Gary Payton's pride is being consumed bit by bit.
Deciding to join Roger's team was the first step in giving up his pride, and agreeing to a backup role was the second step.
And that was his final bottom line.
He was willing to be Roger's teammate, even willing to play as a substitute.
But that didn't mean he was willing to be Roger's dog.
So he refused the training, refused this camp that seemed more like it was meant to showcase Roger's prestige.
The next day after Roger arrived at the camp, he didn't go to talk to Gary Payton, not even bothering to contact him.
Roger had become friends with many people; he never thought he and Gary Payton could have that kind of relationship.
Roger certainly wouldn't try to persuade him. If Gary Payton didn't cooperate, it was easy to handle—just cut him.
After all, it's just a one-year veteran minimum contract, cutting him won't affect the team's future at all.
