Posted by islesfan:

Whether I think he was destined for greatness isn't the point. It's the fact that Houston's injury is being used to discredit him personally. Any thoughts on that Marv?

The only direct reference I've heard to that was regarding his decision to not have the next surgery and to work with a long-jump trainer. Personally I've seen references in both directions about these issues, and I'm a believer that 20-20 hindsight shouldn't be applied here. I personally doubt that the man did anything but seek out the most informed professional opinions and use his own best judgment regarding his own body and his own career. How could anyone possibly feel worse about what ended up happening than Allan Houston himself?

Posted by rvhoss:

I think his discrediting is the fact that he kept saying he was able to play (at a high level) when it was clear that he wasn't. Even this year he says he can't be sure if he can make mini camp oct. 5th (when he "shut it down" back in january) but he's in a "good place".

If this were alabama or some other market, they'd let him slide, but in new york, if you don't come clean, you get the wringer.

[Edited by - rvhoss on 08-17-2005 11:39 AM]

And how do you know he wasn't being truthful or "coming clean" when he's said what he's said? Is there any reason to believe that Houston is a liar? I can't think of any. He's a professional athlete and most athletes always believe that they can come back from any injury, especially when they're still relatively young. Maybe he can't but until he's absolutely unable to, he's always going to say that he can. His class and honor shouldn't be questioned because of it.

All right I'm outta here. Playing hookey for the afternoon and going out to Long Beach for a little beach time. I'll try to dig up a little dirt on LB's past while I'm there!

Posted by HARDCOREKNICKSFAN:

Bottom line- if he can't contribute, he's got to retire. This team is moving on. How long are we supposed to thank him for the old times? 2 years of damn near paid leave (while the team suffered) is enough.

All those caught up in the nostalgia can get video and DVDs of Allan's heyday, while the rest of us who prefer to live in the here and now will concentrate on the present and the future.

Hardcore you hate this topic - why keep writing?

Diddo!

The hate on allan has long been unwarranted. Putting him as the face of failure of this team has long been silly.