We’re now nearly a week removed from the news that Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups was arrested on illegal gambling charges connected with organized crime.
In the interim I’ve been asked plenty of questions, but one sticks in my mind particularly. A couple people have wanted to know where this unprecedented event ranks in the annals of Trail Blazers history in terms of shock, crisis, or just sadness.
I don’t feel like I’m entirely qualified to answer that question. It’s subjective.
Also I generally dislike ranking things for any reason but pure fun…and this is not fun.
I thought it would be more appropriate to throw the topic to you, Blazer’s Edge Readers. You’ve experienced this team for years, sometimes decades. You’ve been fans through the ups and downs: the injuries, missed draft picks, personal tragedies, and unexpected events.
I’m not asking for a detailed list. I don’t think it’s cool at this point make a Top 10 ranking of misfortune or anything like that. Rather I’m asking, among all of the sad, unfortunate, or shocking happenings that have surrounded this franchise over the years, how bad was this one? Did it hit you as hard as some of the other sad things from Trail Blazers history or was it mild by comparison? Was this the worst day in franchise history for anyone, or at least among the worst? How have you processed all that in the last week?
Share your thoughts and observations in the comment section below. Please remember to write and respond respectfully. Also remember that the allegations against Billups are just that—allegations—at this point. We’re talking about the effect on the franchise here, which became real at the time of arrest and suspension, not about his ultimate innocence or guilt. Thanks!
