Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards Fans’ Loyalty Extends Beyond the Game

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC -  MAY 12: Bradley Beal #3 and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards high five each other during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  MAY 12: Bradley Beal #3 and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards high five each other during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 12: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards reacts after hitting the game-winning three-point basket in their 92-91 win over the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at Verizon Center on May 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 12: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards reacts after hitting the game-winning three-point basket in their 92-91 win over the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at Verizon Center on May 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

All fans are comfortable at Capital One Arena

I don’t speak for the Wizards’ organization, as Celtics-CSN speaks for the Celtics. Therefore, I can only speak to documented evidence: John Wall came off double-knee surgery and the next summer he was given a supermax contract. Bradley Beal who was plagued with injuries received a max contract.

If the Wizards did to Wall what the Celtics did to Isaiah Thomas, as I wrote before, they would have to block off all streets to Capital One Arena (Verizon Center). The fans would be upset with the Wizards’ organization, not burning Wall jerseys. Because they respect Wall as a person, and they know the Wizards are a business.

The Wizards organization also created a safe and comfortable environment. Such that all races and fans, no matter who they cheer for, have an enjoyable experience. There have been times when there are more opposing team jerseys, than Wizards’ fans. And during those time its fun to joke and laugh with those fans.

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The owners of the Celtics also need to make TD Garden a safe and welcoming environment to minorities, because it is not. And that is a fact. I cannot in good conscience tell a black man to go to the Garden by himself. And wearing another team jersey on top of that?

I’m not going to get into details about my experience at the Garden. Because I expected it and grew up with it. I also don’t want to scare away the few blacks who do attend. And I want more black fans who cheer for the Celtics at home in Boston, to actually go to the Garden. But it has to change.

Before Isaiah Thomas even injured his hip, I said Danny Ainge wasn’t going to pay him the max contract, that was his due next summer. And for those who call Ray Allen a traitor. I agree with what Allen said, ‘Where were all those fans, when Ainge was trying to trade me every year?’

I know firsthand, that Boston has the best doctors and education. I love Boston. And it has come a long way.

Yet, if you step into the Garden you might as well be in 1960, because just like their chairs, the atmosphere has not changed. The Celtics have a storied franchise. But their history remains the same. That shouldn’t be.

Boston may have the reputation of having the best fans. But it’s not friendly to fans of other teams, like the Washington Wizards are to all fans at Cap One.

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