All-Star Boycott

With the entire city celebrating Blazers rookie Brandon Roy’s invite to the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge this weekend in Las Vegas, I have to question the mental state and capacity of loyal Rip City fans.

Once again Blazers fans have really missed the boat. Forget the fact Zach Randolph was shunned by Commissioner David Stern more times than a nerdy guy at a party full of supermodels. Stern gave Z-Bo the cold shoulder time and time again. Essentially, telling Blazers fans if he had his way, Portland would never have an All-Star representative again.

How can we be content with Roy heading to Vegas when Mehmet Okur’s paltry 18.2 points and 7.4 boards averages gave him the nod over Randolph’s 24 and 10.2? The answer is what fans of the Blazers nation always do: roll over and take it.

Okay, so Z-Bo won’t be sporting the All-Star attire. I think we get the point, Stern. But, where is LaMarcus Aldridge’s invite, or Jarrett Jack’s? Those two should seriously be playing. It is difficult to swallow that Lakers’ Jordan Farmar, who should be traveling to away games on the cramped buses of the NBDL rather than the Lakers’ plush team plane, will be displaying the little talent he possesses while Aldridge and Jack watch from their couches.

We can say it is just a big popularity contest and whine about how the Jail Blazers image still affects the way fans across the nation vote, but there is only one real reason Roy will be a lone Blazer this weekend. Outside of Portland, nobody can watch the Blazers because their games aren’t televised nationally.

According to Stern and the rest of those buffoons in ties at the league offices, we are on our own little island up here in the Northwest corner of the country. That is exactly why Roy, a kid who led Washington on the national stage during the NCAA Tournament, is the only recognizable Blazer. Most fans would scratch their heads and say “LaMarcus who?” or “Is his first name Jack or Jarrett?” Fans just don’t know because Portland is still serving its time in the slammer for having the worst record last season and being the Jail Blazers for so many years.

If Blazers fans can be satisfied with a little bone from Stern in having Roy in the game, they’re crazy. This is honestly an outrage. Portland will never return to respectability if Stern and his boys continue to conveniently forget about players like Z-Bo, Jack and Aldridge. And we will definitely never experience the days of Rip City without meaningful games being nationally televised.

So, Blazers fans, I have a proposition for you. Prove that your colors truly run Red and Black. Boycott Stern’s fun Vegas weekend. Don’t watch any of his festivities, from the dunk contest to the big game on Sunday. Hit him in the Pacific Northwest ratings, where it really counts. Then maybe he will remember us.