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Tory BarronESPN Editor
Thursday night Ben SimmonsYou will feel awkwardly close to an ex-partner when you are in the Brooklyn NetsFace the Philadelphia 76ersAt the Wells Fargo Center
Simmons — Who has yet to wear the Nets’ uniform? since being acquired from the 76ers in February— will be sitting on the bench throughout his highly anticipated homecomingWhile he is recovering from a back problem. The 25-year old swingman won’t be able take the court due to a back injury.
“Ben doesn’t have that chance right now. He has to sit there and take a bunch people being childish.” Kevin Durant said of his teammate’s situation. He was tired of playing basketball for them and hurled insults at him. It’s funny, I think, when you look at it from the larger picture. But that’s the sport we play.
Simmons requested a trade from the Sixers after last seasonThe odds of him being welcomed with a warm smile are slim.
The No. While it is unlikely that the No. 1 draft pick in 2016 will be able to stop the hostile environment, he’s far from the only athlete who has been disregarded by the entire fan base.
This article could easily go on for longer than a run-in with your ex at the grocery shop if we included every homecoming in sports. We’ll instead tell you about some of our most memorable over the years.
LeBron James, Cleveland, 2010.
LeBron James was once hailed as a hero and then he became a villain faster than the writers of “Game of Thrones.”
LeBron James, a Miami Heat player for the first time, returned to Cleveland in a hostile environment. He felt betrayed, disappointed and vitriol in the arena and the city.
LeBron was not only the most famous sports figure in town; he was also a friend to many. His departure to South Beach caused an additional level of pain for the city, which had its hopes and dreams on his shoulders.
The “kid” from Akron was greeted with boos from his former fans. Some of them threw stuff (including beverages) while others displayed signs such as “Quitness,” Witnessed No Championship” and “I Hate LeBron.” The team reported that four fans were expelled from the event and one was taken into custody.
King James overcame animosity and scored 38 points to help his team win the 118-90 Heat victory.
Spoiler alert: LeBron would win back Cleveland’s affection with a hard-earned Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Washington, 2019, Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper was met with boos upon his return to D.C. #MLBNShowcase. pic.twitter.com/bxYPngzhPI
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 2, 2019
From favored child to public enemy No. 1. Bryce HarperWho left the? Washington NationalsTo sign a record-breaking 13-year, $330 million dealWith their National League East rival Philadelphia PhilliesHe returned to Nationals Park in February 2019 but didn’t get a warm reception.
He was booed by fans during a pregame tribute, and then he was cheered as loudly as an ace Max ScherzerHarper struck him out his first at-bat. Harper didn’t like the heckling and called out fans after the game, saying that they were “a nuisance.”crossed the line.”
Some might argue that Harper received this reception in a petty manner; others will argue that loyalty should be considered.
We will just say this: The Nationals won the World Series the year after he was gone.
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City, 2017,
Thunder fans boo KD before he goes to the floor. pic.twitter.com/ViwMSeA31X
— Tim Cato (@tim_cato) February 12, 2017
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: The game that will live in NBA infamy. Since King James’s “The Decision” hounded, no departure has caused so much trouble in the Association.
OKC is a city that you don’t need to visit often to appreciate its beauty. Kevin Durantmeant to the city — the guy even had his own restaurant named after him. The establishment closed in the wake he left but has since been reopened with a new name and theme.
KD’s welcome was anything but friendly. He was booed loudly while he was getting ready, as well as whenever he touched offense. There were many cupcake signs. There was also at least one person dressed up as a cupcake.
Then, he got a messy divorce from his friend and former teammate. Russell WestbrookThe other added layer of animosity was the addition of the ex-duo. The ex-duo had a heated exchange of words throughout the game. Westbrook was heard shouting “I’m coming!” at one point in the game.
Durant was the one to win, however, scoring 34 points and grabbing nine rebound as the Warriors won a dominant 130-114 victory. Durant commented on the boos during the game by saying, “I thought it would get louder, but it wasn’t fun.”
Deion Sanders at Atlanta, 1994
Deion Sanders, who was a player for the Atlanta FalconsFive years later, the city was outraged at the signing of the San Francisco 49ers. More ill will followed his departure. Falcons players claimed that he wanted preferential treatment. They also claimed “Prime Time,” which actually meant “Part Time,” because Sanders split his time between them. Atlanta Bravesand the Falcons.
This heated tale of homecoming was quite different from the others. Sanders mocked the Falcons faithful, rather than facing the constant ridicule upon his return to Georgia Dome.
Prime Time has flipped the script. He put on quite the show. He didn’t manage to get the last 40 yards to the end zone after a 93 yard interception return. Instead, he turned sideways and gave the Atlanta bench a big ole smile.
The more they booed the better he thrived (and danced).
The 49ers would win 42-3.
Johnny Damon, Boston 2006
All is fair in love, baseball and life — except that you have to leave the Boston Red SoxFor the New York Yankees. It is impossible. You can do it, but you will be publicly reprimanded.
Johnny Damon knows that one of the most tense rivalries in sport is not to be underestimated. Although the former Boston star was given some concessions for his role in the Sox winning the World Series title, the fans were still quite brutal upon his return to Fenway Park.
Many of them chose to throw fake and real dollars bills on the warning track in the center, when he took to the field to pay respects to his departure. He left to sign a four year contract with New York worth $12 million more than the one Boston offered.
Damon was criticized for signing with the Yankees in December 2005. He had earlier said that he couldn’t play for them, but he knows they will pursue him hard. It’s certainly not the most important thing to go out and get top dollar. The Yankees will offer me that. It’s not the right thing for me.”
Jaromir Jagr in Pittsburgh 2001
Jaromir JagrAs a member of The Stanley Cup Club, won two Stanley Cups Pittsburgh PenguinsHe was a good player, but he couldn’t see a future as a Penguin. This left many Pens fans bitter. It was more than just that. The way he left the franchise (he asked to be traded twice), that caused the boos every time he touched the puck at Mellon Arena.
Jagr went through a period of depression during the 2000-01 season. This, along with his relationship with Ivan Hlinka, Jagr’s rocky relationship with, and the Penguins inability to pay Jagr big bucks, would have probably been enough to cause both sides to move on. He was traded to the Washington Capitals in 2001. famously declared“I feel like my body is dying.” … Right now, I don’t feel at home here. For me, it’s not the same. We’ll wait and see. Perhaps I’ll think about retirement very soon.”
His threat to retire at age 28 was not a good idea, but it didn’t bode very well for his relationship and fan base with the Penguins.
Alex Rodriguez in Seattle, 2001
Is baseball always about money? This was a rhetorical question.
Alex Rodriguez left Seattle for a pay day, similar to Johnny Damon and Bryce Harper. Rodriguez, who was widely considered to have been the best player in the game at that time, got married. Seattle MarinersIn favor of a 10-year contract worth $252 million with the Texas RangersDuring the offseason. It was at the time the most lucrative sports contract in history.
Rodriguez made his debut as a Ranger at-bat and the fans were vocal in their disapproval. The loud and persistent boos at Safeco Field were deafening.
The game was concluded with a 9-7 Mariners win.
Vince Carter in Toronto, 2005
Vince Carter has had a difficult relationship with Toronto over the years. According to reports, Vince Carter was unhappy with Toronto’s top management and traded to the New Jersey Nets on Dec. 17, 2004. Rumours circulated he may have stopped giving his all to the court.
The Raptors’ faithful were not happy with Vinsanity’s decision to leave the team. Alonzo Morning was traded to Eric Williams, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round draft selections. This only made matters worse.
Carter made his first return trip to Toronto wearing a New Jersey uniform, on April 15, 2005. It was met with an overwhelming response from the crowd. sucks” chants.
Carter did not lose heart and continued to score 39 points after the Nets’ victory of 101-90. For years, Carter would put on impressive performances at The Six.
Eric Lindros, Philadelphia 2002
Eric Lindros was part of eight seasons with The Philadelphia FlyersBefore things went south. After suffering the sixth concussion during his career, Lindros suffered an open-ice hit in Game 7 of Eastern Conference finals. Lindros was cleared for play on Nov. 27 2000. He sat out all of the season, vowing never to play for any Flyers again.
Lindros was then sold to the New York Rangers. Flyers fans weren’t pleased with him and made sure that he was aware of their home ice when he returned.
Terrell Owens in Philadelphia (2006)
Terrell Owens was hugged during his time at the Philadelphia EaglesAlthough he signed with them immediately after signing, Dallas CowboysThe love quickly became hateful. Fans shared a common hatred for their former star who had joined the NFC East rival.
Owens was a notorious rival with Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb. He also criticized the team and was released by the Eagles. Dallas picked him up. McNabb claimed that McNabb was immune from the T.O. Despite all the hype surrounding the matchup, Philadelphia was certain not to be affected.
T.O. was emotionally invested by his fans and they were ready to take revenge. Owens joked that the crowd was capable, in the weeks leading up to the game. throwing “cheesesteaks, batteries, Huggies, anything” at him.
It didn’t happen, however, as T.O. The former Eagle never got the chance to celebrate. In Philadelphia’s 38-24 win, the former Eagle was limited to three receptions for 45 yards.