It took a lot of turmoil throughout the first two-plus years of his Celtics career — there was that time Kevin Garnett made him cry on the bench, there was that time he broke his hand fighting with his childhood friend in the wee hours of the morning just prior to the start of the 2009-10 season, and most recently, there was that time he shouted expletives at a fan who called him fat — but the time for change is now.
As of Monday, Glen Davis is Big Baby no more, and he wants the world to know it.
There is no doubt that Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge and everyone wearing green hopes that this is a sign of better things to come for Davis, who has had quite a rocky year as he attempts to establish himself as Boston’s sixth man. Davis, who led LSU to the Final Four in 2006, has proven he has the skills necessary to succeed in the NBA. He just seems to be suffering from Happy Gilmore syndrome, and too much improperly channeled aggression does not mesh well with a successful career in professional sports.
Here’s hoping that a new name will help him turn things around.
In other news, Ray Allen doesn’t mind being traded as long as it doesn’t involve a trip outside of Earth’s hemisphere, Asante Samuel still hates New England, Tom Brady puts things in perspective for Vince Wilfork, Arron Asham gives his opinion on NHL players who bite people and Alex Rodriguez finally sheds an unflattering nickname of his own.
"I'm not a big baby anymore. No more ‘Big Baby.’”
–Celtics forward Glen Davis, on NESN.com, on shedding his old nickname
“I don’t think they care about you, in my opinion. They didn’t care about me. So do what’s best for you and your family.”
–Former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, on Boston.com, on the Patriots franchise
"For me, I was just so tired of the whole 'unclutch' thing. It was just, you know, very annoying, but to come over and be part of a championship team and get some of the biggest hits of my career and to deliver for my teammates when they needed me, that certainly feels really good, and I'm very relieved."
–Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, on ESPN.com, on winning a postseason MVP award and putting to rest his reputation of struggling in October
"I can’t say I get worried, because it’s not like you say you’re getting traded and you have to move to Mars. I don’t look at it like that."
–Ray Allen, in the Boston Herald, on hearing his name in trade rumors that have surfaced this week
“It’s not bad, but he’s a gutless guy. I have no respect for him at all. I lined up against him and asked him to fight, and he didn’t want to. If you go and bite someone … I just have no use for him.”
–Penguins forward Arron Asham, on Yahoo Sports, on Matt Cooke allegedly biting Asham’s finger during a fight
"I don't think we ever weren't.”
–Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, when asked if winning three straight games against Orlando, Atlanta and L.A. Lakers will establish Boston as the NBA’s best team
"I love great weather. I love football. It doesn't matter where I play.”
–Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork, on ESPN.com, responding to reports that he would like to play in Florida if offseason negotiations with the Patriots don’t work out
“We’re all way overpaid. I love playing. We’re all fortunate to play. We all have the greatest job in the world, and I have the greatest job in the world. I love being here. I love Boston. I love the city. I love the community.”
–Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, in The Boston Globe, on NFL players’ contract statuses
"It's been good to pass the time with my new dog and playing Xbox, but I'm ready to get back, be with the guys and help this team start winning again."
–Bruins center Marc Savard, on NESN.com, on returning to the ice
"Not much on the drama part of it, as most of you know.”
–Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, during a news conference to announce his retirement after 12 NFL seasons
"What's great about doing it here is that four years ago, there were holes in this roof. The fans in this city and this region deserve it.''
–Saints head coach Sean Payton, on SI.com, on leading New Orleans to the Super Bowl four years after Hurricane Katrina
“I'm not just the guy who can play in the spread offense, or throw a jump pass or run the triple option. I'm a football junkie. I study it all the time. I've studied every type of offense — pro style, West Coast. Just because I haven't played every kind of offense, why can't I? … So I want the NFL people to put me through everything. Grind on me, test me. I feel I've worked my whole life to prepare for this.''
–Former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, on SI.com, on preparing for the NFL
