An Open Letter To Vince Carter

Hey Vince, remember me!

I loved you, man.  You were our Rookie of the Year, Air Carter, you were our Michael Jordan.  I was at your 51 point game against the Suns.  I cheered the loudest when you won the slam dunk competition.  I busted a television when you missed the buzzer-beating three in game seven against the 76ers and I constantly defended you when others called you lazy, fragile or worse.  You remember Toronto Mike now, don't you?

Here are a few entries I wrote about you.  As you'll see, there were peaks, followed by a rather deep valley.  I'll let you catch up on our tumultuous history before I get to the point of this letter.

1. The EA Sports Jinx - October 2, 2003 @ 12:53: I'm concerned that Carter is on the cover of EA's NBA Live 2004.  There is that jinx and I want Carter to stay healthy.
2. Mike's Mailbag - October 29, 2003 @ 15:03: I inaccurately predict the Raptors will make the playoffs in 2003/2004.  I add a caveat that Carter must remain healthy for this to happen.
3. Vintage Vincent - November 27, 2003 @ 08:04: I'm gushing over the great Vince Carter after he scores 43 and carries the Raps on his back.  I also reminisce about the 51 point game of his I attended.
4. Not In-Vince-able - January 17, 2004 @ 14:00: Carter injures himself once again and I brace for the worst.  I even compare him to Wendel Clark.
5. Mr. Popular - January 30, 2003 @ 11:09: Carter leads the league in all-star votes for the fourth time and I try to figure out why he's so damn popular.
6. Guest Blog Entry - January 30, 2004 @ 15:45: For the first time, I publicly admit in this space that Vince could be traded.  I also admit that he's not the second coming of Michael Jordon.  "If you had brought up the subject of trading Vince Carter a couple of years ago, I would have laughed in your face."
7. It. Is. Over. - March 27, 2004 @ 11:04: I was pissed when I wrote this entry.  The Raptors were going to miss the playoffs yet again and I knew something had to give.
8. Vin-sane - July 2, 2004 @ 09:04: ESPN reports that Carter wants to be traded and I try to digest the news.  "Vince is our star and it will hurt to watch him suit up for another team."
9. The End of an Era? - July 14, 2004 @ 10:55: Rumours were swirling that Carter was on his way out and I thought we were in the final hours of the Vince Carter era in Toronto. "The writing's on the wall and we have to accept it."
10. Carlos and Vince - July 16, 2004 @ 21:37: I found it interesting that it was becoming incredibly likely that both Carlos Delgado and Vince Carter would be leaving Toronto. Still, I held on to a semblance of hope that Carter could stay.  "It's entirely possible we're cheering Carter's name on opening night as he stays with the Raps. I'm hoping he does because players with his talent are few and far between."
11. Guest Blog Entry - July 20, 2004 @ 14:48: I admit I'm completely torn about the whole Vince Carter saga.  "I'd like him to stay, play hard and lead us back to the playoffs where he can shine on a bigger stage."
12. My Sports Wishlist - September 22, 2004 @ 08:23: Carter makes my sports wishlist as I wish he'd stop being such a suck, rescind his trade demand and play his ass off.
13. 41 Reasons to Kick Ass - November 3, 2004 @ 13:11: The Sporting News ranks Carter the 41st best player in the NBA and I see this as a positive, potentially lighting a much needed fire under Carter's butt.  "This gives Carter 41 reasons to kick ass this season."
14. More Than 41 - November 23, 2004 @ 07:56: It didn't take long to realize that Vince Carter wasn't going to perform for the Raptors the way Vince Carter can.  "When we finally do trade this major disappointment, we'll likely get little of value in return. Then, without a doubt, Carter will kick it up a notch and shoot the lights out for his new team."
15. The Vince Carter Era Ends - December 17, 2004 @ 17:36: Vince Carter is traded to the New Jersey Nets.  "It's time to move on my friends."
16. Vince Carter Is A Dick - January 7, 2005 @ 15:36: What a surprise... Carter actually tries for the Nets and admits he didn't give his all for the Raps.  "I used to defend Vince Carter when others wanted to get rid of him.  Now, I wish him nothing but the worst.  F him"
17. Formerly Known As Air Canada - February 22, 2005 @ 12:02: The Raptors first game in New Jersey against Vince.  "#15 quit on us and started lighting it up the moment he was out of here.  Lets humiliate the bastard."
18. NBA Championship Tonight - April 15, 2005 @ 07:52: Vince's first game in Toronto since the big trade.  "Go Raps! Beat Vince!"

Vince, it's Raptors vs. Nets in round one.  You'll be here for game one Saturday afternoon and I'll be watching closely.  I just want you to know that I'm over you.  I've moved on and I've learnt to love a different Raptors team, a team led by #4 with more character and grit than you'll ever know.  We don't need you any more, in fact, we're better without you.

With every vibe in my body and every ounce of my soul I'm hoping karma is a total bitch to you.  I don't just want the Raptors to beat your team in this series, I want you personally humiliated.  I want justice.  I want this bad.

I'm looking forward to your long slow walk off the court as we celebrate your just desserts.

Sincerely,
Toronto Mike