Just when you thought the Los Angeles Clippers organization started to make positive changes, they go and do something pretty stupid. According to a post on his website, beloved and long term suffering fan, Clipper Darrell is no longer allowed to be Clipper Darrell.
From his site:
It is with great sadness that I must report to all those in NBA NATION that I have been told by Clipper management they no longer want me to be Clipper Darrell, a name that was given to me by the media because of my unwavering support and team spirit. I am devastated!!!!
I have been a season ticket holder for over a decade and a FAN for over 15 years and have dedicated a major part of my life to support the Clipper organization and it’s players no matter what the season’s outcome. Over the years (400 home games) I have gone to great lengths to show my appreciation and loyalty in my attire, the car I drive and in my very own home. I’ve taken seriously the mantra of being “Clipper Darrell” in performing community service, mentoring young children and my participation in outreach programs. I’ve appreciated the struggles of the team to overcome obstacles as I’ve done in my life. I felt vindicated for all the years we as Clipper fans have gone through trials and tribulations and NOW we have a team that can win it all. Yesterday was the hardest day of my life, I felt powerless as a fan, as I was stripped of my identity however, no one can take away my heart and the love I have for my team!Darrell Bailey further elaborated on the situation to Mediabistro. From the article:
That’s when everything went haywire and they said I was trying to make money off sponsorships,” Bailey added. “If people are going to pay me to do some things, why not do it? I don’t see any harm in it as long as I’m not hurting the brand itself. I’m going to high schools, charity events, I do it all. They told me at the end of the conversation that, ‘We would like you not to be Clipper Darrell anymore and would like you to go back to Darrell Bailey.
I can understand with their newfound popularity, the Clippers might be a bit worrisome about some one potentially profiting from their name. Yet Clipper Darrell is harmless in comparison to the guys selling bootleg t-shirts outside of Staples Center after a game. Clipper Darrell held his own rally in support of bringing LeBron James to the Clippers in the summer of 2010. Darrell is a fan that shows up to every home game and loves his team. It’s not necessarily that extreme, but imagine the Lakers telling Jack Nicholson to stop coming to games or the Knicks telling Spike Lee to cool out or that wacky Dallas Mavericks fan to tone it down. Before Blake Griffin, one of the most memorable things about a Clippers home game was Darrell’s antics.
