Why the criticism of Rockets' Tilman Fertitta has gone too far
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It's been said before but very rarely does the cliff notes version of events tell the full story. Moreover, a truncated version will seldom be effective, outside of passing a literature quiz in grade school.
In spite of this, many people still turn to an abbreviated version, in hopes of saving time researching the entirety of events. Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta became the latest example of this during last week's introductory presser for newly-hired coach Ime Udoka.
Fertitta and Rockets GM Rafael Stone faced a swath of reporters who were interested in knowing how the organization felt about Udoka's past transgressions, which led to him being issued a one-year suspension by the Boston Celtics. Fertitta and Stone reiterated that the franchise had done their due diligence, which league commissioner Adam Silver also rehashed.
Why the criticism of Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has gone too far
But nothing Fertitta stated resonated with the masses after a 44-second cliff notes version of the presser went viral.
Fertitta was attempting to explain that Udoka deserved a second chance and a shot at redemption. But it got a bit dicey from there.
Full quote from Tilman Fertita on people who didn’t want Ime Udoka to get a second chance.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) April 26, 2023
“Then they’re not a good, Christian Person”
“We’re a forgiving world and anybody that isn’t forgiving… then shame on them” pic.twitter.com/KfkudfrLvk
Fertitta stated that we live in a forgiving world, which sadly, isn't quite the case.
Many live in glass houses and still throw stones. It's just as common for people to not allow someone to move on from their past missteps.
Fertitta added the "good Christian" line, giving listeners a glimpse of how he views life. This made Fertitta an instant target on social media, and he'd certainly take a do-over if he was presented with one.
But the reality is Fertitta was going to be the butt of a joke no matter what he would've said, as many love to dunk on him when afforded the opportunity. One could argue that's what caused the 44-second clip to be posted anyways.
But although the phrasing and articulation may not have been the best, the message was spot on. Udoka does deserve a second chance.
Even those who break the law are given second chances, so long as they're proven to be contrite and remorseful. And especially when the act in question involves a violation of morals, as in the case of Udoka.
Everyone has committed an error in judgment in their lifetime. Should you not be granted another opportunity to show that you've learned from your mistake?
How long should it take for you to be granted a do-over? Who makes that determination?
Surely no one in the public eye is able to make that determination. This is what Fertitta meant to say without question.
And he was right. Whether you like it or not.