Grant Hill has been a model citizen throughout his playing career, and fans here in Arizona saw that throughout his time with the Phoenix Suns. His character has never been questioned. Now he leaves, signing a two-year free agent contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. Sure it is a little weird how it happened and the move shows, despite the words that both Hill and the team said, how money became the driving factor leading to his departure.
However, despite that, he never acted in a way that would turn fans against him.
In fact, even as he left, he continued to show class. He took out a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thanks the fans in Phoenix.
Dear Suns Fans,
I want to thank you for your incredible loyalty, encouragement, and friendship during the past five years. It has been an honor and privilege to play in Phoenix and serve this beautiful and passionate community as a member of the Suns. The opportunity to be part of such a great organization and city has been tremendous.
My family and I truly appreciate your genuine support over the years and we thank you for so many wonderful memories.
Sincerely,
Grant Hill #33
Most of us know that this is an easy thing to do and it is possible that Hill himself might not have prepared the actual words of the statement. The point is, though, that he is honoring the fans. It is classy. It is what you should do when you are a pro athlete in a town that adores you.
Regardless of whether or not he left because of money, he never once let Suns fans down, nor gave them reason to think less of him. In this age of knowing almost every detail of everyone in sports, it is a truly remarkable accomplishment.
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