Hey Ya'll...Been a long long time, felt an update was worthy. As many of you may recall, I work for a company that provides security at Moda Center/ VMC. I had the dream gig of a lifetime, facilitating the visitors locker room hallway at TrailBlazer games. This allowed me to basically interact/meet every single person in the NBA, from players, coaches, media, etc;., I was in heaven, and I excelled at my position....In fact, I was too good at it. On December 8th, 2022, I was removed from my position by "Moda Center Security". The reasons were all based upon assumptions, since zero infractions were ever committed, or cited. Basically, they didn't like my "style"..I was too interactive, not the stoic, "English bobbie" style dipshit they preferred. Within hours, the faction of my company that handles the Portland Winterhawks snapped me up, and I have been very happily situated in a similar post, working, and getting to know the outstanding young men who play in the WHL. Since my removal from the Blazers position, four "infractions" have been reported. In my year and a half, I had zero..ZERO..... Anyway, what hurt the most, was of all the connections I had made, (or thought I had made) from the GM, head coach, players, media, attendants, office staff, PR,, not one single person went to bat for me. Not one. I know Jason Quick said something, but that was it....Since then, and because of it I have not watched a single Blazer, or NBA game. Not one. It was too painful. Those were "my boys" out there. Since 1966, I have always had two constants in my life, The Rolling Stones, and Basketball...Now, I only have The Stones, and find myself subconsciously rooting against the Blazers, while ignoring the entire league. I check in here from time to time, and, void of any emotion scan through your posts. I admire your fandoms, (well some anyway!!) and wish you all the best. Just wanted to share. Peace.
That's weird. I remember a dude named Allen who was posted up outside the Blazers locker room for years and he was always super friendly. Nobody ever complained. Super strange. Plus there was this weird dude named @MickZagger
That really sucks. I don't blame you for holding a grudge. I'm incredibly disappointed that the organization would do that to you. But I'm glad you've got a gig with the Hawks.
Ha yeah Allan was there for years. He was a retired military dude who had a normal job. Just enjoyed his evening gig working the Blazer games. Really nice guy.
Im really not trying to be rude. I worked for that same company part time for many years and you were just a number to them. They’re managed by flaky people and there’s a reason you all make minimum wage. It was always typical for people who would act like anything more than a minimum wage security guard to get removed and given shitty positions or not get a call back to work those games. They would stick those people down in the basement to watch a door or something. I got primo positions too. But I never tried to be buddy buddy with players or staff because they just wanted you to remain a peon. Just be a nice smiley person who didn’t try too hard which I was. There was obviously a few exceptions. But I saw many people in your shoes. Shanna likes putting her foot down if she thinks people are being a little too over the top in their interactions. And that’s her prerogative I guess. To me it was always a part time job and never my primary gig, for a good reason.
He’s good people. A few of us would go out for a drink after games occasionally. Yeah it was Coast guard. I think his real job was either training or recruiting for the Coast guard in some capacity
Yeah. I always used to shoot the shit with him while we waited to go into the locker room. Some super cool people on security at the Rose Garden back in the day.
Yeah a lot of the good people eventually get chased away from that company. There was some good ones over the years.
There used to be this little bald head dude there. Looked like he lifted weights or something, can’t remember his name.
That dude held up his post with the best of them. Got promoted to 2nd brigade 25th infantry division of RG security before he bowed out gracefully, if my memory serves.
Budget cuts. The Blazers are shaving money any way they can. Removing important things like quality security guards is a stupid risk, but a financial improvement nonetheless.
Sorry to hear this happened Wade...sucks. Glad to hear you landed another gig and like it! Best to you in the new chapter in your life and I totally know what it's like to not want to pay attention to basketball given the circumstances...if the team ever trades Dame I'll probably hang up the basketball fandom as well. May you never thirst!