The NBA has fined Portland Trailblazers forward Rudy Fernandez $25,000 for making "public statements detrimental to the NBA." This coming after Fernandez reportedly ignored several phone calls made to him by head coach Nate McMillan. Fernandez's agent, Andy Miller, has said that Fernandez has no intention of reporting to training camp in October and plans to sit out the remaining two years of his contract unless the Blazers intend to trade him.
Congratulations Rudy. Not only have you made yourself look juvenile and unprofessional amidst this entire spectacle, but you will almost undoubtedly be hit with more fines from the NBA for violating league rules about publicly demanding a trade.
As a major proponent for professional athletes and their rights, this is one time in which I have trouble doing so. If I was to disregard phone calls from my employer about matters pertaining to my job, I would probably not have one the following day. Not only would I be unemployed, but collecting a salary would be out of the question. However, this is exactly what Fernandez plans to do. He will neglect the Blazers and collect on his salary that is due to him for the next two years without suiting for a single game.
News flash Rudy, although you are a dynamic role player who comes off the bench and provides a spark, you are just that. A role player. Sit out two seasons and see how willing teams are going to be to sign a guy to a long term deal after he refused to play for a team because he felt he was under utilized. My guess is you better sign with a team back in Spain, because any self respecting owner wouldn't give you the satisfaction of suiting up for another NBA squad.
Not only should the Portland Trailblazers not trade Fernandez, but a precedent should be set for his inauspicious behavior. The Blazers, along with David Stern and the NBA, should be able to void Fernandez's contract for being physically unable to perform. Take the NFL for example. Guys play their hearts out in the during the pre-season games, vying for a roster spot only to be injured and released from the team the following day. The players aren't paid as they are unable to meet the physical requirements necessary for their respective employment. The same should apply to the NBA. If Fernandez wants his money, he should have to play for it. If he wants to sit out the season he is more than welcome to do so without pay. The Blazers should also be given the right to cut him, if they see fit.
I usually admire the commissioner's "sternness" when it comes to challenging issues regarding the league. However, if he fails to address this debacle with Fernandez and the Blazers, he will be condoning a behavior that is not only bad for owners, teams, and organizations, but for the NBA as a whole.
Hey Fernandez, it looks like the name "Rudy" fits you to a tee.
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