Johnson says booing was "tough" but he likes it here

By Michael Cunningham

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hawks guard Joe Johnson didn’t retreat from his criticism of the team’s fans after the Game 3 loss to Orlando, but on Sunday he felt the need to elaborate on his feelings.

After people at Philips Arena booed Johnson and the team for their lackluster effort in the 105-75 defeat, Johnson told reporters, he "could care less if [fans] showed up or not.”

After Sunday's practice, Johnson explained his frustration, that the level of displeasure in the seats was disconcerting.

“I don’t think we’ve heard the boos like that in the five years since I’ve been here,” he said. “When I first got here, man, there were probably like 100 people out there in those seats. I won’t say everybody is a die-hard, but they’ve shown us a lot of support over the years. In the heat of the battle you tend to say a lot of things. But it was tough, man. I was a little [ticked] off, but I am over it now.”

Johnson’s comments led to speculation that he was unhappy playing for the Hawks and was looking forward to leaving via free agency this summer. Johnson said that was taking the issue too far.

“Don’t read in between all of that,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my years here. They’ve been great. We’ll see what happens Monday.”

Does he care if fans show up for Game 4?

“If they come out and show us support, it would be great,” he said.