The fans have a voice.

I  told y'all, owners/managers/execs/etc., that forgetting the human element would not go un-noticed or un-commented upon.

And the idiot co-owner Joe Lacob went and said, "Look, fans are upset, I guess, that we traded one of their favorites (Ellis) and that's all I can attribute that to," Lacob said, as quoted by the San Jose Mercury News. "What I feel bad about is it kind of ruined a night that was very special, that the organization really tried to do the right thing for with Chris. And I feel good that we did that. I feel bad for Chris, more than anything else."

A few comments:
1. Really? You "guess" that they're upset that you traded the two top players on your team to another team for a package deal of a good player and an injured player? Wow - you must be psychic.
2. I am feeling a real disrespect and condescension towards the fans. Respect them. Honor them. Say that you know they are upset, but that you know they are the greatest fans in the country and that you are confident that things will work out with your new players.
3. Yes,  go ahead and feel bad for Chris Mullin, but the fact that he had to come to your rescue during your speech, and he knew you did not have the respect of the fans says a lot. It sounds like the Warriors franchise did a great dis-service to him, and I'm glad that he's the bigger person and gave the fans the love, attention, and words that they clearly feel are lacking.
4. Mr. Lacob - watch out - sports fans show no mercy in their words or their economic actions.


http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7711659/golden-state-warriors-retire-chris-mullin-jersey-boos-team-new-owner