Grizzlies owner invites Conley, Gasol to dinner but doesn't invite ZBO or Rudy

[Fresno]

Therefore, an anecdote from a story in Memphis Commercial Appeal by beat writer Ronald Tillery was eye-popping. According to Tillery, new owner Robert Pera had dinner with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, two franchise cornerstones that have not been on the block. However, he did not invite Gay and Randolph, the two Grizzlies that are rumored to be shopped.

Before the team concluded a three-game trip last week at Golden State, Griz owner Robert Pera had dinner with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

"We had a great time. We really enjoyed spending time with those guys," Levien said.

The response from Gay was more measured, saying, "It is what it is," before adding, "I just hope it wasn't my favorite restaurant!"

Randolph, on the other hand noted it didn't feel like anything personal, but then went on to say that he told the younger players, "It's not like they love you... It's business."

http://www.sbnation.com/2013/1/18/38...mercial-appeal


The new owner talked with the writer and the newspaper changed the article so the quotes from Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph weren't included:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...itted-despite/

[xxplayerxx23]

don't see it a much of a story

[kozelkid]

I feel like inviting players to dinner as an owner is kinda odd in its own right...

[bloomis1307]

With the way management is trying to save money I wonder if Gasol and Conley were even allowed to order something not on the Dollar Menu

[Seguin]

I feel like inviting players to dinner as an owner is kinda odd in its own right...

....what? Owners and players are typically pretty close ....

[Fresno]

With the way management is trying to save money I wonder if Gasol and Conley were even allowed to order something not on the Dollar Menu

They probably split an appetizer and couldn't get refills for their drinks.

[sep11ie]

Thy said "OK Mike, when they ask how old you are, SAY YOU ARE 12!".

[Cracka2HI!]

I'm not sure if he's met the coach yet either. He seems to rubbing people in Memphis the wrong way. They've been playing bad since the front office started making news.

[tapajafri]

why are we blowing this out of proportion?

this isn't much of a story.

[ILLUSIONIST^248]

why are we blowing this out of proportion?

this isn't much of a story.

^

[Raps08-09 Champ]

My boss invited me to dinner only to hit me with a bat and shoot me.

[BULLSFAN0810]

why are we blowing this out of proportion?

this isn't much of a story.

yeah it is a big thing ..esp if the players eating with owner are lesser players and you are the Star(s). Its a slap in the face. Gay is an Olympian...basically he is on the cusp of being elite AND he is young . Memphis, your owner is a big douche bag turd...he basically just RUINED your team/franchise,and probably set them back 5 years esp if they trade Gay and ZBO. Memphis was one of the few teams NO ONE WANTS TO PLAY..2 Bigs who can ball AND COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER...A one on one player who can actually guard his position in Gay ...Id kill the owner myself but im hoping we get Gay since Memphis let Mayo go to ...your owner is a *****.

[Stunnerko123]

Both getting traded that's why

[kozelkid]

....what? Owners and players are typically pretty close ....

Are they? I wasn't well aware; well I stand corrected then. Personally, I thought the typical age difference between the two would likely make it the opposite. Obviously you got Mark Cuban, but I just don't see how most owners who are probably 60+ years of age, would relate to a young 20-30 year old athlete.

[ManRamForPrez24]

Riveting!