Suns give free beer to fans, fine Josh Jackson $20K after autograph session no-show
Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson was slated to show up at a local grocery store on Wednesday to meet fans and sign autographs.
It was part of an official team promotion tied to a corporate beer sponsor.
Instead, Jackson apparently went to a friend’s birthday party about 10 miles away, leaving the Suns scrambling to do damage control.
Josh Jackson a no-show
Jackson posted an Instagram story of the birthday celebration around the same time frustrated fans waited in line for their meet-and-greet.
@Suns @BrightSideSun @SunsReddit bunch of disgruntled fans waiting for Josh Jackson who was supposed to be here at Fry’s almost an hour ago #bum pic.twitter.com/t4RUHT5wPy
— Trilll Cosby (@tommy_plurphy) February 28, 2019
The planned autograph session was part of an ongoing promotion in which the Suns were giving away game tickets to fans who bought 12-packs of Dos Equis at events at Fry’s grocery stores.
So what do the Suns do at a promotion intending to sell beer when the main attraction is a no-show? Give beer away, of course.
James Jones to the rescue
Previously disappointed fans noted that interim Suns general manager James Jones eventually showed up to do his best to make things right. That plan included the promised free tickets, a mailed autograph (assuming fans still wanted one) and a 12-pack for everyone in line 21 or older courtesy of the Suns.
#Suns GM James Jones says @j_josh11 isn't coming... Explained we now get mailed autograph, tickets, and free beer. #TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/juHV9lEBFZ
— Foshasta Jones 🇺🇲🏜️⚾🏒🏈🏀⚽ (@foshastajones) February 28, 2019
Free beer better than Suns tickets?
One of those fans told brightsideofthesun.com that Jones, a three-time NBA champion as a player, stuck around to meet with fans for pictures and autographs.
It’s a solid effort considering the circumstances.
Jackson fined $20K
Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports that Jackson paid a hefty price for his no-show with a $20,000 fine handed down on Thursday.
While all things point to Jackson’s absence being an oversight, it couldn’t have come at a worse time for the team on the heels of a Wednesday report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski painting a picture of a chaotic organization “in a spiral in almost every way.”
Times are tough all around for the Suns. But Wednesday night shows that a little free beer can go a long way.
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