Zona_Soccer10 wrote:The hate is ridiculous, but the trolling is real. McConnell is here to play ball and win, not make friends with opposing fans. I love his passion, and I feel that's what the opposition wish they had. A leader with such drive, emotion, and vision.
The hate is highly predictable, and a huge compliment. Think about it... if TJ played for UCLA, he would be mighty high on the list of Bruin villains.
Unbridled passion... tough as nails... living definition of scrappy... and uber-clutch. The kind of player who is your absolute favorite if he is on your team, and the kind you hate if he isn't - he is either fulfilling your dreams or crushing them.
An ASU buddy of mine and I discussed this several years ago; his all-time least favorite FB Cats were Chuck Cecil and Tedy Bruschi; mine were Pat Tillman and Adam Archuleta. I hated Danny Ainge for many reasons until he came to play for the Suns... then I loved him - for all those same reasons. Any opposing fan who says they hate him and do not respect him - or wish he was on their team - is lying or fooling themselves.
Hate and respect is the greatest compliment a rival fan base can offer. Wear that badge with pride, TJ. You've earned it, and you deserve it.