After Saturday’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, Cavaliers guard Damon Jones lashed out at the fans telling them he did not want to be cheered anymore, because he was booed during the game after missing several three point shots. Jones, the self proclaimed "best shooter in the world", is in a slump hitting less than 20% of his shots after moving to the starting line up after the injury to Larry Hughes.
Jones should shut his mouth. First, nothing good can be gained by getting into an argument with the fans. Fans go to the game for enjoyment, and although they may not know what they are talking about, they are paying money to go to the games. Jones may have been a key player for the Miami Heat last season, averaging 12.2 points per game, but Cleveland fans didn’t see that. They judge Jones only on what they have seen since the guard put on the wine and gold, a supposed great shooter who is tossing enough bricks to build a new wing at Quicken Loans Arena, and a guy who couldn’t guard someone in a phone booth.
I guarantee you that if LeBron James or Zydrunas Ilgauskas had a couple a subpar games the crowd would not be up in arms. That’s because Cavs’ supporters have seen enough of a track record from these players to give them the benfit of the doubt. They would understand that the player is going through a slump.
The crowd at the "Q" hasn’t seen enough good games from Jones to allow him the same slack. It also doesn’t help Jones cause that he talks better than he has played so far. He’s the guy who came to Cleveland talking about how good he is. If you’re going to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. If you are going to tell everyone how great you are, then you have to produce. If Jones had signed with the Cavs without saying much, the fans would probably be more understanding.
Cleveland is a city that likes athletes who work hard. Look at some of the players it embraced over the years, Brian Brennan, Danny Ferry, Omar Vizquel (there is another theory at work here too). The people of this city do not like guys who are all flash and no substance. That’s what Jones is.
I can tell Damon Jones this. Once the shots start falling, the crowds at the "Q" will fall in love with Damon Jones. Jones will become more popular in this city, and this is a city who puts its athletes on pedestals. That is if Jones hasn’t damaged his relationship with the fans by opening his mouth. You can’t dig a hole you can’t get out of. Hopefully, Damon Jones can climb out of his hole with the fans.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 