Whitlock - Don't laugh, your team may be next (stands up for us again)

[Hammock Parties]

Don't laugh, your team may be next

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/w...be-next-101512

Don’t ridicule Kansas City Chiefs fans. One day soon, you could be in their position, a punch line for uninformed, unsympathetic national media, reduced to begging ownership to act responsibly and fairly, the target of scorn from the very athletes you support, forced to finance your own public-relations campaign.

This is where professional sports are headed. The disconnect between local fans and the franchises they love is being powered and accelerated by multi-billion-dollar TV contracts and the billions of ancillary dollars generated by video games and whatnot.

The guy in the cheap seats never mattered. We’re getting to the point, especially in the NFL, where no one in the stadium matters. It’s virtually impossible for an NFL franchise to fail and/or lose money. Before anyone has purchased a season ticket, NFL teams are swimming in enough cash to feed most third-world countries.

That’s why Chiefs right tackle Eric Winston got away with slandering a loyal fan base. That’s why the national media delighted in Winston’s ridiculous exaggeration. And that’s why we opened Sunday morning with a news story that Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli had received a two-year contract extension despite a Matt Millen Lite, four-year run in Kansas City.

You remember Matt Millen, right? Many of you laughed at Detroit Lions fans and their Millen Man March to remove their in-over-their-head team president. Millen, despite his ineptitude, was a Supreme Court justice in Detroit. He led the Lions for eight years primarily because there’s nothing an NFL executive can do to financially damage a franchise.

Cincinnati owner Mike Brown has been trying to destroy the Bengals for two decades. He can’t do it.

At some point, Bengals fans will reach the level of frustration that motivated Lions fans to take to the streets and Chiefs fans to voice displeasure at Arrowhead Stadium.

Fans don’t have a voice in the mainstream media. That should be clear in the aftermath of the Eric Winston-Matt Cassel-Chiefs fans controversy. The mainstream media are in bed with ownership and athletes, the people media believe they need. Athletes and media believe fans are stupid and unworthy of genuine respect. We think it’s a waste of time to look at things from the perspective of the average sports fan.

Let’s apply the bogus logic Winston applied to fans to athletes. Winston claimed that if only a few hundred Chiefs fans cheered when Cassel got hurt that it was still too many and it was still sickening and disgusting. Basically, he’s saying if one percent of the fan base does something inappropriate, it’s worthy of passionate public rebuke and the vilification of an entire fan base.

So if one percent of professional football players run afoul of the law, should we vilify all NFL players? Or would that be an unfair generalization? What’s more dangerous, a few cheers when a hometown player gets his clock cleaned or an NFL player driving while drunk? One act leads to potential hurt feelings, the other leads to possible death.

The media and the ex-jocks pretending to be media on TV were having such a fun time beating up on fans that no one applied any critical thinking to Winston’s opportunistic stupidity.

Not only do fans not have a voice, they’re despised and abused.

Winston’s whiny, inaccurate rant about the alleged behavior of a handful of Chiefs fans became a national talking point. Well, the story is what has made this fan base this angry. It’s the lack of accountability for ownership and management throughout the NFL (and professional sports). As more and more television money pours into professional sports leagues the less power true sports fans have. We’re not changing the channel. Sports is the only TV product that is DVR-proof.

An NFL franchise is the perfect investment. It makes the owner and his front-office cronies the most powerful and important people in any city. They’re untouchable.

No player in NFL history had an eight-year run of incompetence that could rival Millen’s. Why would a $3-million-a-year executive face less performance pressure than a $500,000 special-teams player? How could the Chiefs even consider giving Scott Pioli a contract extension?

I’m aware the original report about Pioli’s extension was refuted later in the day Sunday. But I don’t believe Jason La Canfora of CBS reported sketchy information. I believe Tampa Bay’s 38-10 thumping of Kansas City made the Chiefs walk back the leaked information.

Clark Hunt isn’t stupid. Kansas City’s fan base is frustrated and motivated. A group of fans started a Twitter feed @saveourchiefs dedicated to getting Scott Pioli fired. In two weeks, the feed has amassed 73,000 followers. Last week the group flew a banner over Arrowhead Stadium demanding that Pioli be fired and Cassel be benched. They’re planning more activity for KC’s next home game on Oct. 28. (I donated $600 to their cause. I’m a Chiefs fan.)

Extending Pioli at this time would further motivate an already-active fan base. The fan base has taken to social media to educate local and national media about what has been going on with Chiefs football the last two decades and the lengthy list of errors Pioli has made in four years. They’re tired of reading the propaganda pumped out by Pioli’s partners in the mainstream media.

Don't laugh at their desperation. Don't harshly judge their missteps. You could be next.

[memyselfI]

Originally Posted by whoman69

This is probably one of Whitlocks best columns.

The answer is not to purchase parking and then skip the game. The answer would be to have the tailgating elsewhere and skip the game.

Oh, I love that. Do you know a large enough property where you can get publicly intoxicated and it not be a problem? Room for cars, grills, pick up football games and firepits...

can't forget the smores, you know.

[FlaChief58]

Originally Posted by InterruptingCow

By admission, tailgating has been the most rewarding and enjoyable part of the Chiefs fan experience for a long while now, right? I'm saying it is possible to have one without the other. Just as we used to have one without the other. When the Chiefs were really bad and before tailgating became popular there was NO reason to go to the stadium. But if the party is still good and hanging with other fans is still a big draw and the best part of the Chiefs experience then why does it have to suffer because the game experience sucks?

It is possible to fill the stadium parking lot with partying fans wanting to go inside but only if the product inside is worth watching...

This tailgating and then going in and leaving at half time or by the time the Chiefs are down three touchdowns isn't working...

If you want to send a message, then you don't hand over any more $ to Clark period. No merchandise, parking or concessions. Make Arrowhead a ghost town on sundays. Just have a BBQ at home with family and friends. If and when the Chiefs make the needed changes, the Arrowhead atmosphere will come back

[Dartgod]

Originally Posted by InterruptingCow

Oh, I love that. Do you know a large enough property where you can get publicly intoxicated and it not be a problem? Room for cars, grills, pick up football games and firepits...

can't forget the smores, you know.

You head on out, the rest of us will be along shortly.

[FAX]

I have a question for the more informed among us ...

In terms of overall revenue, how much do the Chiefs generate from television and how much from ticket sales, merchandise, concessions, and the like? Like ... say ... for example, is TV revenue 80% of the total? 60%?

It seems, if Mr. jwhit is correct, Arrowhead could be empty every weekend and it wouldn't make a difference on overall franchise decision-making or direction. Profits might decrease, but to a level insufficient to foster change or to even garner attention from ownership.

FAX

[memyselfI]

Forbes considers Chiefs fans the 9th most valuable in the NFL. Valued at $49 per fan. Tied with Cleveland and New England. We have an idea how much each of us is worth to Clark Hunt.

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/emdm4...s-city-chiefs/

[SDChiefs]

Originally Posted by FAX

I have a question for the more informed among us ...

In terms of overall revenue, how much do the Chiefs generate from television and how much from ticket sales, merchandise, concessions, and the like? Like ... say ... for example, is TV revenue 80% of the total? 60%?

It seems, if Mr. jwhit is correct, Arrowhead could be empty every weekend and it wouldn't make a difference on overall franchise decision-making or direction. Profits might decrease, but to a level insufficient to foster change or to even garner attention from ownership.

FAX

If nobody goes then games get blacked out. If games get blacked out local stations lose a ton in advertising revenue. No advertising revenue no tv concracts.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by FAX

I have a question for the more informed among us ...

In terms of overall revenue, how much do the Chiefs generate from television and how much from ticket sales, merchandise, concessions, and the like? Like ... say ... for example, is TV revenue 80% of the total? 60%?

It seems, if Mr. jwhit is correct, Arrowhead could be empty every weekend and it wouldn't make a difference on overall franchise decision-making or direction. Profits might decrease, but to a level insufficient to foster change or to even garner attention from ownership.

FAX

The Chiefs receive approximately $312 million in revenue from the TV contracts per year. The salary cap is currently $120 million and many people claim that the Chiefs have paid out $130 million in salary for 2012.

So, $312-130 is $182 million. If it's truly an average of $49 a fan, figuring 72,000 people, you're looking about $30 million in revenues if each home game (including preseason) are sold out.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

The Chiefs receive approximately $312 million in revenue from the TV contracts per year. The salary cap is currently $120 million and many people claim that the Chiefs have paid out $130 million in salary for 2012.

So, $312-130 is $182 million. If it's truly an average of $49 a fan, figuring 72,000 people, you're looking about $30 million in revenues if each home game (including preseason) are sold out.

How much does Clark pocket a year?

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by SDChiefs

If nobody goes then games get blacked out. If games get blacked out local stations lose a ton in advertising revenue. No advertising revenue no tv concracts.

It's not about attendance, it's about tickets sold.

Kansas City advertisers and local networks, unlike cities like San Diego and Jacksonville, will purchase the necessary tickets to avoid blackouts because they would lose far too much money otherwise.

But that said, an empty Chiefs stadium is embarrassing in this day and age.

[ct]

Originally Posted by Flachief58

Hmmm, let's see here. You want people who have already bought tickets to go to the parking lot & pay the $27 to park & tailgate but not go inside? Since you are still going to hand over more cash, I don't see haw that is sending a message. If your plan is to forfiet your seat, then why not just stay at home and party in the comfort of your own home?

This is why you don't park in the lot, park on the street. Blue Ridge Cutoff, Raytown Rd, etc. Overwhelming automobile blockade by sheer volume. Traffic cops and towtrucks cannot keep up.

Easy for me to say, i'm outa town and it's not my car. Phobia even told me it's a horrible idea, so it MUST be brilliant!!

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

How much does Clark pocket a year?

Who knows? We know he's only part-owner with a 25% share and since the NFL will not open up their books, it's impossible to know who is on the payroll and what they're paid.

I would estimate that he earns between $20-30 million from the Chiefs each year, although that's a very, very rough estimate.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by SDChiefs

If nobody goes then games get blacked out. If games get blacked out local stations lose a ton in advertising revenue. No advertising revenue no tv concracts.

Not true. The national TV contracts are where the money is, not local revenue.

They black out the KC market its not a financial disaster. See Tampa Bay. They have been blacked out for years. The NFL chugs along.

But blackouts and empty stadiums would motivate Clark to do something. I see no way that Clark lets that slide without acting. But it will be because of Clark, not local TV contracts.

[FAX]

Originally Posted by SDChiefs

If nobody goes then games get blacked out. If games get blacked out local stations lose a ton in advertising revenue. No advertising revenue no tv concracts.

Apparently, the NFL has some sort of "Master Contract" for television in which revenues are split (these are probably national broadcasts, Sunday ticket, etc.).

Anyhow, from what I can discern, the 2010 contract amounted to about 3.8 billion (with a B) divided among the 32 teams. It looks like the new deal will be worth 10 times that much ... roughly 1 billion per team.

If so, that eclipses the amount of money spent on tickets and concessions ... estimated by some at around 60 million on average per market.

Clark could make an easy fortune and never sell a single ticket or beer for the rest of his natural life and all his generations. Hell, they could give away tickets and beer and make more money than some third world countries.

FAX

[ct]

Originally Posted by Flachief58

If you want to send a message, then you don't hand over any more $ to Clark period. No merchandise, parking or concessions. Make Arrowhead a ghost town on sundays. Just have a BBQ at home with family and friends. If and when the Chiefs make the needed changes, the Arrowhead atmosphere will come back

Ok, Phobia will approve.

Shoot some video of your "protest tailgate at home", upload to youtube, post the link @saveourchiefs (and saveourchiefs.com). then the only guy it costs $ is Clark Hunt.

Originally Posted by ct

This is why you don't park in the lot, park on the street. Blue Ridge Cutoff, Raytown Rd, etc. Overwhelming automobile blockade by sheer volume. Traffic cops and towtrucks cannot keep up.

Easy for me to say, i'm outa town and it's not my car. Phobia even told me it's a horrible idea, so it MUST be brilliant!!

The vehicles that do get towed are on the hook for $250+ but as long as that money isn't going into Clark's pocket, right? Plus if you get caught intentionally blocking traffic, KCPD or Jackson County Deputies will figure out which disturbing the peace charge to throw at you as well. Volunteers for this plan please bring $700 cash to the stadium.