Steve Francis - pure class

[Max Power]

Monday, February 2, 2004
ESPN.com news services

HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets guard Steve Francis, the team's leading scorer, was suspended for one game for missing a flight to Phoenix on Sunday night.

The Rockets issued a statement saying Francis would not be with the team for its game against the Suns Monday. Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said the team would have no additional comment.

A source told ESPN's David Aldridge that Francis was suspended after the Rockets discovered that Francis stayed in Houston in order to attend Sunday's Super Bowl. Francis spoke on Monday with coach Jeff Van Gundy; during the occasionally contentious conversation, Van Gundy told Francis that he, Van Gundy, and many players had given up their Super Bowl tickets in order to make the Sunday evening flight to Phoenix and that Francis should have done the same.

Francis' own public relations firm issued a statement late Monday saying the guard attended an "urgent personal family matter" and would rejoin his teammates at practice Tuesday.

Francis leads the Rockets with a 16.6 scoring average and 5.9 assists per game.

[mavsfanforever]

Trade deadline is not very far. Thanks for posting this MP. Things like this do not sit very well with Gundy.

[seelenjaeger]

Actually this is a slap in the face for everyone in the Houston franchise aswell as their supporters.

They voted him into an unjustified starting slot for the All Star game and he just shows his disrespect by acting like a punk.

[MavKikiNYC]

Originally posted by: seelenjaeger
Actually this is a slap in the face for everyone in the Houston franchise aswell as their supporters.

They voted him into an unjustified starting slot for the All Star game and he just shows his disrespect by acting like a punk.

Lighten up. Didn't you read:

Francis' own public relations firm issued a statement late Monday saying the guard attended an "urgent personal family matter" and would rejoin his teammates at practice Tuesday.

Translation: He had to look at new braid designs and get fitted for a new ear nugget. Dude's gotta look stylin' on All-Star weekend.

[dirno2000]

Everybody needs to lighten up on Franchise. It's not like the Super Bowl comes to Houston every year.

[NYCdog]

It's not like the Super Bowl comes to Houston every year.

Umm.........Before this years Super Bowl, I would have naturally agreed with you on this one........

But, I dont know about that now.

If Francis is still a Rocket by 09' there could be more "Super" trouble for the Rockets.........

They've already got a bid for the 09' game (XLIII) and commish Paul Tagliabue has virtually guaranteed the city a spot in the "rotation" and more Super Bowls to come for the outstading job they did. And they did too.......I was there so I should know. And there the favorite already to land that game being that NY probably wont have the west-side stadium up until the fall of 09'. So expect the games to be awarded as soon as fall 04 meetings to Houston in 09' and NYC in 2010 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

But, call it a sneaky suspicion but..............I dont think "Franchise" will be with this Rocket franchise by then. As stated in ESPN Insider, they probably wont trade him now.........he's a base year player this year. Look for the Francis trade rumors to heat up this offseason, when Francis's base year status expires on August 26th.

Then they can see how much he is worth..........which isnt alot to me but.......... I'm sure there are some stupid GM's out there that might throw the world at the Rockets for Francis.

Well, have to wait and see........

P.S................Who in here wouldnt be suprised to see a "Francis for Kobe" of "Francis for T-Mac" wild mega-trade scenario come from the media out of all of this soon..........

[Shaq Attack2]

I really don't see the big deal unless Francis was missing some type of important meeting or practice. Though knowing JVG, he'd be all anal about it no matter what the occasion was.

[OzMavs]

Must be good to be Steve Francis. Luckiest starter in the All Star game and watching one of the best superbowls of all time live. The Rox almost endorse it. If I was JVG I'd make him walk to Phoenix.

[stevie_franchise3]

Originally posted by: OzMavs
Must be good to be Steve Francis. Luckiest starter in the All Star game and watching one of the best superbowls of all time live. The Rox almost endorse it. If I was JVG I'd make him walk to Phoenix.

Actually I would have done exactly what JVG did and that was suspend him a game. I think Francis let his team down if he really stayed and watched the football game. From what they are saying hear in Houston is that he called JVG from the parking lot of the game and said he was going to the game and JVG disagreed and was unhappy with his decision.

One thing JVG did do to accomodate his players for the game was to schedule the flight earlier, so they could watch the game at the hotel. The original flight took off around the same time as the game was going to start.

And BTW the Rox didnt endorse it.

[Drbio]

Francis is a"me-first" bonehead.

[LRB]

If the league had half a clue, they'd suspend "bonehead" Francis from the All-Star game. True All-Star don't leave their team in the lurch so they can go party. What little, and believe me it was very little, respect I have for Francis is totally gone. This guy could care less about his team. It's not important to him that they are fighting for a playoff birth in the ultra competitve Western Conference.

[kingrex]

This is a team issue and the Association doesn't need to step in and suspend him.

However, I do see this as a potential problem that will escalate between Francis and Van Gundy. It is that same old story of player versus coach. Who is really in control here?

Nice try by his public relations people, but this was an out-right disregard of Van Gundy's authority. Maybe Van Gundy shouldn't have made a big deal about it, but now that he has, this will become a problem for the team, unless Francis puts his ego aside and falls in line with the rest of the team.

Unfortunately, these power struggles either end with the player being traded or the coach being fired. We'll see what happens.

[stevie_franchise3]

Originally posted by: kingrex
This is a team issue and the Association doesn't need to step in and suspend him.

However, I do see this as a potential problem that will escalate between Francis and Van Gundy. It is that same old story of player versus coach. Who is really in control here?

Nice try by his public relations people, but this was an out-right disregard of Van Gundy's authority. Maybe Van Gundy shouldn't have made a big deal about it, but now that he has, this will become a problem for the team, unless Francis puts his ego aside and falls in line with the rest of the team.

Unfortunately, these power struggles either end with the player being traded or the coach being fired. We'll see what happens.

I agree that this is a team issue and the association has no say in this matter at all.

I also agree that Van Gundy shouldnt have made a big deal about either, but since he did he is sending a good message to the team, he wont tolerate it. I think this is a one time thing and I think Francis is gonna put this behind him and move. I really dont think their will be any hard feelings because if he did go to the Super Bowl, then he got to do what he really wanted anyway.

To be honest, I really believe that Francis had put his ego aside this year because he really wants to win and he wants to get to the playoffs. He has had to defer more of his game than anyone on the team and hasnt pouted about. He has repeatedly said that all he wants to do is win, period.

Guess now we will see if he is really serious about it.

BTW how many of you have not played hookie from work or lied to go to something you really wanted to go to or you were so hungover because you stayed out too late the night before? Yeah that is what I thought.

[kingrex]

I am a fan of all the Texas teams (with the Mavs #1 of course).

I hope Francis will fall in line, but time will tell. As a Houston fan, you can only hope this doesn't get bigger than it needs to. Van Gundy should be the final word on that team no matter how high a profile player you are, but history is not on the coaches side on this one.

[Big Boy Laroux]

stevie, stop making excuses for yourself.

[mary]

Originally posted by: stevie_franchise3

BTW how many of you have not played hookie from work or lied to go to something you really wanted to go to or you were so hungover because you stayed out too late the night before? Yeah that is what I thought.

Stevie, if you are going to accept a job where other people depend on you, then no, you have no business being this irresponsible. As a teacher, my students and my school depend on me to show up for work every day. If I miss - then the lives of others are disrupted and adjustments must be made. Its part of being a "GROWN-UP". Don't you think there were other players that would've liked to have shrugged thier obligations to go see the game? How do you think this makes THEM feel? I'd be pissed.

Sorry Stevie, but your hero is a major LOSER in my book.

[seelenjaeger]

Yeah, especially since ALL OF HIS TEAMMATES forfeited their tickets ...

[LRB]

Originally posted by: seelenjaeger
Yeah, especially since ALL OF HIS TEAMMATES forfeited their tickets ...

And the coaches. In the "real" world, Stevie would have been fired for his antics.

[FishForLunch]

May be we can trade for Steve Francis now that he has fallen out of favor in Houston.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: stevie_franchise3

BTW how many of you have not played hookie from work or lied to go to something you really wanted to go to or you were so hungover because you stayed out too late the night before? Yeah that is what I thought.

I guess maybe you are a lot more juvenile than I am. Ever since I had a job with responsibility I have taken it seriously. The company's time is THEIRS just like my time is mine.

Grow up.

[kingrex]

Moreover, Steve Francis is suppose to set an example to his team mates. He's suppose to be a leader on this team and he doesn't exactly demonstrate professionalism by choosing to go to the Super Bowl rather than be with his team.

Again, I can't help but feel that this will have some long term ramifications for both Francis and the Rockets squad.

[dude1394]

Stevie Franchise is as dumb as a rock. And the rockets are slowly, inexcorably sinking out of the playoffs.

As far as playing hookie from work, some folks do not get PAID when they don't work. It's called the real world.

[dude1394]

Normal excuse making from the stevie_franchise troll. Whatever should be expected.

[Murphy3]

There's no excusing what he did. If Dirk, Fin, or Nash would have done the same thing, they would be accused of showing complete lack of class just like steve francis. Fortunately, I don't think the Mavs have to worry about them doing something like this.

[stevie_franchise3]

Originally posted by: Max Power

I guess maybe you are a lot more juvenile than I am. Ever since I had a job with responsibility I have taken it seriously. The company's time is THEIRS just like my time is mine.

Grow up.

Every job has a responsibility so I am not sure what you meant about that but every one takes a day off every now and then. If you havent then kudos to you. It doesnt have anything to do with being juvenile.

So I guess what you are saying is that you work 100 percent of the time while you are at work and dont take any time off? Yeah right.

You probably post from work. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[OutletPass]

Originally posted by Steviefranchise:

BTW how many of you have not played hookie from work or lied to go to something you really wanted to go to or you were so hungover because you stayed out too late the night before?

-- That CERTAINLY does say a lot about YOU...that just speaks volumes.

[stevie_franchise3]

Oh and the real world, if you know your stuff and a valuable piece of an organization, things like this can be and are overlooked.

I have also seen things overlooked by those in the 'good ole boy' system as well so dont try to say it doesnt happen in the "real world" because it does. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I have seen it personally.

[stevie_franchise3]

Originally posted by: kingrex
Moreover, Steve Francis is suppose to set an example to his team mates. He's suppose to be a leader on this team and he doesn't exactly demonstrate professionalism by choosing to go to the Super Bowl rather than be with his team.

Again, I can't help but feel that this will have some long term ramifications for both Francis and the Rockets squad.

I agree he is suppose to set an example and be more professional. Lets hope he can put this aside and continue on by doing things the right way.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: stevie_franchise3
Oh and the real world, if you know your stuff and a valuable piece of an organization, things like this can be and are overlooked.

I have also seen things overlooked by those in the 'good ole boy' system as well so dont try to say it doesnt happen in the "real world" because it does. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I have seen it personally.

Sure you do. You are SUCH a bigshot and we are SOOO lucky to have you trolling here.

[Nash13]

So I guess what you are saying is that you work 100 percent of the time while you are at work and dont take any time off? Yeah right.

When you are under a contract, and your team only plays 82 times a year, at least the Rockets do, you have to play every game. Players get breaks in between games, the all star breaks, and for the Rockets, a LONG off season.

[mavsfanforever]

Originally posted by: stevie_franchise3
Oh and the real world, if you know your stuff and a valuable piece of an organization, things like this can be and are overlooked.

I have also seen things overlooked by those in the 'good ole boy' system as well so dont try to say it doesnt happen in the "real world" because it does. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I have seen it personally.

Shutup b!tch.

[dude1394]

Originally posted by: stevie_franchise3
Oh and the real world, if you know your stuff and a valuable piece of an organization, things like this can be and are overlooked.

I have also seen things overlooked by those in the 'good ole boy' system as well so dont try to say it doesnt happen in the "real world" because it does. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I have seen it personally.

Yes troll you are correct. And that causes the rest of the organization to re-look at their own dedication. Who should bust it if the prima-donna isn't willing to bust it.

And of course we are talking about an "organization" of 12 players, not hundreds.

It's typical prima-donna actions. I'm special so give me special treatment. Of course the only person on the rockets who is even worth this prima-donna treatment is yao. Hopefully stevie_franchises dedication will rub off on him and the rest of the team.

[kiwi]

I'm hoping JVG will trade him to Boston cos after watching the game he is sure to be such a big Pat's fan.

Then he won't have to play at the same time as the Superbowl for... how long does a dynasty last?

[LRB]

Originally posted by: stevie_franchise3
Oh and the real world, if you know your stuff and a valuable piece of an organization, things like this can be and are overlooked.

I have also seen things overlooked by those in the 'good ole boy' system as well so dont try to say it doesnt happen in the "real world" because it does. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I have seen it personally.

[img]i/expressions/rolleye.gif[/img]

It doesn't matter how well you know your stuff and how valuable a piece of an organization your are, you pull a stunt on the level that Steve Francis did you'll get fired at least 99 times out of a 100 in the "real world". Sure there might be some exceptions, but that's just what they are. CEO of Fortune 50 companies have lost their jobs for bonehead stunts like Francis pulled. And if Francis played for Bill Parcells, his ass would have been out the door. But most people arent' executives of large corporations or professional atheletes nor do most make 6 figures plus per year.

Francis team is struggling the make the playoffs for the 1st time in years. They are in a conference where there very well be several teams over .500 who don't make the playoffs and the Rockets aren't that far about .500. Francis is paid to be a leader and example to his teammates. This is a very important time of the season. And he was still going to get to watch the game if he took the flight.

I don't care who your are, if you put your company in risk of losing several Million dollars for some dumb ass personal gratification stunt, there will be serious repercussions. If the CBA didn't for the Rockets to keep paying Francis, he may very well have had his ass fired over this.

[stevie_franchise3]

Originally posted by: mary

Stevie, if you are going to accept a job where other people depend on you, then no, you have no business being this irresponsible. As a teacher, my students and my school depend on me to show up for work every day. If I miss - then the lives of others are disrupted and adjustments must be made. Its part of being a "GROWN-UP". Don't you think there were other players that would've liked to have shrugged thier obligations to go see the game? How do you think this makes THEM feel? I'd be pissed.

Mo Taylor:

The best player on the team and the coach are going to always have their spats, regardless of what team you're on," Rockets forward Maurice Taylor said. "That's why they are the best player, they can have spats with the head coach


Cuttino Mobley:

It's only (distracting) if you're weak-minded," Mobley said. "Steve wasn't the cause of us losing against Phoenix. We could have beat Phoenix without me, without Steve. And nothing against Phoenix, but they are hurting right now. Transition and turnovers killed us. Simple as that. You don't need Steve for that. You don't need me for that. You don't need Yao (Ming), or Mo (Taylor) or whoever."


Francis and Van Gundy:

"It's out of my mind," he said. "As far as prolonging it, I could care less. I don't have any bad feelings against him. I've still got to play for him, God knows how long. I have no problem with coach at all."

Van Gundy said he shared similar sentiments for Francis, and that the one-game suspension was nothing personal.


Jim Jackson:

"I don't understand the big deal," Rockets forward Jim Jackson said. "He made a mistake. He admitted to it. Come back and play basketball. Just let it go. It really is not that serious."

[Max Power]

stevie_franchise3 - how dumb are you?

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

Did you REALLY expect anyone to say anything different? You have to be the dumbest troll that has infested this board in a long time.

[kingrex]

Originally posted by: Max Power
stevie_franchise3 - how dumb are you?

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

Did you REALLY expect anyone to say anything different? You have to be the dumbest troll that has infested this board in a long time.

Now there's no need to resort to name-calling. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[Speedy]

Stevie, you forgot to add this quote in your post.

Francis:

"It's never going to be over as far as an endpoint," Francis said at Thursday's practice. "He's going to coach the way he wants to coach, and I'm going to play the way I want to play. There's always going to be conflict.