Greg Ostertag to Retire

[Andriod_KiNg]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2412118

Updated: April 17, 2006, 11:42 PM ET
Jazz's Ostertag, 'out of gas,' says he will retire


"I've run out of gas," Ostertag said after the Jazz's 115-82 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, who has played 11 seasons in the NBA. "I'm tired of being on the road. I just don't have it."

Ostertag, who has been in the NBA for 11 years, played in 59 games this season. He had a disagreement with Utah coach Jerry Sloan earlier this year and was suspended one game without pay for conduct detrimental to the team on Jan. 28.

He hasn't played in four of the past five games. He's averaging 13.6 minutes per game.

"I'm not a guy who can sit on the bench and collect a paycheck," Ostertag said. "I realized if I couldn't play for this team, there aren't many I can play for."

Utah is 40-41 with one game remaining this season. The Jazz were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday in a loss to Dallas.

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

Good Run Big Fella, thanks for your time here, and im sure, people won't *cough*can't*cough* get that memory of you dancing in a a Kings Dancer's shorts out of thier heads

 

[Gargamel]

Ha. Today today...I consider myself myself...the luckiest ogre ogre...in the world world.

First Bradley, now this. Next thing you know, Van Horn is gonna call it quits.

 

[jacobdrj]

WHAT! Joe Sparks is retireing?

 

[loopymitch]

Aw, is he tired of the doghouse? Thanks for everything Tag except that dance and good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[kingkung]

Informal poll: Hall of Fame material?

A) yes
B) no
C) **** no
D) Not on your life... and the lives of everyone within 500 miles of you
E) none of the above

 

[KevinMartinsGirl23]

for the poll- B.

I will always remember Tag doing his cheerleading type toe touch kicks during the player introductions. Good run Tag, hope you will enjoy your extra free time hunting and such!

 

[Folsom Al]

Thanks for everythaaaang - Taaag !!!

 

[SacTownKid]

Tag could have been useful here, oh well. I will miss the hard fouls Tag! Thanks for the years of entertainment and dancing in short shorts.

 

[slugking50]

You'll be missed Tag!


Good luck!

 

[kingsfan52miller]

Good Luck Tag!!

 

[Warhawk]

Go shoot something, will ya?

Good luck big guy!

 

[BigSong]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2412118

Updated: April 17, 2006, 11:42 PM ET
Jazz's Ostertag, 'out of gas,' says he will retire


"I'm not a guy who can sit on the bench and collect a paycheck," Ostertag said.

hmm, really? huh.

 

[kennadog]

All the best 'Tag in whatever you do next. I'm glad Kings fans had a chance to get to know you. You are one funny and fun guy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2414930

SALT LAKE CITY -- Greg Ostertag probably heard as many boos as he did cheers in 10 seasons playing for the Utah Jazz.
On Wednesday, any boos were overwhelmed by the cheering.
Ostertag ended his 11-year NBA career Wednesday with a few tears and waves goodbye as Jazz fans warmly greeted the player they had booed so often for his inconsistent play.
"That was fun. It was good to hear them cheer and it was a good way to go out," Ostertag said.
Ostertag cheered much more than contributing in Utah's 105-102 win over the Golden State Warriors. The 33-year-old center sat through much of this spring on the bench and had decided to retire this summer.
Ostertag didn't start for the Jazz in his 700th career game with Utah, but he was introduced to a loud ovation after the starting lineup was announced. Coach Jerry Sloan put Ostertag in during the first quarter to another ovation, but Ostertag played just 3:36.
"I wanted to play him some. He deserves it," Sloan said. "Contrary to what a lot of people have said about Greg, he does care and he wants to do the right thing."
Ostertag played 10 of his 11 seasons in Utah. The only year away was last season when he played in 55 games for the Sacramento Kings. Unless he changes his mind, Ostertag's career totals were 3,512 points, 3,445 rebounds and 1,227 blocks.
The 7-foot-2 Ostertag was best known for his buzz haircut, Texas drawl and sporadic game. He could score 20 points some nights and get shut out others. He and Sloan had several public spats, although the two have always maintained they were friends.
"Whatever he decides to do, I hope he does well," Sloan said.
Sloan said the Jazz brought Ostertag back last summer in a trade because he wanted the veteran's experience in the locker room. But the return, which was not perceived as a good move in the papers or in call-in shows, turned out to be a quiet one. Ostertag hardly played at all during the last two months.
He announced Monday that he was finished.
"I've had my ups and downs, but I believe in my heart that I had more ups than downs," Ostertag said. "I can't complain. Eleven years is a long time."