** MVP
I've never scored more than 38 ..... not even in Little League.

by Portland89 on Jan 9, 2009 2:35 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The did beat us though.

Ugh!

My favorite teams are the Blazers and any team that is playing the Lakers.

by OCBlazerFan1 on Jan 9, 2009 11:20 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There are at least two errors

“Tortuously interfering” should be “tortiously interfering.”

I have to wonder whether this letter is illegal in itself. Miles could argue that the team is tortiously interfering with his ability to sign with another team. Seems like a dumb move.

by Kaboomm on Jan 8, 2009 10:18 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you guys serious?

Douchebags, Embaresses, Fake, just some of the words i read about the press release. Really? i mean come on people, we have other teams wanting to sign a guy not to help there team but to ONLY hurt us. Let me just say that again loud and clear, TO HURT US. I was frankly angry when i heard other teams were most likely going to sign Miles to a 10 day simply to mess with our cap space. Keep in mind we did our due diligence and made the best, and most informed decision on Darius. We did things the right way, PERIOD. I have no problem losing to any other team in the league due to fair play and sportsmanship because lets not forget that is the essence of sports. rmccdougall just posted something re-enforcing what i am saying, GOOD call man. We have the richest owner in the league and if he says “look mess with us and we’ll mess with you back” i see nothing wrong with it and further more i am glad our owner cares so much. I think it is extremly bad form to conduct and organization this way.

by blazerbeliever97504 on Jan 8, 2009 10:19 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

amen

Its not that we are trying to hinder Miles ability to play, we are just protecting ourselves against teams deliberately looking to hurt us for their benefit.

Miles is almost an after thought in all of this, he is just a dollar sign to these teams.

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:21 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

sorta

i think we are trying to hinder miles ability to play…which is why him suing us was brought up…but yes we are protecting ourselves as well. if what the other nba teams did warranted a lawsuit…why not just sue them then? why make the threat? i think there is more to this.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 10:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Obviously, the Blazers are hoping that the threat if litigation will keep teams from signing Miles

The Blazers don’t want to sue; they want to protect their cap space.

If another team has real interest in DM as a player on the court, fine. If somebody is just trying to play him for a couple of games so they can screw the Blazers and collect a little luxury tax, then not fine.

I am not a lawyer and am not sure of how strong the Blazers legal position is on this matter, but I do know that the threat of litigation implies lots of hassle and potentially substantial amounts of legal fees. Obviously Paul Allen has deeper pockets than most. I hope this gambit works.

by upper left corner on Jan 9, 2009 1:57 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

some teams could sign him because they think he can play...not all GMs are smart....

remember, a few GMs (other than Ainge) and scouts said Miles still had game when they saw him over the summer. so a 10 day contract is worth the risk to a lot of bad teams looking for some help.

i think some of us are saying that we would just go about it a different way…i personally would wait until it actually happens then take it up with the Leauge and CBA…because it was a LEAGUE doctor that declared it a career-ending injury.

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:26 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

but how can you prove one is malicious and one GM really wanting to give him a shot?

just play your cards after it happens

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:30 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Totally disagree.

Your missing the point.

The Blazers don’t want to sue, they want to intimidate teams into not signing DM unless they have real interest in his skills on the court.

Taking action after they have lost the cap space is too late.

by upper left corner on Jan 9, 2009 2:00 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we don't know what point they are trying to make.........

we don’t know if it’s too late if they take it up to the league after he gets 10 games in and we don’t know if they are trying to intimidate…

for all we know, this could have already been discussed with the league and Stern….

so i’m not sure it’s valid for you to tell others they are missing the point when we are all speculating…

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 9, 2009 8:19 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not saying it wasn't the right move by the Blazers

I’m just saying I wonder if other teams will want to deal with us after this.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Jan 8, 2009 10:29 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think they will

its a business. this sorta stuff happens in business. its a dog-eat-dog world out there…

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:29 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if I were some other team

I’d sign Darius as a big eff-you for this, and I’m quite certain that my ego’s microscopic compared to the gents running the average NBA show. The reptilian part of my brain is diggin’ it, but that pesky frontal cortex keeps sayin’ “Gee, I dunno about this…”

by BlazersOrBust on Jan 8, 2009 10:30 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

then KP

would sue you…surely nba owner are feeling the pinch from the recession.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 10:54 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Have you seen the cost of litigation lately?

These other owners with few exceptions are sabatoguing their own teams to stay under the luxury tax. They save what, $3-5M? Vulcan’s money can make them poor in a hurry and as OKC, as well as the MSG dunderheads discovered to their dismay, the discovery process looks at every phone call and every email and every memo and takes depositions from key personnel. If even one of those has said a word of sticking it to the Blazers he personally will be in bankruptcy court soon.

Want to pick a fight with a guy? Better know about his big brother who will pound you. This is not about ego. It is pure and simple survival. What team in the NBA has not talked about hoping we lose our cap space? My guess is none.

whoo, Katy bar the door! - Maurice Lucas anticipating Greg Oden's development

by lee3022 on Jan 8, 2009 11:46 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

excellent post.....

lee3022. Right on the money!

by fat27 on Jan 9, 2009 2:31 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, i agree

those teams are douchebags.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj8DgWnbVng&feature=bz303
MVP *** MVP *** MVP
I've never scored more than 38 ..... not even in Little League.

by Portland89 on Jan 9, 2009 2:38 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

really?

thats not nessassary

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 9, 2009 2:39 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Embarrassed

Okay, I’m going to stop correcting stuff now. (It’s not just a habit, it’s actually my job.)

by Kaboomm on Jan 8, 2009 10:21 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Kaboom

Last sentence should have read: …..Bad form to conduct “ANY” organization……. LOL :-D

by blazerbeliever97504 on Jan 8, 2009 10:24 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you'll excuse me, ...

I have to go and correct every single post by Maid Tu Rek now. Seeya.

by Kaboomm on Jan 8, 2009 10:35 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mwahahahahahaaaa

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 8, 2009 10:42 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL

Thats better than when MTR misspelled REC.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 11:21 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is the right thing to do

The blazer have the right to protect them selfs from some jack asses that would only sign a player to screw over the blazers. I am very dissapointed with some of the Blazer Edge memebers who are incapable of seeing what this really is, this is NOT a threat agianst signing Darius, this is a threat against signing him with the sole purpose of hurting the blazers.
Also look at this from Darius side, how would it be fair to Darius if a team were to sign him with the sole purpose of hurting the Blazers. Darius would not be givin an opportunity to show he can actually still play, he would just be treated like a piece of meat, then after completing his two games thrown out. All this does is tell teams that if your gonna sign Darius it better be becasue you think he can still play, not just to screw the blazers!

by ggassen85 on Jan 8, 2009 10:24 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What I wanna know

is how the suits at One Center Court are planning on differentiating between a team that legitimately wants to sign Darius because they see something in him and one that wants to put the screws to the Blazers. Sue them all and let the judge sort it out! — the 19th century aphorism updated for today.

by BlazersOrBust on Jan 8, 2009 10:26 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Miles plays lotsa minutes

the Blazers probably have little case.

If Miles makes two appearances in garbage time, then vanishes, the Blazers may well have a case.

by EngineerScotty on Jan 8, 2009 10:43 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think

teams doing what you described violates the essence of the rule. thats why it feels so wrong.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 10:55 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

but it fits the letter of the law

and thats whut other teams are looking at. u take advantage where u kan

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 8, 2009 10:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think so Scotty

The existence of any conversation in their organization about hoping the Blazers lose their cap space (isn’t that everyone?) would be enough to negate any subsequent play. It is not about performance. It is about intent.

whoo, Katy bar the door! - Maurice Lucas anticipating Greg Oden's development

by lee3022 on Jan 8, 2009 11:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!

It’s ballsy. It’s butch. It’s studly. KP showing the rest of the NBA that you come across us, try to come in our neighborhood, you die. It’s obvious that DMiles’ money is important to Pritch, so instead of Pritch Slapping the NBA on Draft Day, he’s about to Pritch-Litigate anybody who dares mess with him or his master plan.

OH I love Kevin Pritchard. I’m a man, but I’m willing to carry his child one day.

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:26 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkKch-CAlgM

forgot the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkKch-CAlgM

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:29 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beat me to the reference

Although it wasn’t too long ago that we were talking about Darius being FAT!

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 10:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

hahahahaha

ahhh mike gundy

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

one of the comments was

“Now thats a coach I’d play for.” lol couldnt agree more

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 8, 2009 10:49 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahahaha

me too! I wanted to post “are you 40?” but thought nobody would get it.

by BlazersOrBust on Jan 8, 2009 10:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Clearly.

Community as big as this one, I shouldn’t even worry about people not getting my free association. I’ll just throw it out there and SOMEBODY among the masses will have had a similar thought.

by BlazersOrBust on Jan 8, 2009 10:33 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

huh? that's the basis of my response...hahahah

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:34 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hey the fact that you guys got that reference

without me evening meaning to make that reference, is good enough for me.

im still laughing my ass off about that video. perfect timing broyposse

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:35 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think we're all a lot more perceptive than we think we are

We shouldn’t bedowngrade each other

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 10:35 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bedowngrade?

is that like daScripclubs?

"Step up to my mic!!!" Joel's right and left fist

by broyposse on Jan 8, 2009 10:36 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know

I just thought that nobody was gonna get it, so I didn’t, and then YOU posted it and like six different people were like “Oh that’s just what I was thinking!”So I was remarking that it was funny that I thought nobody was gonna get it and everybody did. That’s all.

by BlazersOrBust on Jan 8, 2009 10:35 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I ABSOLUTELY HATE THIS

This is like Portland acting like the Yankees or Celtics (throw in whatever douchbag team you hate)…. The Blazers are now douchbags instead of the Jail Blazers, nice.

"Hightide was the only "Yes" vote" - parkinglotj

Joel Freeland=Stud

by hightide on Jan 8, 2009 11:29 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This has nothing to do with the actual Blazers

Calm down. Its a front office deal. The Blazers are not douchbags.

"When I have the ball, I experiment." #5

by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 8, 2009 11:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed

Plus i love the big lebowski refence

by blazerbeliever97504 on Jan 8, 2009 10:29 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There might be even a deeper strategy

I could foresee this happening:

- Team X signs Miles
- Blazers file complaint with the league
- Blazers file lawsuit if necessary
- NBA decides to resolve the dispute by changing the rule or granting Portland an exemption. Lawsuit goes away.

This would be only right because Miles was waived a long time ago in good faith, and if he’s playing for another team he shouldn’t be a Portland salary. So maybe the PTB are angling for that kind of a resolution.

by Kaboomm on Jan 8, 2009 10:30 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i can see that

i think this is some kinda distraction only to draw attention away from the real purpose.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 10:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agree with that line of thinking

Miller and KP are laying the groundwork for the NBA to want this to go away quickly and easily should Miles play 2 more games and the $9 million disappear. I don’t know if this is the best way to go about it, but it’s certainly the most direct.

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Jan 8, 2009 11:29 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow.

It’s all about to break loose.

I rarely say this, but I look forward to Jason Quick’s inevitable article tomorrow.

Like a few others, I wonder how this affects KP’s relationship with other GM’s for trade purposes. Sure, it’s all business, but it’s a very small club they’re a member of.

If he plans to sign a free agent… well then this will have blown over before he starts trading again anyway.

by Timmay! on Jan 8, 2009 10:31 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I doubt that it makes much of a difference

Have you read “Moneyball”? There is an entire chapter in that book about how Billy Beane (the KP of baseball) works his trade magic and paints a picture of how Billy totally bamboozles other GMs. The trading chapter includes this paragraph:

[Steve] Phillips, like every other GM who has just received a call from Billy Beane assumes there must be some angle he isn’t seeing. He asks why Billy sent Venafro down to Triple-A. He’s worried about Venafro’s health. He wonders why Billy is now asking for money too.

If Billy Bean can have a book written where large portions are dedicated to showing how he is smarter than everyone else in baseball and him making other GMs foolish and can still years after the book was first published make the same type of trades (dealing with GMs who must have read Moneyball themselves) to keep his team competitive, I have no doubt that KP will be able to make the trades with clubs that have been threatened with legal action.

by tingeyga on Jan 8, 2009 11:56 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Funny enough, I'd just been sitting here thinking,

“You know what? On second thought, this won’t stop a GM from making a trade with him tomorrow. If he thinks it helps the team, it’ll override any external conflict”

Nice timing. I agree.

by Timmay! on Jan 8, 2009 11:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They're basically

Informing the league not to sign Darius to screw over their cap or to put them back on the luxury tax for their own game (each team will get 250-300k if Darius goes back on our books because we’ll go over the luxury tax). They’re not saying don’t sign Darius and play him – they’re saying don’t sign Darius to a ten day contract, play him two games for a total of one minute, then waive him or we’ll know you’re trying to screw us and sue you.

I think when Portland saw that “Portland is screwed” quote from an executive where it is openly being implied that teams will screw Portland intentionally and not try to get Miles his career back that they decided that okay, we can play this way too.

by TSE on Jan 8, 2009 10:31 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

different

Luxury tax has a higher limit than Salary cap (its all confusing anyway(.

"Hightide was the only "Yes" vote" - parkinglotj

Joel Freeland=Stud

by hightide on Jan 8, 2009 11:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is not about performance - it is about intent

And every NBA team has discussed hopes that the Blazers get shafted. That will prove intent regardless of performance.

whoo, Katy bar the door! - Maurice Lucas anticipating Greg Oden's development

by lee3022 on Jan 8, 2009 11:55 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, this so-called warning makes the Portland Trail Blazers' front office personnel seem like whiny, ...

vindictive punks. If I was a front office executive for an opposing franchise, I’d gladly call the Blazers’ bluff after reading this balderdash. On the other hand, though, I nevertheless respect owner Paul Allen, President Larry Miller, CFO Gregg Olsen, General Counsel Mike Fennell, and GM Kevin Pritchard’s steadfast position on this issue; that’s ’cause financial resources means everything to everybody.

All things considered, this whole debacle is very intriguing from a multitude of perspectives. It’ll be interesting to watch everything play out one way or another.

by AK1984 on Jan 8, 2009 10:35 PM PST reply reply actions actions   1 recs

Do you have a

50-cent word quota that you strive to meet for each post? I mean no offense — I’m just being jocular. ;)

by BlazersOrBust on Jan 8, 2009 10:38 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

JOCULAR

color me impressed. awesome word. this thread is awesome. EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:42 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh well, I at least avoid using pretentious silver dollar words.

Jocular, by the way is a sweet term, although I might’ve used blithe there.

All kidding aside, though, I try to mix it up by using sporadically using fancy terms.

by AK1984 on Jan 8, 2009 11:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HAHA REC. only because YOU are calling the Ptb front office of being "whiny vindictive punks"

I also agree that this is interesting and dramatic and I love drama…

Sophia

Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare

by BlazerFan1 on Jan 8, 2009 10:39 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

rec cause your comment made me lol

actually cause it made me SIMAF

which stands for smile in mildly amused fashion

by tevisthe4th on Jan 9, 2009 12:13 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you called that "bluff"

you would be a fool. An absolute fool.

These are not independent entities, they are franchises of the NBA. It is a violation of their agreement to screw each other over financially.

You would lose that case in spades.

If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President

by jscot on Jan 8, 2009 11:28 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes that quote was bull,

plain bull-crap. That may be the catalyst to the “press” release

by blazerbeliever97504 on Jan 8, 2009 10:35 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

im not worried about their response...

cuz i know KP will simply Pritch-Litigate them to the depths of hell!

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:43 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For once,

the league and the union are going to be together on something.

by wepto on Jan 8, 2009 10:43 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nahhhh

pritch is like obama. and you wouldnt doubt obama, now would ypou? ;)

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:45 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I doubt it

The league probably wants to have Portland in play as a FA destination; the value of that will well exceed the value of any minimum-salary 10-day contract Miles might get.

Remember, Darius is getting paid his full Portland salary; just by an insurance company rather than by the Blazers.

by EngineerScotty on Jan 8, 2009 10:45 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not that it matters

but insurance pays 80 percent i believe.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 10:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think KP and Darius are in cahoots

This is just a little too dramatic… but… DRAM-ON KP DRAM-ON!

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:42 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let me try to be respectfull

I could not disagree with y ou more AK1984………..Sophia agreeing is also surpising since i generally agree with what you post, Sophia. I cant believe people don’t see why we are doing this. My post above and sub-sequent post agreeing with are a very valid point and to call our execs “punks” is just disapointing. this being the same bunch of execs who put together our team we are so proud of. I mean no hard feelings i just could not dis agree with you two more.

by blazerbeliever97504 on Jan 8, 2009 10:44 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was simply agreeing that this would be fun to watch play out... I dont agree that are front office are a bunch of punks

I’m not totally down with the method but I’m in firm belief that the Blazers have the right to protect theirs which is essentially what they are doing at this point.

Damn Larry Miller is such a G.

Sophia

Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare

by BlazerFan1 on Jan 8, 2009 10:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that are to be that "our"

Sophia

Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare

by BlazerFan1 on Jan 8, 2009 10:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No matter my use of the term "punks," Portland's front office should've used a bit of discretion here.

Rather than air their dirty laundry via a press release, it’s best to keep potential legal matters such as this behind closed doors. Also, the threatening tone expressed within the message probably won’t sit too well with organizations throughout the league.

by AK1984 on Jan 8, 2009 11:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I didn't mean to write "press release," for you're right that it was intended to be a private ...

correspondence among NBA franchises. Either way, though, Larry Miller should’ve considered that it could easily be leaked to the media—which is exactly what happened in this case.

by AK1984 on Jan 8, 2009 11:39 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He prolly knew that would happen

In fact, I’m sure they knew it would happen and probably didn’t care.

It’s out, they don’t want anyone to mess with it, they peed all over the situation to mark it their own.

MALE DOMINANCE.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Jan 8, 2009 11:43 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

see my post for the legal "why"

there is good reason to do this.

Blazer's fan since '84, Currently exiled in San Antonio

↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

by HurraKane212 on Jan 8, 2009 11:44 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

now THAT, would be genious

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 9, 2009 2:17 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Do you really think you are a better judge of what action to take ...

… than Larry Miller, who before running the Blazer’s was a major executive at Nike, responsible for a multi-billion dollar business line?

Who probably is better informed on the specifics of this issue?

Blazer management

or

AK1984

I think it’s probably a fair statement that low self esteem is not an issue for you. Being delusional, maybe, but not lacking in self esteem.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Jan 9, 2009 4:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who probably is better informed on the specifics of this issue?

Blazer management

or

AK1984

Oh, chasquido.

by Timmay! on Jan 9, 2009 5:39 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That

and the NBA PA/Daruius claims that will follow, this may be more trouble than it’s worth, as important as that extra space was.

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Jan 8, 2009 11:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow,

this is kinda like a game day thread.

4 or 5 posts a minute.

by parkinglotj on Jan 8, 2009 10:44 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol, its blowing up huge

its hard to keep up

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 8, 2009 10:45 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh yeah, this may break a fanpost comment record by tomorrow

Unless there’s a front page post that goes up shortly.

This is such an unheard-of situation, and a crazy news story, that it’s going to get a huge buzz and lots of talk tonight. It’s going to divide the fanbase too, always a reason for lots of posts.

by Timmay! on Jan 8, 2009 10:46 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol this is pretty exciting

we blazer fans jump at this stuff like hyenas

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:47 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You tell me this is not beyond nuts...;
"The Portland Trail Blazers are aware that certain teams may be contemplating signing Darius Miles to a contract for the purpose of adversely impacting the Portland Trail Blazers Salary Cap and tax positions," Blazers president Larry Miller wrote in the email to representatives of every NBA team. "Such conduct by a team would violate its fiduciary duty as an NBA joint venturer. In addition, persons or entities involved in such conduct may be individually liable to the Portland Trail Blazers for tortuously interfering with the Portland Trail Blazers contract rights and perspective economic opportunities.

"Please be aware that if a team engages in such conduct, the Portland Trail Blazers will take all necessary steps to safeguard its rights, including, without limitation, litigation."

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Jan 8, 2009 10:47 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's actually quite logical.

How do you not see that being so knowledgeable?

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:48 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They are engaging in a conspiracy to deny Darius Miles' RIGHT TO WORK.

Are there NO ATTORNEYS that work for the Blazers? This is BEYOND IDIOTIC…

ISAIAH LIVES!!!!!!!!

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Jan 8, 2009 10:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There are plenty!

It’s not at all like they suddenly decided to go out of their ways and put themselves out there like this.

This is why they are where they are, and you are posting here.

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:51 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Flagged!

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Jan 8, 2009 10:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm sorry if you feel attacked

But its the truth. It’s why I’m here as well. They know what they are doing, and you don’t know much about it, nor do any of us. So don’t call for people’s jobs.

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:55 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Your claim that he will be fired by 8am

Is just plain Ludacris, as if he is acting on his own free will going being the back of his boss, and the entire organization.

Just cause his name is at the bottom of the email, doesn’t mean he was the only one who worked on it.

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't be obtuse

if you can help it.

They didn’t threaten people for hiring Darius. They threatened people for hiring him for the purpose of screwing the Blazers.

And they have all the legal cover in the world because there were reports in the press that one NBA exec said it was going to happen.

They are saying, “This report is going around, if you do it, we’ll sue you.” They have every right to do that.

If Darius signs and plays legit minutes for someone, this is an irrelevance. If Darius signs and plays two games for someone in garbage time, there will be a lawsuit.

Book it.

If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President

by jscot on Jan 8, 2009 11:35 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nice breakdown

I agree. If you screw us, we will come after you. That’s all they’re saying.

by Cablinasian on Jan 8, 2009 11:36 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He has a valid point

The Blazers action could EASILY be seen as adversely impacting Miles ability to earn a living as an NBA player. We’re all fans, we all wanted that cap room, most of us thought it sucked royally that 30 seconds over 2 more games could screw that up. But Timbo isn’t saying anything out of line, and be honest, if this were Aaron McKie (another injury case) and the L*ckers had issued a letter like this, a lot of people would be SCREAMING for KP to screw them over and sign him for 10 days/2 games

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Jan 8, 2009 11:36 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   2 recs

lol, yeah, ur prolly righht

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 8, 2009 11:38 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yup

the blazers were too dumb to consult with a single attorney before issuing this memo. vaya comentario, tio.

by BlazersOrBust on Jan 8, 2009 10:54 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, but I invite ALL ATTORNEYS READING THIS THREAD TO CHIME IN whether they think this is a master stroke or the work of someone who has suffered a stroke...

I’ll put my stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night up against Larry Miller’s and that of the Blazers’ brain trust…

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Jan 8, 2009 11:10 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gamblers are fools

and you would be a big one to make any bets on this topic.

If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President

by jscot on Jan 8, 2009 11:36 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

wow, Timbo

are you a legal scholar?

I absolutely understand how you see this as unethical treatment towards Miles… and I partially agree— but your above statement seems undefended and out of the blue.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Jan 8, 2009 10:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In that case you meet one qualification to be an attorney...

… as at least half of the ones I’ve worked with tend to be very risk adverse.

The good ones are the ones who know how to identify and help quantify the risk, in order that their client or employer can make the best decision when evaluating risk verses reward. Not not as good ones tend to concentrate on avoiding litigation.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Jan 9, 2009 4:20 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I had a professor

who was involved in a lawsuit against a bar recently. The bar unknowingly sold drinks to a kid with a fake ID, who proceeded to climb into his car totally loaded and kill himself and three others in a car accident.

My professor got the bar to be held accountable for all damages, punitive and compensatory, resultant from the lawsuits of both the involved families. The legal system is CRAZY. “No competent attorney” just doesn’t fly. The more competent you are, the more half-cocked your lawsuits can be and still be successful.

by BlazersOrBust on Jan 8, 2009 11:04 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

man, that sucks...

below comment is to timbo, not you btw.

Blazer's fan since '84, Currently exiled in San Antonio

↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

by HurraKane212 on Jan 8, 2009 11:47 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it depends

don’t make this assumption until you’ve had some legal experience k?

Blazer's fan since '84, Currently exiled in San Antonio

↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

by HurraKane212 on Jan 8, 2009 11:46 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A competent attorney may have thought it was a bad idea

But a super-amazing lawyer, of whom the Blazers certainly have several in their Rolodex, would be as litigious as possible to defend the cap space.

by tingeyga on Jan 9, 2009 12:02 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i wanna give

kp the benefit of the doubt and say this was a calculated move….

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 11:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, the Portland Trail Blazers do have general counsel.

It does appear that he’s asleep at the wheel tonight, though.

by AK1984 on Jan 8, 2009 11:12 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

are you a legal scholar?

While I agree the Blazers come off as jerks here, its not exactly unusual for attorneys to be both jerks and successful.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Jan 8, 2009 11:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Certainly, I was being flippant with my "he's asleep at the wheel" remark.

I, too, am not a legal scholar, but that doesn’t mean I’m incorrect about how the team employes someone as its general counsel (i.e., Mike Fennell). As it is, Fennell should’ve undoubtedly been consulted in length by Paul Allen before Larry Miller sent this letter out across the league

by AK1984 on Jan 9, 2009 12:21 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm the furthest thing from a legal scholar.

Also, you’re last sentence is right on the spot.

by AK1984 on Jan 9, 2009 12:12 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

booooooooo

now why would you go on and say somethin’ like that, huh?

Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

by aryamehr on Jan 8, 2009 10:48 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BS

Are you that out of it? You honestly think there is anyway on Gods green earth this was not passed along between the Blazer brass before being sent out. Cmon

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

agreed

this seems like way too big of a deal and too taboo of a subject to have it be an uncalculated move…i understand that miles may have grounds to file a suit…but i think thats small potatoes compared to the big picture.

by Philthyanimal on Jan 8, 2009 11:04 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

come on timbo, you don't really believe that...

The inbound to McGinnis, drives, stops, pumps, shoots, short, no good...AND THE GAME IS OVER! ~ Bill Schonely

by SandbergOnSports on Jan 8, 2009 10:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mark my words.

Or flag them, if your name Is Outlaw is Rejector, I don’t care.

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Jan 8, 2009 10:52 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha, it's not like I really flagged you.

Flag is the new Rec, you didn’t get the memo?

But seriously, you are way off base here.

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In what sense?

back up your claim.

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 10:55 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Read the article again Timbo

They are plainly saying not to sign a team without intention to play him. They will file for litigation if he is used as a money making 10 game rental. The Blazers are actually giving Miles more a of a chance to get a rest of the season contract by doing this.

Roy To The World

by Outlaw is Rejector on Jan 8, 2009 11:01 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What I take Timbo's point to be

and it’s a valid one, is that regardless of what the letter says (Blazers sue if you sign him only to screw us) what it is intended to do/will do is prevent ANY NBA team from signing Miles, whether they want to screw us or honestly believe he can help them because they don’t want to deal with a lawsuit. Thus, Miles has been unfairly deprived of the opportunity to play in the NBA

This has me nervous, I wanted that cap space, but this move might have been too much

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Jan 8, 2009 11:41 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you never know..... he is a self-professing Laker fan

I do enjoy reading your posts Timbo, but sometimes I wonder if you are just picking the position you know will ignite Blazer homers.

by tweener on Jan 8, 2009 10:56 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That you have.

And I tend to believe you mean what you say on this.

What has created just the slightest bit of doubt is that some of the things you’ve said have me thinking that perhaps you also have a very twisted sense of humor (the more twisted, the funnier, in my opinion) and are getting people’s goat without them realizing it.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Jan 9, 2009 4:26 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Blazers ought to sue Miles

for stealing PA’s money.

And it’s possible that Miles accepted a medical retirement in bad faith—never intending to stay retired, and hoping to collect a Blazer paycheck without having to play or work out for the Blazers. The Blazers wouldn’t simply waive him, he wouldn’t take a buyout, so medical retirement makes sense.

Of course, Portland was probably quite happy for Miles to retire…

by EngineerScotty on Jan 8, 2009 10:48 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have had this in my mind for the entirity of this whole situation

he knew getting injured and moving on doing PR interviews and such would make him an easy pickup. This makes Miles look good, cant help but think he had this planned …

And it’s possible that Miles accepted a medical retirement in bad faith—never intending to stay retired, and hoping to collect a Blazer paycheck without having to play or work out for the Blazer

s

Sophia

Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare

by BlazerFan1 on Jan 8, 2009 10:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Do you have any evidence for this accusation?

While I understand the Blazers brass looking out for their interests (same as other NBA teams would do), where is your evidence that Miles is doing anything but try to get paid to play basketball?

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Jan 8, 2009 11:01 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well... he's kind of getting paid whether he plays basketball or not

So the argument that this would keep him from earning a living doesn’t really hold water

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 11:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well that's different

And a valid argument. It’s just that the money thing on Darius’ side doesn’t seem to apply in this situation.

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 11:06 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah it duz

cuz if he plays and plays well, he could get something that pays better then a ten day contract

December 18, 2008.

"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212

by maid tu rek on Jan 8, 2009 11:18 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's already making $9 million a year from us for this year and next year

That part was guaranteed regardless of his medical ability to play or his contract’s effect on our salary cap

"West just flipped Roy's switch to 'Hide the women and children'"
- tmundal, Nov 29, 2008 9:11 PM PST

by GustyJ on Jan 8, 2009 11:20 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs