Vince Carter in Raptor red! Just say NO!

Is it just me, or has the Raptor media world morphed into a 'Twilight Zone' episode? During the past week of inane debate, what confounds me most is the plethora of fans who express a strong desire to see Vince Carter in a Raptor uniform. How is it possible the majority of our fanbase argues for Masai to dress Carter in Raptor red?

Answering this enigma, the only response which makes any sense, the possibility many fans cannot remember who the real Air Canada was. Perhaps, the present-day Carter rabid fans were never exposed to the disgusting way Vince treated the organisation, his teammates, as well countless fans across the country or around the world.

Being 56 years old, I am Raptor fan since day one. I do remember the real V.C.!

I remember the greatness: Carter, during his first all star dunk competition; the '360 Windmill' and the "Cookie Jar' dunks. I remember fans chanting 'Air Canada'. I do have fond memories of game three of the 76ers series as 'Air Canada' dropped a 50 bomb on a great, Iverson led, team. Who could forget the class Carter displayed by giving up his 03' All Star starter roster spot so Jordan could make a proper league farewell.

I also remember how hurt 'Air Canada' felt when GM Grunwald, president Peddie and MLSE failed on their promise to build a playoff contender. Do you remember how Carter responded?

Carter gave us 43 games in the 03'/04' season. Many fans questioned whether he was fit enough to play. Most fans, were convinced Carter was tanking, sulking his way toward a trade. We all remember watching countless games where Carter would play horrible, then, after being irritated by an on-court event, played an amazing second half. We all knew he was holding back. We all believed, if only Carter would show up, we could make the playoffs. Carter sulked, fans railed at his disrespect.

The 04'/05' season was a joke. Carter, who would show up for one in three games, now played to his potential in one of six games. Carter sulked so hard, new head coach Mitchell was forced to bench him time and again. I remember how we fans felt the pain of a wingless 'Air Canada'. I remember the FUVC tee shirt meme, the steady chorus of boos as Carter, once again, insulted the fan base. Knowing he was faking his injuries to force a trade, I remember how the great 'Air Canada' morphed into the sullied 'Wince Carter'.

We all loved Carter. We desperately wanted to chant 'Air Canada' but, through repetitive immature behaviour, he sullied our sense of pride. Carter, over and again, pooped on the love we gave him. Cheers turned into jeers. Love turned into distain, then outright hate. When the dust settled, hardly one Raptor fan had a good word for the Judas Raptor. His immaturity and disrespect cost us greatly. At the very least. we should have recovered excellent trade bait for his departure. However, thanks to his, 'Wince Carter', ways we were fleeced by New Jersey management.

Look at his numbers 04'/05/ season numbers.

With the Raptors:

.411

.322

.694

3.3

3.1

1.3

.8

15.9

With the Nets:

.462

.425

.817

5.9

4.7

1.5

.6

27.5

The numbers do not lie. Once Carter got the trade he wanted, he magically restored his game to an all-star level. These numbers represent the anger long standing Raptors fans feel today. We fans are where the rubber hits the road. Without loyal fans, the NBA does not exist. Regardless of the sport, fans across the globe ask one thing of the athlete. Give us your all. Every game, every minute, remind us why we love and admire, the sport, the team, the player.

Players, like Carter, believe they supersede the game, Carter put his desires above the league, team, teammates and fans. In doing so, Carter sullied the 'Air Canada' memories. We all wanted to love a sporting hero. When our coveted hero turned into a nasty villain, fans were collectively wounded.

With repetitive bad behaviour, our Superman became the Joker. I can't stomach the thought of seeing his jersey retired. I can' imagine how any, long standing, Raptor fan would want to see this man in a Raptor jersey. When Demar scored 52 points against the Bucks, I cheered. For the love of how Demar plays the game, I cheered. Moreover, I was elated in knowing, yet another, 'Wince Carter' Raptor record was erased from the team leader archives.

Just say NO!

If you can't remember why Carter should be denied our love, ask a fan who still recalls the pain more than the glory.