RIP Anthony Mason

[candrew]

Only 48. But not surprised. I saw him at an Knicks game last March and he looked horrible. He had to be way north of 300 pounds.

I realize he was a hard guy to like if he wasn't on your team. I know some guys who played pick-up ball with him on Long Island and he didn't go easy on anyone.

But you had to respect his fire and his game. Probably the first true power point forward I've ever seen. And along with Rodman probably had the best motor of any player in the mid/late 90's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZCUCTp7CqE

 

[fishonjazz]

I loved mason.
Point forward? ****, dude was just a point guard with elite size bro.

Also one of the scariest dudes in the league during an era with lots of scary dudes. (Mahorn, oakley, x-man, the mailman, etc)

 

[Duck Rodgers]

Definitely was fascinating to watch. And of all the uniqueness he brought to the game......that one-handed free throw/karate chop stroke is what I'll always remember him for.

 

[QuinSnydersHair]

Was he brother's with Jay Fielder? I forget, didn't Fiedler's parents adopt Mason years ago? Or were they just very, very close friends and family?

 

[candrew]

Was he brother's with Jay Fielder? I forget, didn't Fiedler's parents adopt Mason years ago? Or were they just very, very close friends and family?

Fiedler's dad was essentially Mason's surrogate father when he was growing up on Long Island. I'm to understand he lived with Jay and his family on and off for a couple of years in the 80's.

 

[carolinajazz]

......that one-handed free throw/karate chop stroke is what I'll always remember him for.

....I'll remember him for all those ridiculous stupid haircut engravings he started in the NBA! Of course, unknown to most NBA followers was the enormous police record he established over the years as well! Here's just a sampling: "Mr. Mason, who has a criminal record on assault and other charges in New York, was arrested with four friends about 5 a.m. yesterday in Harlem, after the police were called to a Manhattan Avenue bar, law enforcement officials said."

"The incident at Perks comes a little more than two years after Mr. Mason and Mr. Duggins were charged with the third-degree rape of 14- and 15-year-old girls at a party in Laurelton, Queens."

"Mr. Mason, who admitted to consensual sex with the girls and called the rape charges silly, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child in June 1998."

"In 1989, the New York police charged Mr. Mason with gun possession and he was sentenced to probation and community service."

"Mr. Mason was twice accused of assaults at the China Club, a trendy Manhattan nightclub. In April 1996, three people filed a $54 million lawsuit, charging Mr. Mason with attacking them at the club."

"In July 1996, he was charged with assault, menacing and resisting arrest after a fight with two New York police officers over a summons. The police said it took 10 officers to subdue Mr. Mason. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 120 hours of community service."

....put him in the HOF if you want, but basically....he was less than a model example of decency and dignity, either on or off the court!

 

[Jazz Insider]

^ if anyone deserves a negtrain, it's u. #ChooChoo

 

[carolinajazz]

^ if anyone deserves a negtrain, it's u. #ChooChoo

..."sticks and stones will break my bones....but a negtrain will never hurt me!" If I guy was a punk when he was alive, it doesn't mean he turns into "Mother Teresa" just because he dies.....you follow me?

 

[Lakers_Slapper]

I remember him for being a tenacious defender. The guy had heart and loved to prove people wrong. Always hard when someone passes that I used to watch play when I was younger.