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I remember back in 1996 when I was just a young boy untainted by the injustice of the world, I stood in line for two hours at the local mall to get the autographs of four members of the awful Celtics roster at the time–David Wesley, Antoine Walker, Rick Fox, and Eric Williams. Rick Fox said he liked my Celtics shirt and I rooted for him that year harder than anyone I’ve rooted for before. “I like your shirt” was all it took, and I would have laid in traffic for Rick Fox, an average NBA player.
I can’t imagine the betrayal I’d feel if one of these guys snubbed me and my fragile temperament.
Welp, it looks like Ezekiel Elliott fans at the Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall for the National Fantasy Football Convention got stiff-armed by the star running back after spending a pretty penny to attend.
According to Star Telegram, Elliott arrived to sign autographs much later than expected, leaving fans to wait in line for two hours. Ok, that ain’t too egregious.
Here’s where Elliott comes off like a petty dick.
Elliott would only sign his own merchandise, even after fans were told they could have two items signed with no caveats.
Roberto Cartagena came from Los Angeles to the event for some reason and probably wish he hadn’t.
“I spent $3,000, I bought a booth, I bought a legends pass, and I waited two and a half hours and I couldn’t get an autograph.
“They told us he was signing two items and then five minutes before I’m up there (in front of Elliott) they tell me it can only be his merchandise,” Cartagena said. “And I offered to buy his merch even though no one will want it. If I’m going to use that as a giveaway, no one will want it. It’s ugly. So I’m out $3,000.”
Ricky Villa, of Arlington, Texas said it’s the third time he’s been stood up by Elliott when trying to get memorabilia signed.
“That’s the third time I’ve interacted with Zeke and he’s been a punk all three times,” said Villa, who shot a quick selfie video in front of Elliott voicing his displeasure. “And he just looked at me. He doesn’t care.”
I guess it’s true what they say: never meet your heroes.
[h/t Star Telegram]