(Memphis) When the final buzzer sounded after the Grizzlies’ stunning loss to the LA Clippers, it was almost as if the air had been sucked out of FedExForum for the more than 18,000 in attendance.
Chantelle Ray is a Grizzlies fan surprised by the loss, “I was a little shocked, but it’s not over.”
But there is perhaps one thing that’s helping some fans cope with the loss.
Many were learning even before the game about a young fan with playoff fever.
His name is Trey Erwin, a Collierville High Football player with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace says Trey won the hearts of the crowd when he and family recently attended a Grizzlies game, “We had him down for a game a week ago and he just lit up the arena with his smile and personality.”
Trey has a type of cancer that very rarely seen in teenagers, but the Grizzlies want to help with his medical expenses.
To lend a hand, Wallace is auctioning off his seats for game two against the Clippers.
The minimum bid for all four seats is $521.
Wallace said, “We not only want to generate money to the fund, obviously, but also highlight this very insidious disease, pancreatic cancer and also highlight the Erwin family.”
It’s a gesture that shows many why the Grizzlies are corporate citizens who fans such as Waimea Robinson says are winners for the city of Memphis on and off the court.
Robinson said, “I think that’s awesome, very, very awesome that they’re willing to give up their seats to give the money towards that family while they’re going through this trying time.”
Bidders can email Wallace directly at cwallace@grizzlies.com.
Game 2 is Wednesday night and the seats up for auction are on the aisle behind the Grizzlies bench.
All money collection will be deposited into the “Friends of Trey Erwin” account at BankTennessee.
