Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

[coop-a-loop]

Conrad Brunner spoke with Jermaine O'Neal by phone today.

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"My love for the people there is at a level I don't think they understand," he said. "For the people that were behind me, I truly appreciate it. And for the people that were negative towards me for whatever reason, I tried to do everything I could do.

"Whether they liked me or not, I'll always love that city, I'll always love the people there."

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[Doddage]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

JO's definitely a classy guy.

[IndyJones]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

Was a shame that they made him bulk up and tear his body apart

[Ownagedood]

Bring him back for one more stint to retire a Pacer!

[rock747]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

Will the Pacers retire his jersey? Most all star appearances, main cog on the 61 win team, all nba 3rd team, most improved etc...

[ilive4sports]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

I will always love JO, i think he is under apreciated by a lot of Pacers fans. I would love for him to retire as a Pacer.

[ndcoltsnpacers]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

As much as I want to hate the guy because he kind of came from what seems like a negative time in Pacers history, I loved the guy when he was here. Bought every pair of his shoes that came out, went out and bought his jersey when it came out in the current uniform style, got it signed and still have it. I wouldn't be mad if they did retire his number, but I don't think he had the length of time here to get that honor.

[Psyren]

I dont want JO back, but I still loved him and appreciated what he did during his time here.

[Willbo]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

JO's real only failure was not living up to what people wanted him to be. He wasn't the style of player people loved. He wasn't the sort of character the fanbase warms to.

What he was, was a bloody good player that played a massive role on a team that was fun to watch.... for awhile.

He got old, injured, and overpaid. But never lost his fondness of the pacers.

I for one never loved him or his game - but call me an old romantic, I'd have him retire here in an instant. Fans say thanks, he says thanks, and the story ends more like it should have.

It would have been pretty easy for him to forget his time here after being traded - it speaks volumes that he hasn't.

[spazzxb]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

While his era imploded here, I never had a problem with him as a person. I hated his contract and was frustrated with his health( and his expectations od domination). However, Jo knows his limitations now and I would be happy to have him play backup center and retire here (inexpensively).

[Frostwolf]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

at this moment in time, i'd have him back in a flash. he'd be an excellent backup to roy.

[tora tora]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

He obviously wants to come back, I say let him in.

[PacersHomer]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

He'd be a great backup for Roy, and I'd love to see him back. Good guy, and he was a great player.

[Pacersalltheway10]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

It's great that the Pacers had that effect on a player of his ( former) caliber.

[rock747]

Re: Pacers.com: O'Neal will always identify with Pacers

he'd be a better backup center than lou....