I usually don’t get involved in sports talk and futile
blather. Basically, I like to watch sports and read about the results.
Occasionally, I’ll read a column or two. I like reading Mitch Album.
However, the other day, while reading a list that
evaluated upcoming bowl game matchups by ESPN’s, Pat Forde, (espn.com columnist
and college football expert), I came upon some incredible blurbs concerning the
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl matchup summary.
They are comments that affect our
economic condition here in Michigan. Here are parts of what Forde wrote,
“Who's happier to be there: Both should be tickled? Well,
as tickled as you can be when you're spending Christmas in Detroit.”
And then later, he writes,
“Completely useless Dash fact: Fans looking for a hotel
stay of two or more nights might consider buying a house in Detroit. Roughly
the same cost.”
Where the hell does he get off? Is this supposed to be a
little humorous bit tacked on to an otherwise dull bowl game assessment? What
purpose does it serve? It’s unrelated to the game. It’s not the writer’s area
of expertise. What’s the benefit of these ignorant comments? Is he trying to
create a controversy? -in order to create some buzz and interest to his lengthy
bowl game coverage? Well, It doesn’t work. It’s not helping him sell anything. If
there is going to be a controversy, it should be between the two teams in the
bowl matchup, not with the fans and people of a somewhat neutral game site.
What warrants this thoughtless jab at a hurting city? This is not good
business.
It’s just a joke?
It’s funny to be mean?
I guess that’s Pat Forde’s reason. He thought it was a
funny joke, not to be taken seriously by the thousands of college football
enthusiasts and the thousands of Detroit area residents.
These comments hurt more than just the residents of the
Detroit area. They hurt and diminish the enthusiasm of the Little Caesars Pizza
Bowl game’s participants and all the people involved. The Little Caesar Pizza
Bowl gives two teams an opportunity to play for something extra. It’s a bonus
to a well-played season. The players get an all expenses paid trip. No, it’s
not in a southern town near an ocean. But it is in a major, well-established, midwestern
city that has all the features you’d expect, like great restaurants, fancy
hotels, museums, art galleries, symphonies, jazz and techno clubs, three major
casinos, (a casino across the river in Canada), NHL and NBA teams, great
shopping and a bunch of other cool things.Visitors will not be bored. (These are things that economically help the Detroit community). The
schools get a $750,000 payout, money they don’t generally turn down. And, the
game will be played on TV (ESPN) giving the two teams valuable exposure.
Why would someone want to insult that opportunity and
life experience?
Maybe it’s that Mr. Forde just wasn’t thinking. I’m not
saying he’s an idiot. I’d never say that. I really don't get it. Maybe a quote from Joe Paterno's perspectve can help
explain things:
“If I ever
need a brain transplant, I
want one from a sportswriter, because I’ll
know it’s never been used.”
-Joe Paterno, College Football coach and frequent bowl game participant
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