I’m used to tolerating a lot of crap. That’s what makes me a Blazers fan.

We’ve seen illegal dog fights, drug use, assault charges and ill tempers; however, head coach Maurice Cheeks has remained a constant positive influence.

When Cheeks’ contract is up at the end of this season, get ready for the you-know-what to hit the fan.

Cheeks has done nothing but his best to create not only a winning team but a positive one as well, a task that rivals such feats as climbing Mt. Everest or solving world hunger.
He brings an optimistic attitude to the team both on and off the court. Remember a few years ago when that girl forgot the words to the national anthem, and Cheeks came to the rescue and helped her out. That says so much about his character, and what Portland might be missing next season.

I’m not saying that the Blazers need a coach who can hold a tune. We need one who will receive the full support of the management and of his players.

Cheeks has been the scapegoat for the Blazers suffering their worst record in the first half of the season in franchise history.

It’s up to the management to draft some key players, and we’re throwing them away when we could be building a better team. How about when we traded Jermaine O’Neal for Dale Davis, that turned out great. Or when we gave a huge contract to the disappointing Shawn Kemp. (Just to be fair I think we did pretty well this year in getting Sebastian Telfair. He’ll be a franchise player as long as we don’t trade him).

Player punishment is another aspect that management has been slacking in simply because the players still aren’t getting the point. Darius Miles was suspended for two games, in the most recent Blazer incident, and the whole thing about a document that was to repay Miles for lost wages plus interest. Unbelievable.

The players don’t respect Cheeks. They won’t play for him and it’s apparent that their personal agenda is more important than being a team player.

I’ll be sad to see Cheeks go, because of all the good he’s done for this team and the community. Now who will be the Blazers noble leader? Damon Stoudamire?