Redskins COO Implies Washington Post Lied - Hogs Haven Author Offers Personal Experience That Suggests Otherwise
by KevinE on Oct 28, 2009 9:45 AM EDT
in Analysis
89 comments
***UPDATE: Ken Meringolo discussed today's topic with David Donovan himself. Tomorrow, The Revolution update will feature the interview and further thoughts on the subject.
http://blog.redskins.com/2009/10/27/your-t-shirts-are-okay-with-fedexfield-also-lots-of-mike-wise/
Must read. David Donovan, the Redskins Chief Operating Officer, explains how all the negativity with the ticket brokers, suing of fans, and the bad Snyder press was blown completely out of proportion by the Washington Post. He makes a lot of great defenses with all the recent scandals, but then at the same time, the Redskins are now blocking the media from interviewing fans in the parking lot (UPDATE: TV cameras only). I cannot recall in any sport where there was such a THEM vs US mentality when it comes to the hostility and distrust between an ownership and their fan base. Here's his comment regarding Ticketgate:
Well, it is not our business practice to sell to brokers and it is not our business practice and never has been to sue the fans. What was involved in those cases was a handful of contracts with the 24,000 people that hold premium club seats and suites. These are not general admission ticket holders, which your organization reported that they were.
The Post reported that why would we sue these people if we had 160,000 people on the wait list.
Okay, you guys knew that was completely false. There is no wait-list for club seats. None of these people involved in these lawsuits were general admission season ticket holders.
*****Update from Ken Meringolo:
I added this to the comment section below but I wanted to comment on David Donovan's assertions with first-hand testimony to the contrary.
When I read the articles that the Washington Post reported after their investigation, I believed every word..EVERY WORD. Why? Because those things happened to me. I was offered club level tickets by Jason Friedman back in 2000. They say that club level people aren't "waiting list" people. Well, guess who they call to try and sell those tickets to? "Waiting list" people. My name was on the waiting list and they called me to tell me that while they had no available seats in the general admission area, they did have club seats available and I could buy them immediately. I was single, gainfully employed and dying to get season tickets. I was apprehensive about the added cost of club level seats, but Freidman told me not to worry, that if I signed a long-term deal, he would move me down to cheaper seats in two years. I called him before the third season to take him up on this promise and he told that I was unable to move out of my section because I was in a contract. What? I remember specifically wondering if this was happening to other people and the idea to call a reporter crossed my mind. But you know what stopped me? I signed my name to a contract and unlike the douchebag who promised me something he couldn't deliver, I was inclined to honor an agreement I had entered into (albeit naively and stupidly.) So I did. Then things went south for me financially (as well as many others). I called to tell them I was having trouble scrounging the dough for season tickets that year. They stonewalled me. They offered to stretch out my payments over the next two months at a credit card-type interest rate as I recall.
This next part is important because it underlines why David Donovan's stance is hard to swallow. I asked them something to the tune of, "Well, listen, I can't put Redskins tickets on the table for my family to eat, so I might just have to give them up--what happens then?"
They mentioned legal action right away. RIGHT AWAY. Because I was under contract, they threatened legal recourse at THAT POINT. (Sounds like a business practice to me) I feel my intelligence is somewhat insulted when I hear that this was not the business practice. I signed a contract that was too rich for me in the first place, so shame on me. I honored my contract when it was the hardest thing in the world to do. I did it because I was very much certain that if I did not make my payment, I would be sued...by the team I loved. BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT YOU GUYS TOLD ME YOU WOULD DO. I could not stomach that.
I don't know David Donovan personally, so I can not and will not speak to his personal character. But BASED ON MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, I can tell you that in this case, his position is wrong. I have a hard time believing the team's intent was and is not to sue fans. Because you guys made it clear that I would be sued if I did not pay for my tickets. How is that not a "business practice"?
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This franchise is a joke
Signs are banned from the stadium for safety reasons? hahahaha. give me a break.
You can wear any shirt you want, huh? Except for these guys who were forced to turn their shirts inside out?
That Skins-owned blog had some interesting points about the ticket scandal, but there was no substantive defense of the draconian measures enacted lately at FedEx.
by smutsboy1 on Oct 28, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Any shirt.
As Donovan told me, there was some over-zealous policing at the game Monday night — not just with shirts, but with stuff unrelated to any of the anti-ownership drama. It shouldn’t happen again, and moving forward any profanity-free shirt should be fine.
by matt_terl on Oct 28, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I read those stories in the Washington Post
I believed them…every word. Because the things that were being reported actually happened…TO ME.
I distinctly remember thinking at the time, I wonder what would happen if I called the Post or the Times and told them about this, but I figured that, after all, I did sign a contract so I had to suck it up.
Specifically:
I was promised they would move me to cheaper seats after two seasons if I signed a long-term deal. This was reported to have occurred repeatedly to folks who participated in the Washington Post investigation. When I called the guy who promised this to me—the same guy in the articles—he informed me that it was impossible to move me due to the fact I was in a contract. When things went south financially for me and for everyone else, I reminded this same guy—the guy referenced in all the Post articles (Jason Friedman)—of his promise and he basically said, “I can’t help you.” When I said, “Well what happens if I can’t afford the tickets and just decide to let them go?”
I want to be very clear about this next part, because this is where I think David Donovan is full of crap.
They SPECIFICALLY mentioned legal recourse at THAT POINT. All I did was wonder aloud if I would be able to make the payment for the tickets the following year. They told me in no uncertain terms that I would be subject to legal action because I had signed a contract.
Well, I did sign a contract. And I honored it. But DO NOT INSULT ME DAVID DONOVAN. Your business practice was ABSOLUTELY to sue the fans. You guys were upfront about it from the beginning with me.
by Sugar on Oct 28, 2009 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
David Donovan
David Donovan was my next door neighbor in Vienna, Virginia for several years when I was young. He is of good character, and one of the smartest lawyers I know. He could argue any side of any argument and argue it well. In any case, I imagine he’s making a ton of money in his current position and well he knows who signs his paycheck. But to address the character issue he is a very good guy.
by Kurtstack on Oct 28, 2009 11:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure he's a fine dude.
I do think this post speaks the practices of the organization. Which is contrary to what he is saying. I’m sure he’s a good lawyer (I wouldn’t snyder would hire him otherwise), so I doubt he’s flat-out lying. I just don’t see a good lawyer exposing himself like that.
I so think this post needs more exposure. This is exactly what people need to read.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't doubt your assessment Kurt
I am sure he has a legal standing for the claims he is making—that is his job. But it is a lie.
by Sugar on Oct 28, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not detracting
From your argument in any way. I just thought I would let you know the guy is a decent man, he’s just working for somebody else, and we all know who that is.
by Kurtstack on Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
“But it is a lie.”
Very true. Lawyers get paid big money to do that.
by Kurtstack on Oct 28, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
They get paid big money to provide legal advice and be the doctors administering medicine to people sick with legal issues. They don’t get paid to tell outright lies. It’s unethical and can get you disbarred.
by snowburnt on Oct 28, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ACUTALLY
They are paid to bend and distort the “Truth” to fit the way it fits. Truth is in perception. They are brainwashers.
by brettpedigo on Oct 28, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It reminds me of a game not too long ago where Tim Hasselbeck was starting QB. He was having a terrible game and the announcers were talking about what a great guy he was and used it to defend his play. Goose came on and said, nice a guy as he might be, he’s a terrible quarterback. The announcers guffawed and said that if Goose had been in the pregame introductions he’d know what they were talking about. Goose said that that was one of the reasons he didn’t go to those things, on the field it doesn’t matter how upstanding a citizen he is, he’s stinking it up because he’s not a good QB.
Just because a guy donates his time and money to cancer research, helps our with big brothers, does a lot of community service, raised a great family and hosted barbecues for his neighbors doesn’t mean that he hasn’t out-right lied to the media and fans. There were hundreds of ways he could have handled the situation and he chose one of those where the facts were not with him. What he did may not be illegal, chances are he didn’t even know but in his position he shouldn’t be making statements of that magnitude that are completely off base.
by snowburnt on Oct 28, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
kinda like
Norv Turner. Everyone always said/says what a “nice guy” Norv is. And they use that in the argument for him not to get fired. This would have been funny to me had he not been the coach of the Redskins for 7 FRICKIN YEARS!!!
by CJHutch on Oct 28, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not a question of character
His neighborly ways and his intellect are not in question. But since you want to talk about character…From the sounds of it, he flat out lied about taking legal action with ticket holders. What does this say about his character?
by RFKate28 on Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretend you’re a soldier and your CO orders you to kill innocent women and children. The fact that you were ordered to do it doesn’t mean that you’re saved from a dishonorable discharge. Your conduct would still be unbecoming.
by snowburnt on Oct 28, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trying to figure out a way to put it
Kurt, I think you are fairly realistic to what is happening here. I also think that the fact that he is lying is also an example of character no matter why he does it. It doesn’t matter who he works for. A lie is still a a lie. I respect that you had a positive experience with donovan in a neighborhood setting. But he is still lying about these things and that surprises me. If my boss asks me to lie for him or this company, I would tell him to go pound sand. I would never comprise my own ethics for anybody.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey
Hold on guys. I’m not defending this man or his actions in any way. I’m on the side of the fan here. I’m with you Sugar. What they did to you was wrong, regardless of how David Donovan describes the business practices of the Redskins. Actions speak louder than any written document outlining specific business practices. And the actions in your case and others here speak the truth loud and clear. While it isn’t relevent, outside the office the guy is a good guy with a terrific family. He still sends us Christmas cards every year so I really don’t have a problem with him outside the office. Has he succumbed to the web of greed and deception that is the Redskins organization? It certainly seems so, but that’s probably more of a representation of the culture created by the man at the top, Daniel Snyder.
by Kurtstack on Oct 28, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah,
This is pretty much the same situation as your boss ordering you to kill women and kids…
by travisjh86 on Oct 28, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
metaphors and similies are different things
by smutsboy1 on Oct 28, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True,
but you don’t need to take it to such an extreme to make your point. It’s all good though, I understand what you’re trying to say.
by travisjh86 on Oct 28, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Classic PR move
Donovan’s comments are classic PR spin – you’re story is so wrong because of technical points that were inaccurate. Sure you don’t have a waiting list for club seats but that’s not the point. The point is you’ve taken advantage of fans’ love for the franchise by charging them more than they can afford, then suing them when they can’t pay. I admire Ken’s honor in paying for the Club Seats despite his dwindling resources. It’s easy to personalize our anger at Donovan, but he’s just a symptom. The cause is an organizational one that created a culture that puts profits over people, dollars over winning.
by RichE on Nov 1, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Its getting dire
This team is making a “Us against them” mentality and its getting pretty absurd! Losing only makes fans upset and the only fans that leave a tam for that are fair-weather fans. Its things like this though, that drive away die-hard fans. When I team pushes you in these ways, I’m not sure what else to do.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 11:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
James Grimaldi vs David Donovan
In 2006, Grimaldi shared the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting for helping to uncover the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. The articles also won the Selden Ring Award and Worth Bingham prize. [WaPost]
My money’s on the non-lawyer.
by KevinE on Oct 28, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Funny that you mention this one, Kevin
I was stunned that Grimaldi won the Pulitzer, at least based on that lawsuit article. While there may have been many truths to the article, I thought it was pretty shoddily done. Again, in making a case, you should use a convicted embezzler as a sympathetic figure as to why someone shouldn’t be sued? It was just poorly conceived. Nothing to do with the truths of the matter, but I sure didn’t see that as an article that would be anything indicative of a Pulitzer winner.
by bigredsnapper on Oct 28, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do want to make sure it is clear also
The Redskins ARE NOT banning the media from talking to tailgaters. I spoke to Matt Terl specifically about this and he was adamant that this and I believe him.
by Sugar on Oct 28, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
we were always at war with eurasia
by smutsboy1 on Oct 28, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
that’s great.
by Palace of Good Play's Golden Toilet on Oct 28, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From what I've seen
The Redskins’ PR staff is amateur at best. The don’t understand modern media and the plethora of ways that people can record and capture events and then direct them to the proper media outlet, they don’t understand the position they’re in and how much credibility they have.
The public’s faith in them is fading fast and rather than be honest or apologetic they are indignant and petty against a behemoth.
I don’t know if kicking fans out for holding up anti-snyder fans or wearing anti-snyderatto clothing is coming from Dan himself or someone else in the organization, but It’s gestapo tactics and one of these days someone is going to get seriously injured because of it.
by snowburnt on Oct 28, 2009 11:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
Why wouldn’t they try more positive methods? These enforcement measures only builds barriers between the team and fans. It only creates anger and indignation. If these PR guys were any good, they would try to get in the fans’ good graces and work with people instead of being so stubborn
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about non-media?
Can you guys do your own stuff since you are not media.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yes and no...
We can do whatever we want, but at the same time, not if we ever want to get credentialed again.
When Steinberg was posting all the negative stuff and stories with the “team sucks” they told him to take it down or lose his credential. Redskins win.
I’ve met Zack Bolno, who is the chief of PR for the Redskins and formerly the Wiz, many times and he is truly a good guy. He has always been very quick to respond to my calls and emails, and was courteous giving HH a credential for training camp.
Having said that, the big guns (Counsel) are fighting the war now. I’m not sure how things are run regarding PR so I won’t pretend I know anything.
Very few NFL teams grant blogs credentials, so the Skins are way ahead of the curve on that. I get that they’re a business and don’t want negative stories hurting their product, so there is a gray line, but if they start making moves to fix the product and make the fan base aware of the moves, then order will be restored.
by KevinE on Oct 28, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
they operate more like the Red CHINA leadership than Red-SKINS leadership.
Did anyone see the clip of the guys who were confiscating the signs? After they collected them, they were opening them up and reading them, then laughing. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if those guys get fired once Danny-boy and his minions see the footage.
by CJHutch on Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know CJ
I think snyder and donovan would classify that as “over-zealous”. Plus, you are assuming that they will actually take the time to watch it. I just don’t see them doing that.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
in theory
you are correct. But do you discount the possibility of someone as simultaneously narcissistic and insecure as Snyder actually paying people to watch all Redskins related footage and keep track of negative behavior towards the front office?
by CJHutch on Oct 28, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see your point
But if he was that insecure, wouldn’t he have done something by now? Or wouldn’t his policies have benefited the fans more by now?I do think he is that insecure, especially when I heard he called Holmgren after hiring Zorn to be the HC and asking if he did the right thing. But my belief is lessened by the fact that snyder keeps stepping on the fans as opposed to helping them.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you don't think
it’s insecure to not allow any negative opinions/expressions be voiced or displayed publicly? The fact that he confiscated the signs in the first place prove his insecurities.
But if he was that insecure, wouldn’t he have done something by now?
You forgot the other part of my statement.
of someone as simultaneously narcissistic and insecure as Snyder
I think it is a daily battle between these two traits to see which will come out ahead for the day. In his mind he HAS done something. He put Vinny, who knows more football than he does, in charge of football operations. He paid to get Haynesworth. He paid to keep Hall. Hell, to prove that he doesn’t JUST pay attention to the “glamour” positions, he paid to bring in Hunter Smith. And, to top it all off, he gives us something to be proud about EVERY YEAR. That is, when the Forbes’ franchise ranking comes out.
by CJHutch on Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, I guess went the other way with your comments
Here I am using common sense when we’re talking about snyder. I was thinking that he hasn’t done anything positive for the fans in a “common sense” and generally accepted" or “humanly decent” kind of a way. I wasn’t thinking in terms of “there, that outta shut those crying bastards up”.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
by George
I think you’ve got it. Give that man a prize.
On another note, do you think they’ll donate all those signs to some underdeveloped country in Africa like they do with the losing teams Superbowl paraphernalia? I hope so. Wouldn’t it be cool to turn on National Geographic one day and see some kid holding a “Sell the Team Dan” sign? I can just picture Redskins security jumping out of the bushes to move the kid away from the camera.
by CJHutch on Oct 28, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The one common denominator regarding Snyder is...
he is a businessman, who bought a business. He is very good at making money thru the business and is not used to public scrutiny in his dealings. He doesn’t as of yet recognize the public trust aspect of owning the Redskins, and therefore doesn’t feel he is accountable to the public for how he runs his business. He wants to and believes his responsibility is to put a good product on the field, but he bought the Skins and this is his toy. He is willing to listen to any suggestions for fixing the Skins’ play on the field, but he does not want to give up his toy and how he plays with it.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Oct 28, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I don't understand though
He wants to and believes his responsibility is to put a good product on the field,
Even though his ‘company’ is making money, the ‘product’ is clearly and undeniably bad (or terrible, IMO).
by smutsboy1 on Oct 28, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I agree..
but the key is, it’s his toy, so he is only willing to do so many things to fix it. Giving up control is not, so far, an option.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Oct 28, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yep. thus explains this franchise's descent into failure.
by smutsboy1 on Oct 28, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice crib...
This handbasket to hell.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Oct 28, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you guys fell for that?
Who cares if you guys are at training camp? Was there anything you been credentialed for? I’d rather have you write your honest opinion than get your opinion of how Haynesworth looked standing next the field watching everybody practice. Tell Bolno that he can suck it and keep writing what you want. That’s why we read you guys.
The problem is that they are not “fixing” anything. Instead, they are putting it back on fans to shut up or put up and there are far too many fans who would shut up.
This is not an attack but a legitimate question: Do you think they are using these credentials to try to control what you are writing?
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No
They are not trying to control what we are writing. I think they understand that these kinds of sites promote their team and they try and work with us to help us. The problem is, at times like these when there is little positive to report, they find themselves on the defensive.
by Sugar on Oct 28, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
understood
That isn’t to say that there aren’t good people there. There just doesn’t seem to be enough good people in positions of authority. this donovan seems to be every bit as douchy as the rest of the front office. But then you have a guy like Matt Terl who seems pretty genuine. I won’t make any assumptions as to what he may or may not be able to write or even if he is censored. But then you have larry micheal, and cerrato. There is just no shortage or hate-able guys over there. And given that fact, it would seem to me that anything they do has to have an alterior motive. I just don’t trust their interest in treating their fans well. Especially after you post here today!
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This can all be fixed in one press conference
Regardless of the outcome of a new GM that has a credible football background, firing Vinny would satisfy most. If that doesn’t happen then fans have a right to say and do what they want just like Snyder has a right to say an do what he wants.
by skinsymets on Oct 28, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Solution.
It has long been past due time to start fires and flipping cars, throw bottles, public urinating. When stadium goers get pissed enough to risk going to jail and riot, these things will change. Otherwise? Prepare for 10 more years of this ladies…….
by TheOverLordMarshl on Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the problem
is that the only cars being flipped would be those of the fans. Now, if we could somehow get to the PLAYERS’ and COACHES cars and start flipping, then I’m game. I call ARE’s ride. I’d call Blache’s car too, but that old, refuse-to-change-with-the-times curmudgeon probably drives a Pinto. In which case kicking it wold cause it to explode ON ME.
by CJHutch on Oct 28, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice observation
and true, too.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Oct 28, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i thought'd you'd go for betts' ride
SpotieOtieDopalicious
by Rekka on Oct 28, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought about that
and then figured he probably rides in with someone since he no longer has any wheels.
by CJHutch on Oct 28, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo!
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Oct 28, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you were over that now?
SpotieOtieDopalicious
by Rekka on Oct 28, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I call no Landry
I hear he drives a F-650 that requires steps to get into. I’d rather go with the Pinto.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In terms of Guerrilla warfare
what about these signs that Dan Steinberg was talking about that are being put up on overpasses? No property damage and I guarantee if those things start turning up all over the place it’ll start to cause even more of a stir. Not to mention Snyder’s goons can’t nip them in the bud.
by SkinsOsTerps on Oct 28, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Reading Steinberg
There is a particularly alarming story in Steinberg’s Q & A yesterday about 2 fans that got escorted out for shirts that said “Fire Vinny” and “Fire Snyder”. These guys were met with a large contingent of security officers and they didn’t even have a reason to offer as to why they were doing it except that they were told to get rid of those shirts. I just can’t even imagine where this is heading…
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 1:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here is my story.
I live in LA, and my name came up on the waiting list. In APRIL, I called an was coaxed into buying club seats that were over my head. I MADE THE MISTAKE OF SIGNING. 6500/yr for three years with a promise of lower level seats in three years. Three days later I called and told them I went in over my head. this is how they treated me: I signed April 14. This is from April 21. (I had put down half of the down payment, and asked if they kept it, would they let me out…)
"Please use all or part of that you seem to have for the down payment, then go from there… just don’t make things any worse. For a variety of unpleasant reasons, you don’t want your account to go into default. It should have been in default already but I’m trying to work with you. I can’t emphasize enough that it’s in your best interest to pay the rest of the required down payment immediately. "
This is after I went into how I thought with my heart and not my brian and made an irrational decision. I would lose everything. Never be able to buy a house for my family. Never be able to get a new car. NOTHING!!!! They wanted to default me after SEVEN DAYS of signing the contract in APRIL!!!!!!! I had to go onto craigslist and sell my contract to another person (thank GOD!!!) for a loss of 1,000. Not too bad considering 18,000 they would have put on my credit, TAKE THE SEATS and resell them! and Lawyer fees added on. WOW. How does anyone root for this team?
by brettpedigo on Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love that you have quotes too.
What a bunch of douchebags.
by monk81 on Oct 28, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a string of e-mails
I won’t drop the dick’s name, but he knows who he is. I think it was his grandma he was suing.
by brettpedigo on Oct 28, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is what I've been trying to explain...
to my none Redskins fans, especially ones from Detroit, St. Louis, etc. It’s not just a bad football experience on the field, it’s more than that. It’s fiscal rape on many levels. Stories like Merengo’s and yours represent a total breech of the public trust and in the fan’s trust in the Redskins’ organization. Many of my friends say, “Not everyone can go to the SB every year. What’s the big deal?” Never mind that we won’t even have a shot at the playoffs, its the blatant shove it up your ass mentality that these goons portray and to the true Redskins fan it results in a visceral reaction.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Oct 28, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I grew up in Germantown.
I moved out west for work (and sunshine….). I was going to fly back two to three times a year and dump off the rest.
by brettpedigo on Oct 28, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I grew up in DC, too
But live in Chicago. Had general admission tickets. Never could dump off the rest for what I paid – was always losing money on them, so I dumped them in favor of Direct TV.
by RichE on Nov 1, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely no customer service. They have a head in the sand mentality when it comes to their fan base. The scoreboard is a disgrace, they’re trying to take away anything that’s fun about it and there is no good reason to go to a game other than to say: “hey, I was at that game where they lost”
by snowburnt on Oct 28, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully they understand:
Here are my season tickets. I can go into the worst bar in town and still have a better Redskins football experience for a fraction of the cost. Hope you paint the seats so the stadium looks better on TV.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Oct 28, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So let me get this straight,
No signs are allowed. (I understand the reasoning they provided about this, but it’s still gay, what stadium doesn’t allow signs?)
You are allowed to wear whatever shirt you want as long as it doesn’t have profanity in it? (Thats cool, I don’t care.)
They are sueing people/companies that own club level seats/suites that can’t pay. Now my question is when a season ticket holder has trouble paying, what is the policy? Do they give you some time to come up with the money or what? I completely understand them trying to get their money for the tickets, business is business. It sucks, but what owner in the NFL is going to let someone sit in their stadium for free (unless you’re Tom Cruise).
by travisjh86 on Oct 28, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They’re saying on lavarr and dukes that the sign policy is actually: no wood and no metal, paper signs are ok. Now they’re taking away all signs even if it’s cheering on the skins
by snowburnt on Oct 28, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take a step back
Guys
DD did not get where he was today by telling big fat porkies and being found out.
If you read what he said it stacks up. He said
The Team is suing people who bought Club seats under a three year contract and there is no waiting list for club seats.
The fact that ordinary fans bought these tickets instead of general admission tickets for which there is a waiting list is a red herring. Those fans who are in that situation are not “ordinary fans” but “corporate” fans and are being treated as a corprorate and being sued business to business under breach of contract.
So what DD is saying is correct.
The real issue here is the misselling of club seats to ordinary fans when all the terms of conditions were not explained or promises were made on relocation which were not honoured by the team. Now if any of you have in writing that you were promised to be relocated after two years then the Team could be in breach of contract.
In the UK we have a 14 day cooling off period so you can cancel a contract within that period at no consequence. Do you have a similiar law in the US? The one poster who was threatened after 7 days could have walked away from the contract in the UK without any legal redress from the team.
My brother was a Redskin fan and he gave up following the team when Norv was coach, so even though I am a Giants fan I do feel for you guys as I recall all the big games we use to play in the 80’s and 90’s.
by G Fan in England on Oct 28, 2009 5:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There are 7 day buyer’s remorse laws for large items like cars and homes I believe.
by snowburnt on Oct 28, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Found this on a labor law blog
http://blog.laborlawtalk.com/2006/12/05/maryland-buyers-remorse-laws/
“Like many other states, there are few Maryland buyers remorse laws that permit consumers to cancel contracts within 3 days. Normally, once a buyer signs a contract for real estate, a new or used car or another major purchase, they are obligated to abide by the terms of the contract.”
That being said, I wonder if someone can get legislation through the Maryland General Assembly that would protect consumers from the Redskins ticket office? Maybe a 10 day buyers remorse law on ticket contracts.
by killianskid34 on Oct 29, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s 3 days in VA for real estate and loans with a few exceptions.
I think if Ken wanted to, he could probably talk to the Maryland AG about them not letting him exercise his buyer’s remorse.
by snowburnt on Oct 29, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Join the Revolution - Turn in Your Fan Card
This is a great way to show your disgust with this franchise. Just go to the site and follow the directions. Thanks to Buford at Extreme Skins for putting it together.
by John S51 on Oct 29, 2009 10:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Already joined
I joined the facebook group, and have mine printed and ready to go. Not denouncing my fanhood, just sending a message in a respectful and effective manner to the powers that be.
by killianskid34 on Oct 29, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome ESPN article highlighting lack of free speech at FedEx
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=fleming/091028&sportCat=nfl
(click hold & drag link, for some reason i can’t get the whole thing to hyperlink itself)
by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Oct 29, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
FORCING SNYDER TO SELL THE SKINS
Even if you own season tickets, do NOT attend the games. Do NOT purchase any team merchandise whatsoever.
If FedEx field is empty for the remainder of the season and there are no other revenue streams, then the NFL will take notice and there will be great internal pressure on Mr. Snyder from the powers to be in the league to sell the franchise.
The only question is whether a fan base (to a large extent made up of federal government employees who every person outside of the metro DC area knows lack initiative and ambition (why else would they work for Uncle Sam?)) has the backbone to boycott the team and force the sale.
This ex-washingtonian thinks not.
Hermann Munster
by Hermann Munster on Oct 30, 2009 8:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I cant beleive this
cant take banner to game cant talk outside the game, who in the hell do they think they
sounds like hilter to me, maybe everyone should stay away from the games until snyder understands he is an ass and its not getting any better oh watch out for the camera police thats important. Havent we fought and died for this country to be able to speak and say what we want hey snyder freedom of speech ass hole
by walmartbill on Nov 1, 2009 10:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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