Colts linebacker has gotten to know Paul George over the last several years. Not only is Mathis a big-time Pacers fan, frequently sitting courtside for home games, but also for the last three summers the two have teamed up to host the successful Caroline Symmes Celebrity Softball Challenge at Victory Field. George took over co-hosting duties from Roy Hibbert, after he was traded to the Lakers.
Since word leaked out one week ago that Paul George did not plan to re-sign in Indy after next season, PG and the Pacers have been the focus on sports talk shows — not just locally, but nationally, too. He is a big deal.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say it wasn’t challenge,” Pacers President Kevin Pritchard said of seeing the Pacers all over sports programming. “But I’ve always believe when there’s a challenge, there’s an opportunity. For us, it’s not ideal. It’s a challenging situation but I think we can come out all right.”
On Sunday, Mathis chose to weigh in on the subject, tweeting the following:
“I’ve been asked a few times about Paul George & his decision. I feel he did just that, made his decision about his future and I respect it. I don’t have any urge to burn my jersey or my infant sons PG onesie lol… Make no mistake about it, I am a PacerFan & I will continue to occupy seats and refs will hear my smack talk as long as my wife and I are welcomed there. From the BigDog Roy Hibbert to the Olympic Champ PG13, they are my friends and Pacers are my team.
P.s Thanks Roy for helping create #INDYsBigSummerClassic and a BIGGER thank you to PG for helping it grow to new levels!! Salute”
[Rick Fuson thanks Tamika Catchings for playing her whole career in Indy]
Mathis then exchanged a few tweets with Pacers fans, including this notable response from the six-time Pro Bowler who played all 13 seasons with the Colts.
Maaan you have no idea how much I know from #Both sides…. remember I am a huge Pacer fan as well but I experienced 14yrs of the biz side!
— ROBERT MATHIS QBH8r (@RobertMathis98) June 26, 2017
Mathis’ team, by the way, retained bragging rights from the softball challenge by beating George’s squad, which included former Pacers Jermaine O’Neal and Danny Granger.
Before the game, George spoke to the media and said ‘‘I’m a Pacer,’ and that he shared a similar vision with Pritchard.
Paul George got a hit on Robert Mathis … but celebrated too early 🙈🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/FaheQ52OQu
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 16, 2017