The Beard will be missed.

07.2.2008 | 10:32 pm | Game-Time Decisions, Interview with a Beard, Pogonophobia, The Warriors, Town Business

Last night, the maximum-strength FTB posse was in attendance at the Bay Area screening of the Baron Davis-produced documentary about the history of LA gangs, “Made in America.” What we didn’t realize was that we were going to be present as one of the most unexpected stories in recent Bay Area sports history broke.

With the news at maximum boil, and the mainstream media assembled and waiting, Baron came over, gave me a pound and we had a quick private conversation. The subject of same is virtually immaterial, but that he sought us out under the circumstances, and did so knowing that we are all lifetime Warrior fans, spoke volumes. It wasn’t until later, when I was driving home, that I had a moment of clarity about it all: perhaps our “Contract Karma” video worked too well, to perfection even. Just not for the benefit of the Warriors. Perhaps some “front-office” karma would have helped too. I suppose that two things go without saying for anyone not reading this blog for the first time. First, obviously, we are sad for our Warriors. They have likely regressed and if the rumors of today are to be believed, they are scrambling for position. Not good. But second, we can’t help but be happy for Baron. He has been nothing but class around us and good for the Dubs. And we have to accept that this world is governed by commerce. That he proved to be good at the game of commerce is not something to trifle with. He got the contract he wanted and he gets to cash the checks in the city he’s always truly called home.

As for us, we’ve got a couple of staff meetings on the horizon. We’re not terribly stoked about the departure of our avatar from the home turf, but let’s be realistic too. We’re Warriors fans. We rebuild for 15 years to succeed for two or three. And frankly, it’s getting tiresome. Just the same, il capo di tutti capi (at least on the hardwood) has just left the building. Pour some red wine out on the curb and try not to hate. He earned his. On the floor and off.

Turman