Big ol’ hat tip to Reddit user /u/Pacoboy09. Here’s the link to his post on /r/clevelandcavs, with the text below:
“Hey guys, My step dad was on a flight from Cleveland to Atlanta a few days ago after being traded and Andy Varejao was on the flight. He saw him in the bar and a few people came up asking for photos and autographs which he graciously agreed to. When they were boarding the flight, Andy was offered to board first but refuse to since there were two elderly passengers and a baby who he insisted go first. Later when everyone one was almost seated, Andy had to stand up, that’s when a man up front started clapping. Soon the whole plane started with an applause and cheering. My step dad said it was amazing how it happened. He then thanked everyone and said that is why he would miss all the fans in Cleveland.
Just thought I would share!”
I don’t know what they’re paying the cleaning crews in my office but whatever it is, it’s too much. So goddamn dusty in here it’s unbelievable.
What a perfect cherry on top of Andy’s dozen years in our city. This is how I’ll always remember him, as the gentle Brazilian teddy bear who lets old ladies and children board airplanes before him but also will fake take a charge and probably sack tap someone if he needs to. There may have been contract disputes, and possibly some trade requests sprinkled in there, but as that one song on the Country Gold playlist on Spotify says, we had more good years than bad or something like that.
That is, until he comes up with some sort of huge, game (probably series if we’re being honest) changing play in the Finals. Because that’s the mortal lock to beat all mortal locks if we make it there. Then he can kick rocks.
PS It’s “It All Started With A Beer” by Frankie Ballard. Listen to the chorus while thinking of Andy, I dare you.
There’s been highs and lows, fast lane freeways and bumpy roads
Cursed the devil and prayed to heaven, lost it all and we rolled some sevens
There’s been some smiles then there’s been tears, been more good than bad years
Ain’t it crazy baby how we got here, Oh, it all started with a beer
Bottlegate 