Rajon Rondo had 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 85-75 in Game 7 on Saturday night to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.The statement regarding the NFL lockout sounded like something one would hear from a caller to a sports radio show.
“I just wish they can hurry up and get it over with.”
But it wasn’t Joe phoning from New Haven. It was Thurman, visiting from Buffalo. Thurman, as in Pro Football Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas.
The former Buffalo Bills running back was the guest speaker of the Big Brothers Big Sisters 38th annual Gourmet Dinner on Thursday.
“Over the years when I played football with the Bills, (teammate) Andre Reed was a big supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters so I got to go to some of the functions,” Thomas said. “I have a lot of friends who are involved in the program in Buffalo, and they say it’s a great program. I’m happy to be here.”
Thomas is less thrilled about the NFL’s labor situation.
“They are making these deadlines of when they are going to talk again; that’s not good,” Thomas said. “They should be talking every day. Nobody is working. Somebody should be talking.”
Thomas has stayed busy since retiring after the 2000 season. He is president and CEO of Thurman Thomas Sports Training, has launched the Thomas Global Group (a new energy company) and is a spokesman for the NFL’s Fuel UP to Play 60 program for children. He also does some work for the Bills.
“I work for the Bills and I got a letter from (owner) Mr. (Ralph) Wilson saying ‘We have to cut 30 percent of your pay,’ ” Thomas said.
“Hey, you’ve got to get (a deal) done. I’ve got to use that other 30 percent.”
Thomas also realizes the effect being felt by the fans.
“I just hope they can resolve this very soon, because if they don’t, they are going to lose a lot of fans,” Thomas said. “You can talk about the uniform, the stadiums, but when it’s about money, fans don’t like that. Especially the fans in Buffalo. Fans make $30,000 a year. They are spending most of their money on eight home games. That’s a lot. I just hope they can resolve it and get it over as quickly as possible.
“The longer it goes on, the more I think it’s frightening for the players and the retired players and the fans. I think they need to get it done.”
