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Sign Lady

"Bro; You're already up on charges. Go ahead and break another law"

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Legacy of a Goon: Sign Lady Weighs In On Donte Greene

Two weeks ago I spoke with Sign Lady at the premiere of Isaiah Thomas' new documentary Hometown. She expressed her disappointment with Sacramento Kings opting not to re-sign forward Donte Greene and his unusual relationship with the fans of Sacramento.

Most people in Sacramento remember the Kings' 2010-11 campaign as "The Anaheim year". It was the season that many thought would be the team's last in this city.

In addition to the grassroots campaigns and relocation committees, a very special group came to prominence in California's capitol during said season- The Goon Squad. Donte Greene, a 6-foot-9 inch forward and favorite amongst Kings fans began a unique pregame ritual in section 118. As the starting 5 prepared for tip off Donte and then teammates Jason Thompson, and Eugene "Pooh" Jeter would jump up and down to excite the crowd as the game began. This group of reserves and the fans seated nearest to them became know as the Goon Squad.

Already a staple in the nation of purple, Sacramento's Sign Lady added a little fuel to the fire with special signage and encouragement for some of those who were reluctant to join in the fun. The tradition continued through the remainder of Donte's tenure with the Kings, his recent departure has many fans asking "Now what?".

Sign Lady- who's real name is Barbara Rust, told me that she had spoken with Greene in Las Vegas, Nev. during NBA Summer League and asked him the same question.

"He was one of my favorites and he started it, so I told him that we would only continue (the ritual) if we had his blessing." Rust said.

Rust then stated that she was pleasantly surprised by Donte's testimony of the the Goon Squad's league-wide popularity. She continued; "He said we should keep doing it because players on other teams are very impressed by it, they talk about it amongst themselves."

"So yes we will (keep doing it)." Rust assured me.

The Goon Squad shall live on. As Donte moves on to other cities his legacy (and his heart) will remain in Sacramento. His creation of this ritual will always be a common thread between him and our city. And at least once a year, he plans to participate first-hand.

"He said he might do it (jump) with us when he comes back with is new team(s), but they might not like that." Rust said with a laugh.

In conclusion, Sign Lady took a light-hearted jab at a city Kings fans have grown to dislike more and more through the years. I brought it to her attention that the Los Angeles Clippers had made an ill-fated attempt to commandeer the "Goon Squad" moniker for their reserves during last season's playoffs.

"That's L.A. for you." She groaned with a grin on her face. "Always taking somebody else's ideas and making them their own."

Written By Jorden Hales

#Sacramento Kings #Donte Greene #Sign Lady #Goon Squad