These days, when Derek Fisher enters Energy Solutions Arena, he is met with boos from the fans of the Utah Jazz, and oftentimes, worse.
There was once a time, however, when despite great personal hardship, Derek — then a member of the Jazz — delivered a transcendent performance for the ages. And in the process, he helped bring attention to a little-known eye cancer called retinoblastoma that threatened the life of his own daughter.
Now, in an exclusive video interview for DerekFisher2.com, Derek relates never before heard details of that amazing night, and reveals how it altered his life — and the lives of others — forever.
Just have to say, I love that Derek is wearing a Parkview High t-shirt in the interview. 🙂
Thank you Derek Fisher,
You are such an inspirational being. The highs and lows in one’s life can make a person stronger, that is especially true for you. Keep up the incredible humanity that you possess.
First off i have to say is sorry from all the jazz fans especially the ones who were wearing the “fisher lied” t-shirts in the front row of the jazz/lakers games 4. All jazz fans are not like that and am ashamed that they would do something like that. This is a basketball game, just a game and it was terrible that they would do that. Ive been a derek fisher fan when you were apart of the jazz am still today except when your wearing purple and gold lol. You are a classy guy adn i will forever remember when you came into that playoff game it was very memorable. please remember that all utah jazz fans are not like that and there are some who yes love the jazz and hate the lakers, but know its just a game and that family comes first
I am a die-hard Jazz fan and I just want to say that even though playoffs are tense there is no reason to stoop to classless acts. You are a great player and I have as much respect for you in a lakers jersey as I did when you wore a Jazz jersey. Please dont think all Utah fans are terrible people based on the actions of these idiots. Good luck in the playoffs and best wishes to your family.
I’m a Lakers fan overseas in the UK. I was shocked by those Fisher lied t-shirts. Absolutely shell-shocked. My older brother is anti-Lakers but isn’t a fan of any team. He met Derek in the Bahamas right after the 2008 finals in which the Lakers lost to the Celtics. Unfortunately, at that point my brother didn’t know about Derek’s daughters eye problem. As they were staying at the same hotel, they were always at the pool together and my brother and his friends were playing around with Derek’s kids. Derek’s daughter wasn’t joining in and my brother not knowing, asked him why. Derek briefly told him that she’s not well and so.
My brother called me to tell me if I knew this. He was just so shocked and given that he hates the Lakers…
I was at this game in 2007, I was at the game on Saturday night, and I will be at the game tonight.
Honestly, we still like Fisher. We just hate the Lakers so badly. This game in 2007 will always be special to us and Fisher will always be a part of that.
It’s just like Red Sox fans who gave Johnny Damon a hard time with the Yankees. To us, the Lakers are the Yankees.
We wish Fisher the best. (Especially his daughter!)
It’s just hard for us to cheer for Fisher the basketball player, when he has ended our season every year since leaving Utah.
Die Hard Jazz Fan —
Appreciate your sentiment, and can relate to feelings about a bitter rival (for us Laker fans, it’s the Celtics)….but the actions and comments of some of the Jazz fans (not you, clearly) regarding D Fish are waaay below the belt. No one is expecting Jazz fans to cheer for Fisher now — he’s part of the opposition — but I am shocked that anyone would resort to jeers about a young child’s cancer battle as a way of heckling him. And the ‘Fisher Lied’ tandem…well, Fisher is one of the most well-respected guys in the league. It’s sad, and ironic, that a franchise known for its class — maybe best exemplified by Larry Miller’s gracious and unselfish gesture in releasing Fisher — is now know for the despicable lack of class shown by its fans.
I’m a Jazz fan, I’m embarrassed by the Jazz fans who made unfair, false and hurtful accusations during the playoffs. I enjoyed your time as a player for the Jazz, but I’m glad you made the right decision, your daughter and your family.