The boos that started against Vince Carter from the Toronto Raptors fans are still echoing. A metaphor of course but the sentiments from the fans are quite similar. Once again the Raptors fans feel being bailed on by Vinsanity. Exactly what they felt when VC requested a trade from Toronto in 2004. Only this time, he posted a quick apology video online. But that barely seemed to have any effect on the angry fans.

Carter started his message with a warm greeting before cutting straight to the point. “I hate that I couldn’t be there tonight to celebrate such a historic, monumental, important time in my life and career. February 12th set the stage and set the tone for what was to come. Created half man, half amazing, Vinsanity, and all those great things. And again, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there,” he said.

For those who might not know why this particular night mattered so much, let’s rewind 25 years. February 12, 2000, was the night Vince Carter stole the show at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His between-the-legs dunk wasn’t just a highlight; it was a game-changer. A moment that indicated the Raptors were here to cement their place in basketball history. Yep, it wasn’t just about VC, but putting the Raptors on the map.

According to NBA.com, the team planned to celebrate this milestone during their home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of their GOAT Night, presented by Bell. The event was designed to honor Toronto legends who made a lasting impact on the city’s basketball culture. But what was supposed to be a tribute turned into an awkward situation when the guest of honor didn’t show up.

However, Vince Carter made sure to extend a message to the fans for the night of February 12. “I hope you guys celebrate and enjoy the game, the night, the moment, because it was truly special to me. All-Star Saturday night will always hold a special place in my heart. It created and put Toronto on the map and let the world know what Toronto and the Raptors had to offer,” he said.

But as we all know it, sports enthusiasts are some of the brutal kinds of fans. Anyone could’ve seen the incoming backlash from some of the fans from a mile away. And it did.

Fans react to Vince Carter missing his own night of honor by the Raptors

Vinsanity’s legacy in Toronto is a tricky one. On one hand, he’s the greatest dunker the franchise has ever seen, a player who put the Raptors on the map. On the other, his exit still stings for a lot of fans, even after all these years. So when he didn’t show up for his own GOAT Night celebration, let’s just say emotions ran high.

For some fans, it felt like deja vu. One Instagram user didn’t hold back, writing, “This guy is always bad luck, I’m sorry… that’s why Raptors are losing bad… This is the guy that gave up on Toronto and left… I should’ve known.” Ouch. Clearly, time hasn’t healed all wounds.

And honestly, it’s not hard to see why some fans still feel betrayed. Back in 2003-04, the Raptors missed the playoffs, and things got messy. The front office cleaned the house, firing general manager Glen Grunwald and the entire coaching staff. Amid all that chaos, Carter wanted out. By December 2004, he was off to the New Jersey Nets, leaving behind a Raptors fanbase that felt abandoned. Fast forward to GOAT Night, and for some, it was the same story all over again. “He bailed on the Raptors again,” one fan summed up the frustration.

But not everyone in Toronto boos when they hear Vince Carter’s name. Some fans still have love for him for his time in Toronto, and a few even went to the game just to see him. So imagine their disappointment when he wasn’t there. “I came to see you. Refund me,” one person wrote.

Then there were those who were just straight-up confused. How do you miss your own tribute night? One fan compared it to “not showing up for your wedding.” And honestly? Fair point. This wasn’t just any celebration—it was about that dunk in 2000, the one that changed basketball forever.

Still, not everyone was angry. Some fans pointed out that the city was hit by a brutal snowstorm that night, which could have played a role in Carter’s absence. “Most likely the weather… understandable… They should’ve rescheduled for another date,” one IG user reasoned.

At the end of the day, whether you love him or hate him, Vince Carter will always be a huge part of the Toronto Raptors’ history. But man, this no-show just made an already complicated relationship even more messy.