Memphis Grizzlies’ Jarnell Stokes offers to buy new jersey for young fan after changing his number
By Ian Levy
It’s not always about the superstars, you know. We often create deep, one-way relationships with less-heralded players on our favorite teams, people upon whom we foist our dreams and perspectives and values. That can be doubly true when you’re young, and if there’s a player at a local university who goes on to be drafted by your local professional team? Forget about it.
Such was the case for a young Memphis Grizzlies fan who’d developed an affinity for rookie Jarnell Stokes. Stokes attended the University of Tennessee, then was drafted by the Jazz in the second round this year before being traded to Memphis. It originally appeared that Stokes would wear number 2, and said fan committed to a jersey purchase.
look what came in the mail today!!!! GBO➡GNG @JarnellStokes pic.twitter.com/9bm5R0Te66
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) September 12, 2014
Flash forward to media day a few weeks later:
Sep 29, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarnell Stokes (1) poses for a photo during the Memphis Grizzlies media day at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Our heroine was disappointed, and she voiced her displeasure to Stokes on twitter, jokingly claiming that Stokes owed her a new jersey.
Apparently, Stokes agrees.
Only in Memphis would your favorite player reply to your sassy tweet and offer to buy you a new jersey pic.twitter.com/7sHyCI33AS
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) October 12, 2014
No word yet on delivery of the new jersey, but Stokes seems like a man of his word. I have a feeling Molly will have her new, up-to-date attire before the season starts.