Blazers Press Conference announcing new coach 6-29-2021

[Pinwheel1]

Anne Peterson is the AP sports reporter for this area. She covers just about everything sports-related, including college and professional sports. I've always enjoyed her covered on things. Very knowledgeable and doesn't include herself in the story like a few around here are known to do.

I have seen at least one post in this forum and some on other sites that were curious about the 5 year contract. A 5 year contract for a 1st time coach does seem a bit long.

BTW, she was called upon twice to ask questions.

I noticed the crowd was pretty small. Probably why a few were called twice. They did say beforehand it was 4 years with a team option. I assume she knew that

 

[Scalma]

Where was Canzano? Oh yeah, hahhaahahahhahahahahahahha

 

[TheHobbit]

The rape allegations were clearly addressed before media questioning...they just wanted dirt...details and to sow some doubt into the hiring and yes...I think that Casey Holdhal, Kerry Eggers or Brook Shields would have avoided rape questions in front of teenage girls and also...if you think teenage girls don't care about public embarrassment, you've never raised one

I think that your view on the matter is totally biasing how you see the reporters. They asked pretty straight forward questions. That's their job. It's not just wanting dirt. There are people who want answers and don't feel like the opening statement addressed their concerns.

I think too many people are just looking to buy the company line here.

The fact that you can't even see asking any questions as legitimate says a lot.

 

[riverman]

So you're saying Olshey shouldn't've hired Billups. Because that's the only way to avoid this.

what are you talking about? I don't agree with any of this trial by public opinion...we've been talking about it for days....I also compared how shitty our media coverage is compared to the Toronto media...this would never occur there...it was a lost opportunity to plant some hope and goodwill for our players and new coach. They addressed it clearly without being asked but
how many fucking times are you going to rip off the band aid before you let it heal? Several of your posts use ultimatums....like the "only way".....I don't see things like that. There's a "better way" and there are many options on how to deal with what we witnessed today...I'm all in on the Chauncey hire and I'm satisfied that there's no hidden monsters or unhealthy abuse patterns in his life...simple

 

[Orion Bailey]

human shield? you think billups brought them as a prop?

this is the kinda shit that makes me scream about racial undertones with this stuff. You're not gonna say that about any other white guy in this position-- i guarantee that.

This man just got one of 30 high profile jobs in the world, something he admitted has been his DREAM. He wanted to share it with his family.

Fuck off with this shield bullshit.

Man..... am I the only one who works in a corporation and understands how corporations think?

I get it, this is Chauncey's dream and he wants his family there, but I still think this entire press conference was carefully planned because of the backlash. I was once told that my team couldn't put out a recipe book because the company has an official recipe book and it might ruffle feathers. A FUCKING RECIPE BOOK. I mean, come on.... corporations are all about optics. I can promise you that there was a discussion a long time before this press conference ever took place about how to deal with the questions about his past and how the organization wanted to present itself. Neil was clearly reading off a card during his open remarks to be sure that what he was saying was in line with what the company wanted to say.

CJ and RoCo didn't just show up. I am sure that those two players were specifically asked to be there. It would have been hilarious to see the reaction if Melo was there too

Dame wasn't there for a reason. Whether that was his decision or the teams, I don't know. I imagine he didn't want to be a part of the questioning.

Chauncey's family was there for a reason. He needs to come off as a stable family man. That he has a wife and daughters. Don't you guys ever watch shows about political operatives? How they polish the image of a politician? How they deal with scandals? I wouldn't say his family was there as a shield, but I would definitely say they were there to present him as a stable family man.

@Natebishop3

You need to stop being so skeptical about everything. Get out more.

Come off as a stable family man?

WTF.

Look at his social media. Do even a TINY bit of research on Chauncey's family. See how much they mean to him and how they have been there during every big event in his life.

again... quit digging.

his daughters are aged between 15-22.

man you are on fire today and i couldnt agree more yayuza!!!!

i havent always agreed with your takes but you aRe spot on today.
People need to quit digging. Seriously.

 

[Natebishop3]

man you are on fire today and i couldnt agree more yayuza!!!!

i havent always agreed with your takes but you aRe spot on today.
People need to quit digging. Seriously.

Didja happen to notice who he was quoting?

(here's a hint - it wasn't me)

 

[Rastapopoulos]

So here's the deal:
I have lived in Michigan all of the 21st century. In that time Chauncey Billups has had one of the great Pistons' careers and is universally beloved, including by me. I was totally unaware of these events from 1997 until a couple of weeks ago. But they happened, and Olshey knew about them. Him hiring Billups is saying "Billups with this baggage is better than any available alternative. Okay, but what message does that send? For the record, I'm inclined to believe Chauncey's account. But should I, just because I have always liked him? I don't know him. And now he's the new coach, and we want to love everything about the Blazers, and for a lot of us it's either feel bad about the Blazers or convince ourselves that the accusations against Billups are all bullshit. I'd like to do that, but I'm not going to be naive about all this. I'm not going to see Billups as the victim. All of this should've come out in 1997. He got away from confronting it and had a great career the whole time, so to say "it was over two decades ago" is missing the point. And sure, maybe he didn't rape her (as I said, I tend to believe that). But even if he's telling the truth, he doesn't come off great.

Now, it sounds like he said the right things at this PC. He certainly didn't go full Kavanaugh. But all you people getting righteous in his defense... well, I question your motives. It's awfully convenient for us fans to paint him as somehow the victim.

 

[Chris Craig]

Was the conference at the practice facility?

 

[Orion Bailey]

I think that your view on the matter is totally biasing how you see the reporters. They asked pretty straight forward questions. That's their job. It's not just wanting dirt. There are people who want answers and don't feel like the opening statement addressed their concerns.

I think too many people are just looking to buy the company line here.

The fact that you can't even see asking any questions as legitimate says a lot.

There are people all over who believe the should get answers to things but they neither deserve nor will be offered those answers.
Why? Because the foundation of the question is not reporting. Its gossiping.

two adults consented to an agreement. Period. At that point its nobodies business but thiers and anyone thinking they deserver or have a right to an answer is as foolish as it gets.

Gtfo of other peoples private affairs.

Period.

 

[Idog1976]

Wow, and I thought I was cynical!

I'm sorry I've had it with the Lynch Mobs on social media and elsewhere. People are being materially harmed, sometimes for zero justifiable reason, even based on their contrived pretexts! Kids are losing their scholarships due to Edgelord jokes they shared with friends at 15 all due to this toxic mob mentality "call out culture". It has gotta be lanced from society with a whitehot poker or it will, mark my words, bring this entire country down.

I've utterly had it with these scum that think they can behave like Goebbels or Pravda just because "my ideology is pure and yours is EVIL precisely because it's not lockstep with mine!".

They are the worst sort of people and deserve to have their bullshit thrown back in their face at every turn. They are almost all Performative Allies and hypocrites of the highest order. They should have a taste of their own medicine.

True Fan: "We need PROOF you aren't being racist about Billups!"

SJW shit-stirrer: "But that's subjective and would require a brain-scan to know for sure!"

True Fan: "Exactly you piece of shit, now Shut the fuck up!"

 

[noknobs]

Man..... am I the only one who works in a corporation and understands how corporations think?

I get it, this is Chauncey's dream and he wants his family there, but I still think this entire press conference was carefully planned because of the backlash. I was once told that my team couldn't put out a recipe book because the company has an official recipe book and it might ruffle feathers. A FUCKING RECIPE BOOK. I mean, come on.... corporations are all about optics. I can promise you that there was a discussion a long time before this press conference ever took place about how to deal with the questions about his past and how the organization wanted to present itself. Neil was clearly reading off a card during his open remarks to be sure that what he was saying was in line with what the company wanted to say.

CJ and RoCo didn't just show up. I am sure that those two players were specifically asked to be there. It would have been hilarious to see the reaction if Melo was there too

Dame wasn't there for a reason. Whether that was his decision or the teams, I don't know. I imagine he didn't want to be a part of the questioning.

Chauncey's family was there for a reason. He needs to come off as a stable family man. That he has a wife and daughters. Don't you guys ever watch shows about political operatives? How they polish the image of a politician? How they deal with scandals? I wouldn't say his family was there as a shield, but I would definitely say they were there to present him as a stable family man.

I work for a rather large corporation, in the entertainment industry no less. Of course some of that was going to be planned out in advance, they're aware of the news... But optics and truth aren't mutually exclusive. It doesn't mean he's not a stable family man, it just means they want to show it.

As to whether Neil was reading off a card during his opening remarks - That would be smart considering how idiots will try to dissect every word. It's important to phrase things exactly as intended. There were a couple follow up questions that they answered and I thought handled well.

I think that your view on the matter is totally biasing how you see the reporters. They asked pretty straight forward questions. That's their job. It's not just wanting dirt. There are people who want answers and don't feel like the opening statement addressed their concerns.

I think too many people are just looking to buy the company line here.

The fact that you can't even see asking any questions as legitimate says a lot.

They asked straight forward questions and I thought received straight forward answers. If your job is to continue to ask the same question when it's been answered that's fine, but don't expect a different answer.

What exactly would have addressed your concerns? Divulging the methods of the investigating agency? Learn the word "proprietary".

 

[calvin natt]

Anne Peterson is the AP sports reporter for this area. She covers just about everything sports-related, including college and professional sports. I've always enjoyed her covered on things. Very knowledgeable and doesn't include herself in the story like a few around here are known to do.

I have seen at least one post in this forum and some on other sites that were curious about the 5 year contract. A 5 year contract for a 1st time coach does seem a bit long.

BTW, she was called upon twice to ask questions.

I think it’s a totally normal, standard contract. 4 years guaranteed. Lots of first time HCs have gotten the same

 

[Natebishop3]

It doesn't mean he's not a stable family man, it just means they want to show it.

I'm not saying they are.... but this press conference was essentially a job interview with the city of Portland. What do we do at a job interview? We lay out all the shit we want to make sure people see.

 

[riverman]

I think that your view on the matter is totally biasing how you see the reporters. They asked pretty straight forward questions. That's their job. It's not just wanting dirt. There are people who want answers and don't feel like the opening statement addressed their concerns.

I think too many people are just looking to buy the company line here.

The fact that you can't even see asking any questions as legitimate says a lot.

I can see asking plenty of questions....about basketball...trying someone not convicted 24 years after the fact in front of his family...no.....I don't think the people's concerns are what motivated them....I think it's backlash fuel purely and not all reporters were bad....I shouldn't lump them all together but there were enough asking the questions he'd already answered to make it insulting and embarrassing.....think what you want about my reaction...it pisses me off

 

[noknobs]

I'm not saying they are.... but this press conference was essentially a job interview with the city of Portland. What do we do at a job interview? We lay out all the shit we want to make sure people see.

Okay. What's the problem?

 

[Orion Bailey]

Didja happen to notice who he was quoting?

(here's a hint - it wasn't me)

not really. BUt my focus wasnt so much what he said to you but more so the last paragraph or statement in that post about being a family man.

Im just sayin… leave the man alone.

he made an agreement with the accused and at that point no more public knowledge is required or deserved.

So lets not start drumming up theories of why his family is or isnt there.
It was a private affair that the public will never have full knowledge of… and thats the way it should be once two adults agree to terms regarding a private occurrence.
NDA’s exist for a reason.

 

[SheedSoNasty]

I legitimately don’t think they could have handled that better.

Neil sounded almost sincere talking about the incident

Chauncey came off really good too about that incident

As for on the court, Chauncey came off as someone who can do the damn job

At this point I am all in and all fired up

what did you do with the MM we all know?

 

[Orion Bailey]

I can see asking plenty of questions....about basketball...trying someone not convicted 24 years after the fact in front of his family...no.....I don't think the people's concerns are what motivated them....I think it's backlash fuel purely and not all reporters were bad....I shouldn't lump them all together but there were enough asking the questions he'd already answered to make it insulting and embarrassing.....think what you want about my reaction...it pisses me off

i wouldnt let it piss you off, bUt your reaction is valid nonetheless.

Im not sure ive ever seen such trashy reporting questions.
Most Portland reporters would serve themselves better by applying for work with the national enquirer.

 

[Natebishop3]

Okay. What's the problem?

I didn’t say there was a problem. Rasta said they were there as a shield. I said they were there to present an image.

 

[Natebishop3]

not really. BUt my focus wasnt so much what he said to you but more so the last paragraph or statement in that post about being a family man.

Im just sayin… leave the man alone.

he made an agreement with the accused and at that point no more public knowledge is required or deserved.

So lets not start drumming up theories of why his family is or isnt there.
It was a private affair that the public will never have full knowledge of… and thats the way it should be once two adults agree to terms regarding a private occurrence.
NDA’s exist for a reason.

OB I honestly don’t know what you’re going on about.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

A couple of things...

I have no problem if there are some fans that are upset or concerned about this. I personally don't but I can understand why some do. We all have different life experiences that makes us see things differently. I was molested when I was going to catholic grade school. If the Blazers were to suddenly start holding basketball camps at catholic schools in Portland I would have a very similar reaction that many are having over the Billups hiring.

I do have a concern that I mentioned during the press conference, Olshey said the standard background investigation and a more in-depth investigation were done AFTER the offer to hire Billups was made. That seems like more of a rubber stamp of a hiring decision vs wanting more information to help in making a hiring decision.

Also using a 3rd party for the investigation seems more like a CYA move. Blazers have had former FBI agents on staff. Paul Allen used former Navy Seals for his personal protection. I guarantee you Vulcan has people on staff that could do a very detailed investigation on Billups.

Again, I read what was available online about this incident and as I have posted many times before I have no problem with the fact that he settled out of court. No problem at all.

I do have one giant concern about this, there were more than Billups involved in this. One of the people who were sued didn't have the money to settle. If this person is still financially challenged he could be paid to spill his guts about this.

I welcome Billups to the Blazers and wish him the best.

 

[Orion Bailey]

OB I honestly don’t know what you’re going on about.

like i said. It reslly didnt have to do with you but if you cant tell what i was saying in my post, im not sure how much clearer i can make it?

stop theorizing. (Not you specifically, people in general)
Leave the mans past alone.
What happened today in the press conference was pathetic.
And i agree with yayuza 100% that people are stretching things left and right to formulate a narrative to fit their policing of others morality.

 

[Scalma]

I didn’t say there was a problem. Rasta said they were there as a shield. I said they were there to present an image.

what image? The family of a new coach/player is almost always there at an introductory press conference.

 

[TheHobbit]

I think Billups did well himself and the hated media even set him up to look even better but Neil cut him off.

 

[Orion Bailey]

I don't know how anyone could shake during this weather..... much too hot.

They can bake though baby!

 

[B-Roy]

I think Billups did well himself and the hated media even set him up to look even better but Neil cut him off.

Not sure how Neil cut him off. Unless he told the moderator "if I glare at you and drink from my left water bottle, cancel the question."

More likely they did talk about what questions they wouldn't take beforehand.

 

[B-Roy]

Wait where is the selective outrage at CJ for supporting the coach? Why did "blazer fans" just go after Dame?

 

[damianlillard]

Not sure how Neil cut him off. Unless he told the moderator "if I glare at you and drink from my left water bottle, cancel the question."

More likely they did talk about what questions they wouldn't take beforehand.

I think the problem with the question was basically answered earlier. Billups would give the same answer he gave earlier

 

[BBert]

Of course the Blazers prepared for the press conference and prepared for the inevitable questions about the allegation. That's what smart people do. Would a lawyer go into court without anticipating the other sides questions and how best to answer them? Preparation does not equal deceit.

Yes, politicians trot out the wife and daughters whenever they have to face up to sexual harassment scandals.

However, there was nothing unusual about Chauncey, or any other new coach in a new city, having his wife and children present at a news conference to announce his big shot at his dream job. What would have been unusual was if he had not.

I believe that if Billups had shown up without his wife and daughters, the SJW's would have made a big stink about that. Like that would have been proof of something nefarious and obviously planned.

There was no way to win today. Those who want to be upset and write about how upset they are will find a way.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think Billups did well himself and the hated media even set him up to look even better but Neil cut him off.

I agree that they should have let him answer. But I also think Dufour is embellishing a little here in this tweet. Was it really a "shame" that he was not allowed to repeat what he had already said about how he learned from the situation? I doubt very much he was going to elaborate much more since his answer before was fairly long. (and uncomfortable)

Again like I said in another post, it was a softball question from Quick and he should have been allowed to answer it because now the media is making it a bigger deal than it really should be. The woman running the show made a slight error in cutting it off.