You people are out of control

Don’t you people have jobs?

RON BULL/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO

And the best-dressed award goes to ...

I’ve got about 20 questions still to answer and I’m already at about 10,000 words. That’s a lot of words. A very lot. So, as we are wont to do around here, we’ll split ‘em up and run ‘em over the course of the weekend.

And don’t fret if you don’t see yours here, I’ve got some from Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday all interspersed. I figure it keeps everyone reading.

Anyway …

Q: Hi Doug, I thought Herrmann couldn't be traded until March 14? (Eds note: Which is something I said in a reply to a question last week)

If that is correct, how come the Pistons were able to deal Brezec given that Brezac was dealt to Detroit with Hermann on Dec. 14, 2007?

I'll also ask what you think about Brezec and how he'll be used(?)...if he'll be used!

Bill L, Toronto

A: I was wrong, I thought it was 90 days before a guy could get traded and it’s 60. Humblest apologies.

I don’t think he’s going to get used very much as all. Maybe in the event of serious foul trouble to the bigs but right now he’s behind Bosh, Bargnani, Rasho and Hump in the rotation. Maybe he grabs minutes from Hump but I doubt it.

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Q: As expected BC didn't go for an ill advised home run swing at the deadline. So I'm looking ahead to next year and the starting line up.

Bosh and one of the two points is a sure thing. I think Delfino may be able to step in, but AP and Moon should be on the bench if this team is truly stronger. (Perhaps AP stays on as a starter to play defense and not take too many shots)
Does AB start or get significant minutes if he goes through what he did this year?

Kevin M, Maple

A: Next year? Right now, I’d say it’s Calderon, Parker and Mr. X (the free agent they acquire), Bargnani and Bosh at the start of the season but I do think they’ll be watching Bargnani closely and if he gets off to a horrible start, changes may occur.

I do think they’ll explore trade possibilities for a two-guard but I think a three is more on the top of their list.

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Q: Okay, I tried to get in by using fake names and exotic places but it didn't work so I am now trying to get in the mailbag with some good questions that all raptor fans want to know.

1) You see the Cleveland and Phoenix GMs saying they are willing to go over the luxury cap if the right deal comes along but I was wondering if MLSE would do that for the raptors.

2) How does the staff at the ACC get 20000 pizzas ready when the raps score 100+.
Now you have to admit these are good enough questions to get in.

Andrew C, Saskatoon

A: Honesty is the best policy.

The Raptors have steadfastly maintained they will not be a tax-paying team.

They don’t get 20,000 pizzas ready; they have a sponsorship deal with a pizzeria that allows fans to go to any store and get one slice. Of, they allow the homeless who have been given a ticket stub by fans who should do that as a matter of course every game they get to 100, to go get a hot slice the next day.

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Q: A different type of question but I’ve got to ask. What’s with the Raptors logo? I keep seeing that purple dinosaur pop up but I thought the official logo had been changed to the Claw ever since BC took over. I noticed the back of CB4's all-star jersey had the purple dinosaur logo, same with all content on ESPN. Are the Raps the only team in pro sports to carry two official logos? If so I think it's time we lost the Purple Dinosaur (although I hear a new Jurrasic Park movie is coming soon!)

Stephen G, Toronto

A: Lots of teams have secondary logos, Golden State’s got about six, I think; Cleveland uses that sword along with the Cavaliers one. I don’t really see a problem for anyone and, you know, if it makes Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment a wee bit richer, well, that’s the name of the game, isn’t it?

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Q: A few questions:

1. What do you think of adding retired players to the rookie game? Either an old team (retired for 3 or less years) vs. rook/soph team OR mixing the old and young guys together in a traditional east vs. west.

2. Do you think Moon doesn't drive as much because he is working on the chance of a lifetime and does want to injure himself before he lands a multi-year deal? I've heard other players talk about this fear (especially in college).

3. I don't recall much Rapt talk in 2006 about drafting Roy. Was his name ever seriously discussed?

Davie D, Hamilton

A: A few answers

1. I think, having watched years ago when they played a “Legends” game, that retired players, for the most part, should stay retired.

What I think they should do is add a “horse” competition. I’m told they did one at the D League festivities with the players mic’d and a time limit to get a shot off and it was good.

2. No, I don’t think that enters his mind ever. And anyone who thinks that should be waived. Right away.

3. Roy wasn’t on their radar, they were set on Bargnani and there were some medical questions about his knee.

Q: What did you think of the Doug Collins comment that Rasheed Wallace, shooting left-handed, could beat Bosh in a game of HORSE?

Peter A, Toronto

A: I’d agree.

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Q: Hey, Doug. I've been trying to submit a question to you for ages but I just could not seem to find it anywhere on your blog. Anyways, I don't know if this questions been answered but who/what determines the players that get to stand on the sides of the key while a player shoots a free throw? Is it the coach or is there something else? Thanks.

Dilpreet S, Brampton

A: Generally, the defensive teams want to have their second player on the same side as the best rebounder of the team shooting the free throw. The reasoning is the inside guy blocks out the good rebounder, leaving the outside guy to grab the ball.

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Q: Did you see the slight by Mr. LeBron James on Mr. Jamario Moon when Daniel Gibson was being interviewed Saturday night? LeBron came off as a spoiled brat and a bit of a baby with this and the comment about "no more Cavs." When, if ever, do you see him leaving Cleveland?

Colin C, Toronto

A: I see him leaving Cleveland at the end of this contract, actually. And so do some around the Cavs which is why they cater to his every whim.

I didn’t see a slight. But a few people have mentioned it. Really, though, who gives a rat’s patoot?

Will he leave? I bet he's done after this contract's up.

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Q: First email into you since the whole blog thing started a while back. I have been an avid reader though. I think the writing style you have chosen to use in your blog is addictive reading.

How does Garbo fit in the Raptors future plans? Is he in the doghouse for rushing back to play for Spain? Is there a "glue" guy out there that B.C. might be looking at picking up with the collection of scraps he has to trade. I still think Joey Graham could be a late bloomer like Caron Butler, but I think it's time. Tough bottom line on the Wince trade though. Ouch.

I know that in the next couple of years that the Raptors have a whack of salary cap coming off the books, and the trio of Bosh, Bargs, Ford locked up. Bosh sounds he likes the building plan! Will that salary cap have to be saved to resign Bosh and the boys, or will they be Larry Bird-ed? What assets will there be out there that B.C. may want to spend some of that cash on to continue the quest for building a championship contender

Marc G, Burlington

A: Not sure where Garbo fits, he’s got a year left on his deal so I don’t think you can count on him being here for a very long time. But he’s not in any doghouse for playing last summer; if he’s healthy at the end of this year and can help, he’ll play.

As for the future, all of those players will have “Bird” rights and can be re-signed at any salary (up to 25 per cent of the salary cap) without regard to the cap. And, honestly, who knows what kind of assets will be out there. There are extensions and trades and diminishing skills to think about before trying to guess who’ll be good or available in two or three years.

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Q: I know my hoops, but I heard something a couple weeks ago that needs some clarification. The last game against Boston in the season series I heard that there were NBA officials in the house scouting for the playoffs. If the press rooms and other infrastructure is in place, especially since the Raps made the playoffs last year, what's there to scout? Also, why is it so team specific?

Dave S, Toronto

A: You may know your hoops but you don’t know your back-of-house NBA hoops.

The things they scout at places for auxiliary press seating – you could have up to 10 or 20 times the usual media corps for a playoff series than you do a regular-season game; back of house space for interview rooms for writers and various broadcast outlets and such. Press facilities for the regular season are never, ever good enough for the playoffs.

And it’s not team specific, over the course of the next two months, and over the course of the last month or so, NBA officials will visit practically every team that has a chance at being in the playoffs.

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Q: Hey Doug, long time reader, first ever writer...(it’s a long one, hang in there)

I have been a long supporter of Andrea Bargnani since we first drafted him and have defended him throughout his regression this first half on of season. I understand the potential growth in the years to come and how ‘dangerous’ he and bosh can be…
That being said, I look at Dirk Nowitzki now and as good as he has become, he arguably does not have that ‘championship make-up’, and if Bargnani gets to be that good or even close I still feel that with him playing at center we will be lacking the defense and inside toughness needed to be a deep playoff and championship team…SO…

With his stock increasing recently, do you think we should try and maybe switch our philosophy/vision and try to get a young big man who can rebound and provide an inside presence? I know they are few and far between but I am eyeing Chris Kaman. He is relatively cheep (8 million a year) for what he brings as a starting center and he’s young at 25. The Clips are in trouble and may be willing to shake things up and rebuild, with maybe Bargnani and Rasho (or a couple expiring contracts) for Kaman and another player – your thoughts my man?

Jacob W, Toronto

A: You were long. I’ll be short.

No, I don’t think they should change philosophy or vision, it’s been all of what? A season and a half?

Chris Kaman? At the same stage of his career that Bargnani is right now, was a stiff. Averaged about eight points and six rebounds.

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Q: Any chance the Raptors would scoop Justin Williams off waivers (and maybe drop Maceo Baston) for some shot blocking/rebounding help? Or would that just amount silly tinkering?

Liam C, San Francisco

A: I’d be surprised if they went after him. He’s hardly taken the league by storm and I can’t for the life of me seeing him make a substantial difference, or playing a substantial role, on this team.

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Q: I'm completely happy with the progress the Raptors have made, but I'm wondering about their realistic "ceiling" the next five years or so. Even if Bargnani becomes the consistent offensive mismatch the brain-trust desires him to be, he'll still pose the same problem as Dirk on the defensive end.  People say championships are won with defense, but our core bigs will be lacking in that area.  So my two-parter:

1) Assuming a good defensive center capable playing 30+ minutes/game magically fell from the sky, do you think the Raptors would be worse off defensively having Bargnani guard the 4 and Bosh guard the 3?

2) Everyone compares Bargnani to Dirk, but not for their defensive prowess; you might find this funny, but if you were to wager, who do you think will be remembered as the better defender?

Jonathan L, New York

A: You’re surmising that if they find this mystery centre he plays at the same time as Bosh and Bargnani, which I think is not going to happen. But, if it does, I think Bosh might be the quicker of the two and should probably guard the three. Again, I don’t see it happening, however.

Wagering, as I remind people often, is illegal. That said, I’d bet the defensive skills of neither of them are ever discussed after their careers are over. But if I had to pick, and this is going on the assumption that Bargnani guards centres, that he would be the better defender over Dirk on fours. But, again, neither will be known for any measure of defensive prowess.

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Q: Hey Doug, love the blog. Not to sure you will be interested in answering this question and have the guts to do so, but anyways, let's give it a shot. But before, let me specify that I am not a typical Toronto fan, meaning that I don't give up on the Raps after a few loses (even during the Babcock era), and don't jump to conclusion to fast, and, I was never part of that whole trade Jose-Ford wagon. But, considering Jose's HUGE contribution in the past months, I don't see how the guy cannot be our main point guard for the years to come. He has a Steve Nash selfless attitude that is priceless in this league.  I do love Ford, but given his trade value is still high come summertime (and his injuries are gone), don't you think that the Raps should get a valuable piece in return? Come on Doug, answer the question even though you don't want to dirty your hands and even though the summer is still far away, I dare you.

Jean-Serge B, Dawson City

A: Dare me? How dare you!

I don’t know what T.J.’s trade value will be in the summer, so I have have no idea if they can get a “valuable piece” in return. Today, and for the rest of this season, Jose should start, is that good enough for you? And if there’s a trade to be made for T.J. in the summer, I’m sure Bryan will, and should, consider it. I just don’t think there will be so they’ll be stuck again with the best point guard tandem in the entire NBA. Man, that’s gonna suck, isn’t it?

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Q: Hey Doug, love the blog and the Q&A's; I only wish there was more of it so I could fill my entirely lunch hour reading it.

Here's a quasi-list question (inspired by an ESPN article, so I'm afraid I can't take full credit): which NBA player(s) who currently don't have a championship ring would you most like to see succeed? Maybe you could list the top 4 or 5 off the top of your head.

I know you're pretty big on KG - would he be #1 on your list, or maybe Nash? Do you think there is a general consensus among most sportswriters?

Terence G, Mississauga

A: I saw that ESPN piece and would concur with Kevin Garnett. I’d put Nash second for sure, a very close second.

I’d certainly have Grant Hill on the list, a solid third. A fourth? That gets a little tougher, but I’d like to see Allen Iverson win a title; I wouldn’t like to see him win it alongside Carmelo Anthony, but I’d like to see him get a ring ‘cause I’ve always admired his game.

I think my brethren and sisteren would agree.

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Q: Obama? Clinton? Has Sam picked his horse yet?

PH, Toronto

A: He’ll never tell for sure but I’m thinking he’s an Obama man now.

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Q: Well I am still wondering about the answer to this question I have now asked for the fourth time. Not sure if it is too hard for you to answer.

All time, who is the "smartest" Raptor? Who has or had their degree and what was it in?

Also, if Shawn Marion opts out, do the Raps take a run at him in the off season?

Zack B, Toronto

A: Dude, if you think I’m going to go through every bio of every player who ever played to find out who’s got what degree, you’re off your rocker.

And, no, they won’t take a run at Marion ‘cause they won’t have the money to pay him.

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Q: As a fan of the NBA, who is your favourite player to watch?

Mark M, Toronto

A: Kevin Garnett because you know you’re going to get his absolute best effort every single night.

For esthetics? Steve Nash.

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Q: I was wondering, what is YOUR opinion on the NBA dress code and has anyone yet to be fined for violating it? Also, do the players have to pay for the clothes themselves or do they get some sort of 'spending allowance'?

Akaash P, Comber

A: I think there have been fines, but they’re kept in-house. I think it’s a good idea, these guys are professionals and should look like it, At least not look like bums. And, no, they buy their own clothes and, as you can see if you look closely, some have better fashion sense than others.

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Q: I read the other day that it might be possible for a team in the West to win 50 games and still be out of the playoffs. Has such a thing ever happened? With these teams playing each other quite a bit how do they all get so many wins? They must really pound the East. Do you know what the record is West vs. East.

Mich G, North Bay

A: Best team to not make the playoffs since they expanded to eight teams from each conference was Houston in 2000-01. That version of the Rockets went 45-37.

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Q: I'll keep this short and sweet: Are there any other GM-Coach combinations in the league who dress better than Bryan Colangelo and Sam Mitchell? Where do they get their suits from? They have such great style it makes the games even that much more enjoyable to watch!

Marianne D, Toronto

A: Not even close. Bryan’s got a guy in Italy, Sam’s got Ross here in town. Neither have sent us beat grunts to either of them to get gussied up.

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Q: We all loved how well CB played (Wednesday) night - the question is, why has it taken him half the season to get there? I was a little annoyed with the raptors post-game interview with CB who talked about making some minor adjustments to his game, which resulted in his superior play. Kudos for making the adjustments, but it's the end of February! It shouldn't take almost 4 months to "warm up", why weren't these adjustments made two months ago?

Raana E, Toronto

A: Huh? Did you miss the 40-point games in November, December and January? Miss the other 30-pointers he’s had.

You gotta bring better stuff than this next time.

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Q: Hi Doug, I just got a few random basketball questions for ya.
Is there a limit on how much a team can spend on coaching staff, trainers and any other personnel?
Can a technical foul be called on someone other then the team and the coaching staff? What comes to mind is Mark Cuban I know he does some crazy stuff sometimes and gets fined for it, but does he ever get T’d up?

Chris M, Toronto

A: Coaches, trainers, support staff fall outside the cap and can be paid whatever they can get.

And, oh, yeah, they can call technicals on anyone they feel like. They’ve gotten broadcasters, mascots but never a writer.

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Q: In (Wednesday's) game the Raptors reached the 100 point mark with 30 seconds left in the 3rd Quarter. Could you please tell us what is the fastest time ever for a Raptors Squad to reach the 100 point mark.

Karim A, Ajax

A: Without looking at every boxscore of every game, no, I couldn’t. And I’m not going to do that.

Comments

[AK]

I would love to see that 100 point promo replaced. I love the way the Lakers (i think?) do it where their crowd gets something if the team HOLDS the opposition to less than 100 points! DEFENSE!! What do you think Doug??

Blogger's note: You know what they should do? For every game they score 100 they should donate 19,800 coupons for slices of pizza to a food bank.

[John]

Doug

Yesterday realgm just about crashed over a simple Brezec / Dixon trade (crazy fans I tell you). Im just curious how did the Toronto Star do in terms of views in the sports section?

Blogger's note: I'm not sure of the hard numbers but I'm told the news story was the seventh most-read on the sight, which is good, I guess, because it wasn't posted until after 3. And, anecdotally, I can't remember a day with a big a flurry of comments.
Yes, the fans here are quite something.

[Mark M]

Hey Doug

I hate to be the one to ask the question but any chance BC makes a run at Brent Barry?

Blogger's note: Can't see it happening. Think he's headed back to Spurs anyway.

[Shrugz]

I know they don't want to pay luxury tax

but if they were just under the tax and on the cusp of winning a championship and only needed one piece but that piece would bring them over the tax would they do it?

Blogger's note: Doubt it, but they can cross that bridge in a few years.

[Zack]

A lot of fans in T.O. seem to have interest in Kaman (as I'm sure 29 other teams do as well) but you hit the nail on the head, Doug. This guy was far from the beast he is today last season. Bargnani is so young and raw that it would be ludicrous to give up on him now.

[Jimmy Crack Corn]

Not a fan of Melo, Doug?

Blogger's note: Not particularly, no

[leigh]

Doug, we're always told that when a trade happens, the players salaries have to be more or less the same(within $100k or something), so how was it that we were able to grab Delfino for two 2nd round picks that really have $0 guaranteed money ?

Blogger's note: With various exceptions and loopholes in the CBA finding a way to assume such a relatively small salary isn't hard; I could go into those exceptions and loopholes but there's not enough space on the internet.

[Mark]

"Blogger's note: You know what they should do? For every game they score 100 they should donate 19,800 coupons for slices of pizza to a food bank."

Doug- you should honestly talk to someone about this. Great idea.

[AK]

"Blogger's note: You know what they should do? For every game they score 100 they should donate 19,800 coupons for slices of pizza to a food bank."

-Touché!

[Justin]

These fans that keep mentioning going over the luxury tax limit must have forgotten that BC has signing Jose Calderon to a new deal on the top of his to-do list for the off-season (as he darn well should).

[Adi]

Love the blog,

Iverson is my favourite player...noticed that you like his game. I do to. I was just wondering if you have ever met him while in philly or know any good stories from the last few years maybe from the playoff series that went to 7 games?

Blogger's note: Met him? No. Interviewed him? Yes. Good stories? Nothing that's not already out there.

[DougG]

After 50 some years of suffering through mediocrity on the sports scene in Toronto I would love to see MLSE break the mold and spend some money. The only time I can remember a Toronto team doing that was when the Bluejays won two world series, and they have pretty much sucked since then. I don't think Toronto needs to spend as much as New York but they ought to act like they are the 3rd or 4th largest market in North America, rather than acting like Portland or Seattle. Even Cleveland showed they are willing to compete with the big boys. What did we do, nothing, because we can't go over the tax threshold.

[Aga]

So a broadcaster got T'd up? Please amuse us with more details Doug as to who/when/where.

By the way, you just gave me a new thing to look forward to, the Swirsk getting T'd up regarding some final second call in Game 7 of the NBA Finals (whenever Raptors makes it there that is!)

Blogger's note: That'd be hilarious. I'll have to check old files to find specifics, I'll get back to you.

[Ted S]

Dear Mr. Colangelo:

Thank you for liberating Juan and giving him a chance to contribute to a team with genuine Eastern Conference Title aspirations.

Thank you for providing a libation buddy for Rasho so they can enjoy a few post-game adult beverages in the mother tongue.

Thank you for maintaining the status quo: a good team, a packed house, a budget solidly in the black, and an early play-off exit.

Thank you for giving Doug something "Raptor" to report that has the significance of your huge Maceo Baston signing over the summer.

And last, but not least, a thank you from the hundreds of thousands of fans who wanted something more.

Ted

P.S. The last time I felt this disappointed about the Raptors either a certain number 15 missed a pretty important jumper or a certain Hall of Fame centre discovered his tank was empty.

[Fire Lord]

When mascots and broadcasters get technicals, does the opposing team get to shoot free throws?

If so, I volunteer to be the visiting team's chicken and squawk at the refs till they throw me out of the building. Two points could be the difference between a Raptors W and L.

Blogger's note: Yes, they should free throws. But it's only one free throw.

[TMF]

Yeah, that's that a pizza place wants to do, they want to promote themselves to an audience that can't afford their product.......

I'm just sayin.

[Sean]

"I don’t think (Brezec)'s going to get used very much as all. Maybe in the event of serious foul trouble to the bigs but right now he’s behind Bosh, Bargnani, Rasho and Hump in the rotation. Maybe he grabs minutes from Hump but I doubt it."

Given how much Rasho gets under-utilized, I agree. BUT, I still like this trade. Juan Dixon wasn't doing anything for this team, Brezec MIGHT, especially if the inevitable big man injury happens. 04-05 is not far enough away for me to disregard the guy, and his O-board numbers might be key for a team that loves the one and done. And hey, BC has proved he knows how to recycle Detroit's garbage (sorry Carlos).

[Leroy]

The best-dressed award goes to BC in that picture.

By the way, will the Raps think of host their own skill competition or "all-star weekend" like the leafs did after the NHL all-star break? Maybe International vs US on the roster.

[Ellie]

I did give my ticket to a homeless guy on my way out of the building. He seemed happy to get it, but I think Doug's idea about doing something en-masse for the Daily Bread is more appealing, especially since the Raptors play a winter season.

[Mike]

Why has Brezec's play declined so much in the past 2 years? He was actually decent at one point wasn't he?

Blogger's note: Yes, he was decent in 2004-05 on an expansion team, proving, I think, that someone has to put up numbers on a bad team and that should always be taken into consideration.

[Jason]

Who are you a bigger fan of Doug, Carmelo Anthony or Gerald Green?

Blogger's note: I'd take Anthony in that one.

[Zack]

Were some fans really anticipating a blockbuster trade out of the Raps camp yesterday? With what pieces? The only players we have with value are not worth trading away. Next year may be a different story since we will have something like $8 million coming off the books with Rasho's contract plus guys like Joey G and the Hump to throw in and who knows, maybe we pull off a Gasol-to-Lakers-for-expiring-salaries type trade before the deadline.

[Travis]

What about TJ + Rasho this off-season for Shawn Marion (sign and trade). Miami needs a PG and a big, we need a 3... just a thought, but the contracts would be prett close to working out. TJ is out of his BYC so its a non-issue.

[Eric]

I think the pizza giveaway is better the way it's done now. It gets the crowd involved and everyone knows it's coming- even if they're not going to use their coupon. It's a feel good moment in the game and everyone leaves smiling.

What the team (and you, Doug) should continue to do is push the idea of giving it away to the homeless after the game. Let the fans have their cheer, let everyone feel good- and still give the homeless a bite. Everyone wins that way.

I don't know what food banks would do with 20 000 pizza slices, anyway. Food banks aren't 'lacking' food, so to speak, as dumb as that sounds. On the other hand, homeless people who don't go to food banks ARE lacking food, so again, I'd rather keep it the way it is. Just make sure fans consider the option and make it a custom.

[Huseyin N]

This is just another example of how BC is a classy business man. In case you need an example, think of the Fred Jones deal where he sends the kid to his home town.