Rose grows to love S.A.
Web Posted: 03/09/2005 12:00 AM CST
Malik Rose
Special to the Express-News
I remember my rookie year when I played for the Charlotte Hornets and we played the San Antonio Spurs.
During the day of the game, I took a walk to see the Alamo. When I got there, it was a lot smaller than I thought. You hear all of these stories about it, and you think it's huge, but if you're not paying attention, you could walk right by it.
That's the one thing that worried me about coming to San Antonio back in 1997. San Antonio was so much smaller and not to mention slower than Philadelphia. At the time, Philly had about five million people and I think San Antonio had a little less than one million.
I didn't know much else about the city, either. Not much more than what they teach you in school about Texas. However, I soon found out that the people of San Antonio are some of the nicest and most caring people on the face of the Earth. And that is why I want to thank all of you.
During my eight years there, you guys always treated me very well. Even when my family goes to different places, people treat them kindly and welcome them with open arms.
My family and friends told me about the overwhelming amount of support you guys showed for me when I was traded and I thank you for all of the posters, cards, letters and e-mails that have flooded my restaurant. That support really helped me get through that tough time. It also made me feel like I had made a difference in San Antonio. Like I was living right.
I'm sure you guys know I never wanted to leave, but rest assured, I'll be back after the season. San Antonio will still be my home. My new restaurant will still open later this month and I'll continue to run the business, just from farther away. And to show my thanks for all of your support, if you bring this story into either restaurant, I'll buy you an Italian ice.
Things are going pretty well for me up here in the Big Apple, and my new teammates, as well as the fans, have been great to me. It's exciting to feel wanted and involved in things. Not to say I didn't feel those things with the Spurs, but everybody here is coming up to me asking questions, asking for advice. It's like they depend on me. That feels great!
I know (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) has been catching some heat for the trade, but please believe it wasn't personal. He just made a business decision, and I don't have any animosity toward him or the Spurs' organization.
If I saw Pop on the street, I'd be the first to shake his hand. I really did enjoy being around him. He is a great person. True, we had our differences, but in the working world, who doesn't have problems with their boss.
I will always have a special place for Pop in my heart, because he gave me a chance when no one else would. I still remember back in September 1997 when he invited me to training camp. I was brought in to be a practice player, but over time things changed. The next thing I know, fans are cheering for me, my parents are honorary Baseline Bums and we have two championship rings!
I'll still root for the Spurs. I've got too many friends over there to not support them. However, for two games out of the year, they will be considered the spawn of Satan that must be summarily put to death!
It's funny, when I first moved to San Antonio, I never thought I would own a flat-bed pick-up truck, a pair of cowboy boots or call San Antonio home.
Well, I now drive a Chevy Avalanche to my home in San Antonio. But I doubt if you'll ever get me in a pair of cowboy boots!
Thanks again, and I'll see you all soon!
