Rip Responds to the "He Quit" Comments

Guard Richard Hamilton, a mainstay during the Pistons' run of six consecutive conference finals appearances, is upset with his role on the team and has become a distraction, team sources said. Hamilton's non-participation in Saturday's practice, along with his upset stomach that caused him to miss Sunday's game and complaints about his diminished role have led some in the organization to wonder if Hamilton has quit on the Pistons. "He quit on us," one team source said. Another team source said Hamilton is acting out of emotion and should adjust. On Sunday, just before a game against the New Orleans Hornets, Hamilton, who was replaced in the starting lineup over the weekend by Ben Gordon, told the team he had an upset stomach and could not play. After the game, a number of people associated with the team questioned his "upset stomach."

"If I need to have a long talk with him, I will," Dumars said Monday on WDFN. "I'll see how Rip is doing tomorrow when he gets in here. Rip's been good for me." Hamilton is averaging 26.4 minutes and 13.6 points, but at times has appeared disinterested on the court.

I like and respect Rip a lot. He was the spark plug of the '04 championship team and has forever earned respect in my mind with the way he went about his business on a daily basis. Still, it's evident to everyone that the trade rumors over the last two years have taken their toll and he's looked like a lost puppy ever since the trade of Chauncey Billups. If Joe D could trade him now, I imagine he would, but with the team up for sale all bets are off. So at this point we're still stuck with players who know they're gone eventually and a team that doesn't have the right guys at the right spots. I don't blame Rip for that but what I do expect is that a guy making 12 million plus will play hard. As long as he does that I won't have a problem with him until he eventually gets traded.

PS - the conversation between Joe D and Rip probably went something like this...

Joe D - "I understand your frustration but we need you to play hard regardless of your situation."

Rip - "I will."

Joe D - "You better cause if you don't nobody will want you."

Rip - "Yes sirrrrrrr!"