Posted on 04/28/2003 4:07:47 PM PDT by FreeRadical
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Blazers beat Dallas 98-79 in Game 4 of their NBA playoff series on Sunday, but that's not the only thing Portland head coach Maurice Cheeks had to be proud of.
Prior to the game, Cheeks went to the rescue of 13-year-old Natalie Gilbert, who froze up and forgot the words to the national anthem before a nationally televised audience.
Video: National Anthem Amnesia
After she faltered and shot a pleading look toward the sideline, Cheeks went to her side and began to sing the song with her. Despite the fact that he was off-key and couldn't carry the tune, Cheeks stuck with it -- and Natalie muddled through the song despite her shakiness.
What a tremendous gesture of humanity and heart by Mo Cheeks. The team, not he, should have been removed from Portland. Look at what has happened since the JailBlzaers have taken over the Rose Garden.
This organization needs more people like Cheeks quickly or the people will start to forget and not care about this franchise anymore.
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