Meyers Leonard finally won over Portland sports radio host Chad Doing. Just a few weeks ago, Doing complained about a tribute video that was created for the former Trail Blazers’ center, but now Leonard has the sports talker in tears.
A lottery pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, having spent seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Leonard became a popular figure with Rip City basketball fans. His career averages of five points and four rebounds never resonated as fondly with Doing, who co-hosts afternoon drive on NBC SportsNorthwest Rip City Radio 620 with Trail Blazers play-by-play voice Travis Demers.
Leonard responded on Twitter, saying “Hey Chad. Maybe it’s time you take a look in the mirror and evaluate your true inner feelings and be happy for someone else? You’ve always been negative as hell. Get a life pal. You’re a loser and your opinions flat out suck. Have a good night.”
Although Doing was never a fan of Leonard’s, his son is. Doing’s son Isaac has autism and recently had brain surgery to remove scar tissue and drain a cyst that was putting pressure on the left side of his brain which was causing seizures. Doing said Isaac loves Ford pick-up trucks, which Leonard drove during his time in Portland.
Isaac, a junior at Columbia River High School high school, celebrated his 17th birthday last Friday, Feb. 27, which also happened to be Leonard’s 28th birthday. The former Trail Blazer and current member of the Miami Heat sent Isaac a video, wishing him a happy birthday and some words of encouragement after his recent surgery. Chad Doing quickly found out that becoming a fan favorite can be about more than just the numbers.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
