To the editor:

What a disappointment the Bulls/Sonics exhibition basketball game was.

My 7-year-old son could hardly sleep the night before – Bulls and Sonics basketball cards arranged ready for autographs. He wore his Hinrich number 12 jersey.

We arrived two hours early, paid $10 to park (and $50 per ticket times four). We couldn’t wait to see some of the greatest athletes in the world.

The teams warmed up and we waited at the hallway in hopes of getting some autographs. Only two players made time for us: Andres Nocioni of Argentina and back-up point guard Andre Barrett.

After the game, we tried again outside the locker room. Surely they would mingle with the hundreds of fans waiting. However, none stopped. Still, fans hoped that after they dressed, maybe? After 30-40 minutes, an attendant came out to tell the waiting crowd that the players sneaked out the back door to their bus.

My son was heartbroken. “Why did they leave? How could they do that? You mean Kirk is not coming out?” he asked.

I told him the important aspect was that he tried his best, and sometimes things don’t work out but to keep trying to do your best no matter what.

The more I thought about it, the more upset I became. This was an exhibition game in a college town. Come on, guys. The kids just wanted a prize signature to show their friends, frame and display for many years.

My son’s opinion of NBA players dropped a notch, but his opinion of the Argentina player Andres Nocioni has skyrocketed.

John Clark,

Lawrence