Amar’e Stoudemire is leaving Phoenix for New York but that’s not to say he’s not grateful to the City of Phoenix and the Suns organization for the opportunities they provided him. Amidst all the chatter about Lebron James and the bridges he burned in Cleveland by the way he left them hanging in the balance then announcing on National TV his decision to leave town, Amar’e Stoudemire has left on fairly good terms with the way he handled his business decision. But for Amar’e he didn’t want to leave anything to chance, as he loved the City of Phoenix and loved playing for the dynamic Suns organization. To ensure the fans and people of Phoenix know how he feels as he leaves for the next chapter in his all-star career, Stoudemire took out a full-page advertisement in The Arizona Republic newspaper a few days ago. Here is Stoudemire’s message to the City of Phoenix:
Dear People of Phoenix,
As most of you know, my 8 year career with the Phoenix Suns has ended, but I wanted to take this final opportunity to say “THANK YOU” to the people of Phoenix and the wonderful Suns fans for your constant support throughout my career. Players changing teams is part of the business of professional basketball and to simply say it was difficult to leave the Suns organization, my teammates, the coaching staff, and most of all you, the fans, is an understatement.
I want all of you to know that I leave Phoenix with great appreciation and a heart full of warm memories and gratitude for the many years of support I’ve always felt from the people of Phoenix, the Colangelo and Sarver families, and from my teammates and coaches.
I arrived here as a 19 year old kid, Here I became a man. My children were born here. I made friendships here that I will always treasure.
So I am saying so long, but not goodbye, to a great community that I will always consider part of my extended family.
WITH LOVE AND RESPECT,
AMAR’E {via}
Amar’e you are a gentleman and a scholar. Good on you, my man. Phoenix you were lucky to have STAT through thick and thin, and New York get ready to turn things around as you’re getting a hungry all-star forward to lead your team.
