Good article from NY Times on the funeral
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NYK3
Posts: 23572 Alba Posts: 2 Joined: 7/30/2004 Member: #725 USA |
12/6/2007 10:47 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/07/sports/basketball/07knicks.html?ref=sports
As Knicks Comfort Teammate, They Grow Closer On an icy December morning in Coney Island, in an old wooden church, the Knicks stood shoulder to shoulder across the pulpit, a fractured team no more. Laid at rest before them was Donald Edward Marbury, the father of their teammate. At the front of the congregation, a somber Stephon Marbury sat with his family, a short distance from his team but seemingly much closer in spirit. Malik Rose, addressing the Marburys from the pulpit, said: “Words can’t express what you’re feeling, your entire family is feeling. We feel it, too. We’ll continue to pray for you all.” It was standing-room only, more than 600 people packed the Coney Island Gospel Assembly (posted capacity 496) yesterday morning for the funeral. Most were from the neighborhood — old friends, family members, teachers and coaches who mentored Donald’s seven children. They came to pay their respects to a Coney Island icon, a man who sent five sons to Division I basketball programs, and one to N.B.A. stardom. Stephon Marbury’s talent and drive lifted his family out of poverty and out of the Surfside Gardens housing projects, not far from where the funeral was held. When the Marburys returned yesterday, their support network spilled into every corner of the church. Still, it was hard not to notice the group of 14 taller-than-average men who filled the pews near in the front left corner. The players arrived together, by bus, and were flanked by a mini-congregation of Knicks coaches, trainers, executives and support staff. Among those in attendance were Isiah Thomas, the coach and team president; the Madison Square Garden chairman, Steve Mills; the former players Allan Houston and John Starks; and the broadcasters Mike Breen and Gus Johnson. Dozens of bouquets and wreaths lined the front of the room, a sea of reds, yellows and pinks, interrupted by one arrangement of orange, blue and white. After friends and family shared stories of Donald Marbury’s life, they invited Rose — the Knicks’ elder statesman and conscience — to speak on behalf of the team. Rose walked onto the stage by himself. He was about 25 seconds into his remarks when the rest of the team, from Jamal Crawford to Eddy Curry, Quentin Richardson, David Lee and Renaldo Balkman, unexpectedly filed in behind him. It was a powerful gesture, regardless of circumstances — but especially because of circumstances. The Knicks have not always stood together the last several seasons, on the court or in the locker room. It was only three weeks ago that they seemed ready to break apart. Marbury had left the team last month over a disagreement with Thomas, and left his teammates feeling abandoned. There was an informal vote, and a unanimous agreement that Marbury should not be allowed to play when he returned. Thomas overruled his players, and the fractured Knicks careered through an eight-game losing streak. They bottomed out with a 45-point loss in Boston. For five consecutive home games, Marbury has been booed at Madison Square Garden, an object of scorn in his hometown. There was more pain off the court. Robert Williams, a childhood mentor of Marbury’s known as Mr. Lou, died Nov. 13. Marbury’s aunt Helen Thomas died six days later. It seemed that he had endured every imaginable heartbreak. Then, on Sunday evening, Donald Marbury left at halftime of the Knicks’ home game against the Phoenix Suns, complaining of chest pains. Moments after the game ended, Marbury learned that his father had died of a heart attack. Suddenly, there are no locker-room divisions, only empathetic teammates trying to find the right words to console a grief-stricken friend. Rose cited a passage from Romans: “All things, both good and bad, happen for the good of all those who believe.” When the service had ended, and the rest of the Knicks had filed out and boarded the team bus, three players stayed behind. Rose, Crawford and Lee had been asked by the family to serve as pall bearers. Each of them greeted Marbury with a warm hug. Crawford, perhaps his closest friend on the team, whispered a few words as they embraced, and Marbury patted Crawford’s head. The Knicks have played 17 games but have seen enough sorrow and turmoil to last two seasons. For the moment, Marbury’s personal loss overshadows all, and there is no indication of when he will feel ready to play again. The Knicks will wait, respectfully, and then return to the task of rebuilding frayed relationships. Perhaps it began with 14 men standing shoulder to shoulder in a Coney Island church. “Time heals all wounds,” Rose told the gathered mourners. “Just open up your heart and continue to trust God.” REBOUNDS Eddy Curry is considered questionable for tonight’s game at Philadelphia. Curry missed his first game of the season Wednesday after turning his left ankle during the team’s shoot-around. [Edited by - NYK3 on 12-06-2007 10:49 PM] I wasn't born with enough middle fingers!!!
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holfresh
Posts: 38679 Alba Posts: 0 Joined: 1/14/2006 Member: #1081 |
12/7/2007 1:02 AM
I think I need a man hug after that article.... |
Good article from NY Times on the funeral