Toine Snubbs Maine Fans.

Last night, Antoine made his "epic" return to the New England sports scene... in maine... playing for the Idaho Stampede...

Growing up a Celtics fan was not always the easiest to find reasons to tune into the late 90's early 2000's... But Anotine Walker... (once called the future of the franchise)... was my reason for tuning in. Employee #8 was the heart and sole of the boys in green. When Paul was drafted Toine was our captain, our "all-star" and our entertainment during the cold winter months. From the wiggle, to the motivational speech that lead to "the greatest comeback in playoff history", and not to forget his "unique" shot selection...

This all being said, you might think that "Toine" would embrace the New England fans that came out to pack the Portland Expo to watch the former Celticscaptain. Well... apparently working out with Pitino for so long must have rubbed off on him...

After the game, fans lined the walkway for the players as usual but this time there were more fans than usual. Fans who waited for the game to end and the players to walk off the court as to get a chance to possibly get a autograph on an only #8 jersey that they had dug out of the back of their closets for the occasion. Well Antoine... being the class act he always was... didn't so much as acknowledge the Boston faithful... not one high five...not one signature... okay i get it... most of the D-League guys would, but he's a former all-star in the NBA... that's not how they do it in the big time... but to give a look of disgust to fans asking for an autograph from a washed up nba player or a high five almost seems uncalled for. Yah, im sure this guy has signed a million jerseys and slapped a million high fives...

Being a season ticket holder for the red claws i have never seen an NBA guy who was playing down in the D-League ever act so above the stage he was playin on. I've personally witnessed Dee Brown sign a pair of pumps for a fan after a game, I have had conversations with Bill Walker, Lester Hudson, and JR Giddens... it just seemed rather classless of Walker...

I'm sure he was disappointed after bricking a 3 late in the 4th that sealed it for the Claws and not getting the "preferential treatment" he thought he deserved from the refs... but not even giving high fives to the fans who came out to see himwhen all the other guys on both teams were in front of him and behind him was rather disappointing to see...

and just for the record... there is no team in playoff contention that would waste a roster spot on this guy... hes the same ole toine last time we saw him with Minnesota, just out of shape... it says alot when his gambling buddy, Michael Jordan wont even give him a roster spot on the bobcats lol... but MJ is a killer... he took all his money in blackjack and wont even let him play to earn it back... so now he players for Idaho...

Good luck to you Antoine.