The Fan Voice: "Billy Blazes"By Live or Die Magic | June 19, 2007
"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." - Mark TwainOk, perhaps for a period of time, the moniker “Live or Die Magic” took on a whole new meaning. But never fear, to the five of you that have been reading these blogs regularly (thanks Mom and Dad), you will be please to know that I have finally escaped from the clutches of the Triple A’s (anti-arena activists) who had been holding me captive. They found out just how thorough and copious were the notes I took at the very last town hall meeting. They knew my prose couldn’t see the light of day. Oh, and there is no truth to the rumor that Christine Donovan is their ringleader.
Now that I am back, let’s get to the latest breaking news of the day! Billy Donovan is the new coach of the Orlando Magic! Yes! What a great day for an acknowledged Gator Hater! Something that greatly benefits me (and the Magic of course) also hurts the Gators! This is awesome!! Wait, hold on a second…someone is trying to tell me something…
[extremely long and awkward pause…..]
Yes! Stan Van Gundy is the new coach of the Orlando Magic! This is awesome!
Truly, I just couldn’t help being excited for a few days when Donovan was with us. You see, my dislike for things Orange and Blue had more to do with the football team anyway. Deep down, it was hard not to root for Billy the Kid and the brand of basketball he put on the floor. I knew he would energize the city, the team, (the arena voters!). I wasn’t sure what kind of success he would have on the court, but surely if he did nothing but released the hounds, our record was going to improve.
As it turned out, I was quite glad to be incommunicado during the days he was waffling (by the way, if Eggo doesn’t call his agent and open a dialogue, they are fools!). It was painful to here about it piecemeal. I was finding myself back in August of 1996 – diehard Magic fans know what I’m talking about. What I hated the most was the idea that we, the Magic, would somehow look like bad guys, right here in our own town, if we gave Donovan any kind of flack for trying to get out. As it turned out, other than those who would consider themselves Gator fans first, most people – fans, media – were very much on our side in this. It was refreshing to see. Typically, owners and teams are viewed as the big bullies. But in this case, I think people realized the implications and potential damage resulting from Donovan’s actions. Not only was Orlando now missing out on other potential coaches, but three days of euphoria were about to be replaced with three days of heartbreak.
Looking back with a couple of weeks of perspective, it seems that both parties have made out as best as can be expected. Donovan landed on his feet among those whom he is closest to, financially and professionally secure in the job he is likely to retire from. Meanwhile, the Magic turned lemons into lemonade by securing a coach who while less flashy, may be much more suited for the job. I have to commend Magic management for the clean-up job they did on what could have been the second biggest mess in Magic history.
This message was not subject of approval by the NBA or the Orlando Magic. The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Orlando Magic or the NBA, but solely the writer.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." -
from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
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