In another example of how character takes a back seat to production in sports, the Warriors parted ways with its long-time big man. If personality and brains and heart was currency in the world of professional sports, Foyle would be a max player.
Seriously, I can’t say enough about how different and good of a guy Foyle is. If he ran for office, I would vote for him.
From what I was told, Foyle is desperate to play. He has no desire to do the cheerleader at the end of the bench thing again. He doesn’t see himself as a locker room guy whose major contribution is mentoring Andris Biedrins. Foyle wants to contribute on the court, that’s why he was willing to take much less than he was owed, so he can go somewhere he can play.
Sources have told me Foyle has interest from Orlando (GM Otis Smith is a fan of Foyle, and Orlando was the one team Foyle would’ve played for if the Warriors hadn’t signed him) and Utah. My best guess is he will end up on the East Coast, where he fits the style of play better.
Foyle’s departure makes me think how I/we choose which athletes to elevate. We expect and demand star athletes to be role models, to be character guys. Why don’t we make character guys the stars we cherish?
Sure, Kobe Bryant is a jaw-dropping talent, but is he worthy of the praise and admiration? Obviously Michael Vick wasn’t deserving of the status he received. Or maybe he was, if the standard is talent alone.
It seems to me like players of Adonal’s ilk should be more celebrated. Instead, he gets bought out for cheap and sent packing on a boring Monday. No farewell. No exaltation. No recognition for being more than a jock. It just doesn’t feel right.