Nicky better start mopping up all the tears that will be flowing in Knicksville

Diatribe #10 - April 17, 2004
Knicks Wacked, That's A Fact, Give The Nets A Bone
Man, I'm shaking with anticipation. Or maybe it's too much caffeine. In either case, the thing we've been waiting for since last June is finally here: a chance for redemption.

Redemption in the sense that the Nets, virtually intact from last season, as it turns out, can try once again to bring home an NBA championship.

And it all starts with the New York Knicks.

If you don't love that irony, as a Netsfan, then you're not breathing, or you've recently been lobotomized.

What better way for the Nets, and Netsfans, to show the world that the franchise belongs here in New Jersey? [ed. note: yes, he's getting on the soapbox to Keep The Nets In New Jersey again]. For all the years of ridicule, of being the number 17 interest of New York sports area fans, everything can start right here, right now.

Talk about sending a message - beating a mediocre New York Knicks squad on their way to their first ever NBA title. How amazing would that be?

That's why, for all the turmoil, injuries and bad news surrounding the 2003 - 2004 Nets, it has to be destiny that Netsfans, who have been so cruelly jilted by a billionaire, money-hungry real estate developer with no interest in basketball, that the Nets win this one for New Jersey.

Here's how you can help: Show up at the Continental Airlines Arena and scream your ears off for the Nets, and boo the heck out of the Knicks. It's old fashioned, I admit, but show the team some support, and make something happen so that you take a stand.

It will help if you wear something that says "No Brooklyn" or something like that. Signs won't be allowed, so you'll have to get creative in other ways.

Doesn't have to be fancy, or even store-made. Just some permanent marker and a white t-shirt would do the trick. Make sure the world sees it.

And make some noise, Netsfans. You don't want the franchise to move, but you don't want to be vocal about it either.

Do it for the families who would be displaced from their homes in Brooklyn.

Do it for the loss to the state of New Jersey (who, ironically, seemed to be less than concerned when it all came down).

Do it for Charles Kushner and Sen. Jon Corzine, who wished to do the right thing and Keep The Nets In New Jersey, until that slimy, underhanded greed-monger Lewis Katz made sure the franchise was sold to Ratner instead.

Most of all - do it for me, your pal Joe.

OK, more importantly - do it for yourselves. Don't sit back and watch the Nets go sneaking off into the night like the Charlotte Hornets.

Netsfans - this is a huge opportunity to make your voice heard. I ask that you make it known at the CAA that you're mad as hell, and not going to take it anymore.

In any case, the Knicks are going down, and down hard. The Nets will relish going for the kill in this series.

Enjoy the show, Netsfans. No, I'm not certain that the Nets have the same stuff they had the past two seasons to make another run to the Finals.

But with the Knicks, those backpage darlings who couldn't spell team if you spotted them the T and the E much less play like one, always number 1 in the hearts of long time fans, you have to admit it would be ironic to beat the stuffing out of them and go on to win the championship.

As the New Jersey (not Brooklyn) Nets.

Keep the Nets in New Jersey, y'all. And give the Nets some love if you're attending Game 1. I don't want Spike and his posse to dominate.
- Joe

Archive | Backlash | Bio | Calendar | Champagne's Blog | Diatribe | Game x Game | History | Home | Joe Netsfan's Blog | Media | Opponents | Players | Playoffs | Search | Specials