Stay with me on this one. It combines sports and professional wrestling. But it makes sense.
Listen to this while reading. It helps set the tone.
The year was 1996. For over a decade and a half, Hulk Hogan was the hero of the then-World Wrestling
Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment). He preached the “demandments” of training hard, saying your prayers and taking your vitamins. Kids loved him and parents saw him as a good role model.
He was the ultimate “good guy.” He toured the world, put on great shows and had a relatively squeaky-clean image (for this conversation, we’re talking about the Hulk Hogan CHARACTER, not the guy who testified in a steroids trial, ok?).
After leaving the WWF, he joined rival organization WCW. While there, he continued his benevolent ways, defeating bad guys of all shapes and sizes (and even a Horseman or three!).
In May 1996, former WWF performer Scott Hall appeared on WCW’s “Nitro” TV show to say that “we” are taking over. Hall was best known as “Razor Ramon,” a vaguely-Scareface-ish character who slipped back and forth occasionally from “good guy” to “bad guy.”
A short time later, Kevin Nash (known as “Diesel” in the WWF) joined Hall to wreak havoc in the about-to-start war against the rest of WCW.
The promised a third member of their group would emerge on national Pay-Per-View – at the 1996 Bash At The Beach. WCW stalwarts Sting, Lex Luger and Randy “Macho Man” Savage came to the ring for the match. Only Hall and Nash appeared from their side, but didn’t appear too worried. Luger was strangely injured and taken to the back early in the contest, leaving it two-on-two. And then this happened:
Hogan joined Hall and Nash to form the New World Order (NWO) with the stated goal of taking over WCW. The implication was that WWF owner Vince McMahon had sent them to destroy his competition, but a few lawsuits later, that undertone was removed. The NWO terrorized WCW for years to come.
Let’s replay that story, but with LeBron James in 2010:
Awesome, beloved good guy James, playing for his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, is living a dream. He takes on the Lakers, Celtics and Magic 81 times a year and is the undisputed face of the team and perhaps the second-most-marketable basketball star ever, behind Michael Jordan. As a free agent, he can choose what team he wants to play f or. Will he stay with his hometown team and lead them to championship glory?
While James was making up his mind, Dwyane Wade (Scott Hall) announced he was staying with the Miami Heat and wanted to attract other top stars to come with him to take over the league.
A day or two later, big man Chris Bosh (Kevin Nash) joined Wade in Miami, giving the Heat two of today’s top superstars.
On the nationally-televised ESPN show “The Decision,” James had the opportunity to come in and save the day for his hometown. He could spurn every offer and remain the ultimate “good guy,” the face of his franchise and most beloved player in the league.
James, however, pulled a Hogan. He ripped the hearts of out his loyal fans and joined Wade and Bosh in Miami.
Is he now a villain? Or is he a hero for turning down more money for the best chance of winning?
Time will answer those questions.
But, without a doubt, Wade, Bosh and James are now the New World Order of the NBA.
Tonight is the night! LeBron James will announce on a live special on ESPN who will pay him to
play basketball! (If your guess is “Nike,” you win snark points, but snark doesn’t help us solve this mystery.)
So let’s quickly break down his top options:
Cleveland Cavaliers – Who doesn’t want to be THAT guy who grows up somewhere, elevates the town and stays there? He would be the American Icon, the Hometown Hero — the Demigod of Ohio. He would be THE show, the undisputed King of Cleveland. He would have an unprecedented level of control over the organization for the next 15-20 years – and beyond, should he choose to go into coaching, managing, or even owning an organization. Don’t forget, the Cavs can pay him the most money under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Miami Heat – If LeBron joined the Heat, he would be a part of the most talented trio of players in generations, with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Miami is a party town and a bigger market than Cleveland, for sure. However, he would be joining Wade’s team. He’d be a tri-Captain, instead of THE MAN. To do so, he’d have to take less money from the league and hope that endorsements and outside ventures help his bank account. On the flip side, the pressure to win for a decade straight would be immense. Anything short of an annual trophy hoist would be deemed a failure. So, to summarize: less money, less control, less spotlight, more pressure. Don’t see it happening.
New York Knicks – If ever a team needed a savior, it’s the Knicks. Burdened by bad drafts, poor coaching, terrible chemistry (or, to quote Charles Barkley: “just turrible”) and shady management, LeBron would give new hope to the #1 market. He would take the franchise from an afterthought to a legitimate contender. Plus, Amar’e Stoudamire, while an excellent player in his own right, could easily be the Pippen to James’ Jordan. For someone who has said on the record he wants to be a “global brand,” living in NYC could go a long way in helping the cause. The downside, of course, is the increased pressure to pump new life in a moribund organization. I would say there would be increased media scrutiny, but James is a national player – everything he does is examined on a higher level. The special is being filmed at former Knick star Allen Houston’s Greenwich, CT, estate. Does that mean anything? Or is it just a convenience place for ESPN to film on short notice?
Washington Wizards – Just making sure you’re paying attention!
Chicago Bulls – How do you become the greatest of all-time? You can try by leading his former team. While most people wouldn’t want to work under the shadow of Michael Jordan – the original “global brand” basketball star – James has seemed quite open to the possibility. Outfielder for the New York Yankees…Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys…Forward on the Detroit Red Wings…playing these positions carries a mystique. Leader of the Chicago Bulls may have that pull for James. Do not forget that their roster is built to win for years to come. The supporting cast is there and the salary structure appears to be in good shape. Unlike Miami, where it would be the stars and nobodies, this team can grow together for a decade.
My Take – It makes the most sense for him to stay in Cleveland. Why would someone rip the heart out of his hometown on national TV? In all seriousness, what opportunities, exactly, would be more open to him if he played in another city? None. He has the connections and finances to call his own shots.
6:42 am plandsem: @UOsportsdude FYI, #SportsPRChat is tomorrow at 9 am! (I might have said 10 yesterday…I was wrong.)
6:45 am AllenHallPR: RT @plandsem: @UOsportsdude FYI, #SportsPRChat is tomorrow at 9 am! (I might have said 10 yesterday…I was wrong.)
6:49 am UOsportsdude: 9 am?!?!?!!??!!? RT @plandsem FYI, #SportsPRChat is tomorrow at 9 am! (I might have said 10 yesterday…I was wrong.)
4:06 pm stearnscd: @mikeschaffer is there a #sportsprchat today?
4:11 pm mikeschaffer: #SportsPRChat TODAY Noon EST! Big topics to discuss, including Olympics, Super Bowl ads and MORE!
4:12 pm stephmajercik: Can’t wait! RT @mikeschaffer #SportsPRChat TODAY Noon EST! Big topics to discuss, including Olympics, Super Bowl ads and MORE!
4:18 pm SportsandaLatte: RT @mikeschaffer: #SportsPRChat TODAY Noon EST! Big topics to discuss, including Olympics, Super Bowl ads and MORE!
4:43 pm mikeschaffer: Added to #SportsPRChat – SI swimsuit issue! (But not in the way you think)
4:49 pm mikeschaffer: Starting Line-Up for #SportsPRChat in 15 mins – Super Bowl ads, Best Olympics, Danica in NASCAR, SI Swimsuit Cover – and more!
5:00 pm mikeschaffer: Welcome to a snowed-in edition of #SportsPRChat brought to you by @bwfpr (and the deadly icicles over our front door!) Q1 in 1 min! Say hi:)
5:03 pm mikeschaffer: Q1 – Super Bowl Ads – Who won and who lost? #SportsPRChat
5:04 pm plandsem: Hello to #SportsPRChat from Oregon where it is a balmy 49 degrees.
5:04 pm tshepard: Q1- I always love the E*Trade ads, but I thought Dove’s ad was great was a great start to changing perceptions of their brand #SportsPRChat
5:04 pm eglomb: hello! joining in for the first time #sportsPRchat
5:05 pm justplayindumb: @mikeschaffer I dont think any of the companies advertising in SB won, they spent millions on ads when peeps already know them #SportsPRChat
5:05 pm tshepard: My further thoughts on Dove & E*Trade are on my blog http://bit.ly/v8v4J #SportsPRChat
5:05 pm mikeschaffer: @tshepard I agree – Dove did a great job – almost bought their soap the next day. Almost. #SportsPRChat
5:05 pm kmskala: Q1 – I think Doritos, Kia were winners. Think Coke was loser. Personal fave – E-Trade #sportsPRchat
5:06 pm stephmajercik: Q1 Like @tshepard I also love the E*Trade babies! So cute and they always make me laugh #sportsprchat
5:06 pm mikeschaffer: Q1 – What about Google? Universally praised spot, but was it necessary? #SportsPRChat
5:06 pm jonlustig: Q1 I’d say Google. To a lesser extent Dodge, since that ad got a lot of play. And Tim Tebow. #SportsPRChat
5:06 pm tshepard: @mikeschaffer Give it some time… you’ll be buying Dove soon enough. They do such a good job using REAL people and situations #SportsPRChat
5:07 pm stephmajercik: Q1 Also liked the 1 Doritos commercial “Keep your hands off my mama, keep your hand off my Doritos.” #sportsprchat
5:07 pm justplayindumb: @mikeschaffer Not going to lie their message was short, hear warming, unique and to the point! Best ad of SB was Google! #SportsPRChat
5:07 pm forrestkoba: @mikeschaffer I really liked the Google ad myself, but people had mixed reactions. #SportsPRChat
5:07 pm sherylgudelsky: @mikeschaffer ya, a lot of people at my gathering did as “did google really NEED a commercial?” #sportsprchat
5:07 pm mikeschaffer: RT @stephmajercik: Q1 Also liked the 1 Doritos commercial “Keep your hands off my mama, keep your hand off my Doritos.” #sportsprchat
5:07 pm tshepard: Q1- Google was definitely a brand winner, but I didn’t love it & don’t think they even needed a Super Bowl ad. #SportsPRChat
5:08 pm stearnscd: @tshepard i though the e-trade ads have gone downhill MAJORILY. didn’t even crack a smile. time for new idea. #sportsprchat
5:08 pm mikeschaffer: @Sean_Flynn I’m tired of GoDaddy’s tired campaign, as well. #SportsPRChat
5:08 pm tomokeefe1: Q1: Re: Google- ad was good, but don’t people already use Google for exactly that purpose? #SportsPRChat
5:08 pm eglomb: Q1: other than those 2 ads, nothing really stood out for me #SportsPRchat
5:08 pm stephmajercik: Q1 re:Google. I wasn’t very impressed by the Google ad. Its was okay, but I don’t think necessary #sportsprchat
5:08 pm jhalitsky: @mikeschaffer Google ad was necessary. They did have a big announcement this week & had ppl buzzing. #sportsprchat #sportsprchat
5:08 pm mikeschaffer: Q1 – Do you associate horses with beer? Where did that ever start? #SportsPRChat
5:08 pm safeworld4women: RT @mikeschaffer: @Sean_Flynn I’m tired of GoDaddy’s tired campaign, as well. #SportsPRChat
5:09 pm stearnscd: Love the #PepsiRefresh project RT @ Sean_Flynn: Q1 – Win: Pepsi (no ad, spent of social media) #sportsprchat
5:09 pm mikeschaffer: @tomokeefe1 @sherylgudelsky Perhaps they wanted to nip Bing in the bud? #SportsPRChat
5:09 pm stephmajercik: Agree w/ @tomokeefe1. They weren’t advertising anything new. #sportsprchat
5:09 pm forrestkoba: @tomokeefe1 It could be due to Bing’s TV commercial presence…perhaps Google thought they needed to make a move. #SportsPRChat
5:09 pm tshepard: @stearnscd I don’t like the new baby as much, but for some reason those ads still get to me. #SportsPRChat
5:09 pm Sean_Flynn: I agree. Does Google really need an ad? RT @tshepard: Q1- don’t think they even needed a Super Bowl ad. #SportsPRChat #wasteddollars
5:10 pm mikeschaffer: After the fact – reaction to Tebow ad? #SportsPRChat
5:10 pm justplayindumb: I don’t think the purpose of the Google ad was to show something new! It was to remind people what their all about #SportsPRChat
5:10 pm tomokeefe1: @mikeschaffer @forrestkoba Good point, but why not say that Google does even more than Bing? #SportsPRChat
5:10 pm tshepard: @mikeschaffer Good point on Bing, but the money could have been better used elsewhere. Although they sure have ppl talking #SportsPRChat
5:11 pm plandsem: Q1 The Tebow ad was great; I’m biased b/c I loved him before, but I don’t think it did much to offend people. #SportsPRChat
5:11 pm jonlustig: Q1 The Google ad seemed strange at the time, their reason for doing it was a lot more obvious after Tuesday. #SportsPRChat
5:11 pm tshepard: Too much hype for Tebow. The ad wasn’t as harsh as I thought it would be #SportsPRChat
5:11 pm sherylgudelsky: Q1 Kinda over ads with talking babies. freaks me out to be honest. #sportsprchat
5:11 pm justplayindumb: @mikeschaffer Tebow ad was the most over hyped ad I have ever seen & it wasn’t worth the wait at all! #SportsPRChat
5:13 pm tomokeefe1: lol RT @mikeschaffer: I expected much more from the Tebow spot. Felt like an e-harmony ad #SportsPRChat
5:13 pm ithakid: For a second there, I thought that was going to be a spoof of the Tebow ad and the woman was gonna bust out a Miller Lite #SportsPRChat
5:13 pm mikeschaffer: @Sean_Flynn Exactly – be who you are, don’t hide it and let public decide for themselves #SportsPRChat
5:14 pm mikeschaffer: @ithakid Right! Only way I knew what I was watching was that I met his mom! #sportsprchat
5:14 pm MVNUSID: @mikeschaffer The Tebow ad was tame compared to hype, but it did pay off for Focus on the Family with hits on their website #SportsPRChat
5:15 pm jhalitsky: Tebow ad was tame vs. expecs. Should teach us that networks may actually know how to review & clear ads for air. #sportsprchat
5:15 pm mikeschaffer: RT @MVNUSID: @mikeschaffer The Tebow ad was tame compared to hype, but it did pay off for Focus on the Family with hits on their website #SportsPRChat
5:15 pm katiebailey: Hi, SportsPRchatters, sorry I’m late. I also expected way more from Tebow ad. Wasn’t it supposed to be controversial? So tame. #sportsPRchat
5:15 pm ryanknapp: Hey everyone, just jumping in/lurking today. I’m Ryan and if it’s soccer I probably do it, if not in 5 years I’m sure I will. #sportsprchat
5:15 pm jliebman: @Sean_Flynn I thought the advertisement splits the audience in too many ways… #SportsPRChat
5:16 pm mikeschaffer: Q2 – Is there a more contrived pointless media event that gets more attention than SI Swimsuit Issue Cover release? #SportsPRChat
5:16 pm tshepard: @forrestkoba Its not about the $ (though i’m sure it was dirt cheap to make) It just couldve been used better elsewhere #SportsPRChat
5:16 pm aubreycichelli: @mikeschaffer An especially awkward e-harmony ad given that it was Tebow and his MOM. I’m all for close families, but… #SportsPRChat
5:17 pm ryanknapp: Q2: Any heavyweight boxing press conference. #sportsprchat
5:17 pm jhalitsky: SI Swimsuit – like many long-standing traditions, it thrived when there were less options. U can get skin anywhere now. #sportsprchat
5:17 pm SportsandaLatte: Hi #sportsPRchat folks, can’t check in today, but I look forward to the trancript!
5:18 pm katiebailey: Q2 – Prob not, but honorable mention: when an athlete unveils a fragrance. Who wants to smell like a sweaty athlete anyway? #sportsPRchat
5:18 pm GoKTGo: @mikeschaffer hey! my friend landed the front cover of SI this year, so I was excited to see it all over the media #SportsPRChat
5:18 pm stearnscd: Q2 – I know ppl enjoy it, but WAY overcovered with events, unveilings, @darrenrovell1 special, etc #sportsprchat
5:18 pm justplayindumb: Q2: For one cover a year SI tries to get their inner Playboy on by releasing the Swim Suit Issue! #SportsPRChat
5:18 pm tshepard: Q2- I think SI takes the cake for that one. Especially for women. #SportsPRChat
5:18 pm mikeschaffer: HAHAHA! RT @UnfilteredMMA @mikeschaffer When Dennis Rodman married himself? #SportsPRChat
5:19 pm kmskala: Q2 – No, the SI Swimsuit Issue is actually a pretty big accomplishment (despite what ppl might think). Seriously. #sportsPRchat
5:19 pm UOsportsdude: Hi guys, sorry I’m late. Q1 I really liked the Audi commercial. Very cute on a very serious topic #sportsprchat
5:19 pm mikeschaffer: @GoKTGo Not knocking BD or the models at all! Just saying the news gets more attention than it warrants #SportsPRChat
5:19 pm stephmajercik: RT @tshepard: Q2- I think SI takes the cake for that one. Especially for women. #sportsprchat
5:19 pm mikeschaffer: RT @katiebailey: Q2 – Prob not, but honorable mention: when an athlete unveils a fragrance. Who wants to smell like a sweaty athlete anyway? #sportsPRchat
5:20 pm Sean_Flynn: Yes, Valentines Day. RT @mikeschaffer: Q2 – pointless media event that gets more attention than SI Swimsuit Issue #SportsPRChat
5:20 pm mikeschaffer: @kmskala Maybe I’m just getting old, but it isn’t what it used to be. Big deal, yes, but unveiling the cover? #SportsPRChat
5:21 pm ryanknapp: @GoKTGo Friend, wha? You’re holding out on us! #sportsprchat
5:21 pm UOsportsdude: Q2 – it’s ironic, of all the sports mags, SI is the traditional old school one. You would think it would be the ESPN swimsuit #sportsprchat
5:21 pm rob_e_smith: Hi I’m Rob. Q2 I think Andy Roddick must be a little jealous his wife made the cover #SportsPRChat
5:21 pm eglomb: Q2: I would think it would be a huge accomplishment to even be in the SI swimsuit edition #SportsPRchat
5:22 pm plandsem: @mikeschaffer BD is married to Andy Roddick, so now she’s more visible in the sports world than just the swimsuit issue. #SportsPRChat
5:22 pm stearnscd: Q2 – the swimsuit issue has become a cultural phenomenon in our society partially thanks to the media coverage #sportsprchat
5:22 pm mikeschaffer: Let me reiterate – NOT taking away from models’ accomplishments! But SI blows it up bigger than it is. It’s a compliment! #SportsPRChat
5:22 pm SuperDu: You’re a friend of Brooklyn? Now ppl who wanna meet her know who to tweet! RT @GoKTGo my friend landed the front cover of SI #SportsPRChat
5:22 pm mikeschaffer: Q3 coming in 2 mins #SportsPRChat
5:23 pm jonlustig: Q2 I’m more offended that the thing is connected to SI period. I’m fine with the 7 minutes on Letterman. #SportsPRChat
5:24 pm SuperDu: Q2. SI wouldn’t spend the money on the promotions if it didn’t sell more mags. It’s all pretty calculated. #SportsPRChat
5:24 pm kmskala: @MichaelWMann @mikeschaffer General pop thinks we’re drooling over attractive women, but there is meaning 2 landing cover, IMO #sportsPRChat
5:25 pm ThatGuyHugs: SI creates great buzz about issue…great marketing, great product = amazing sales (I believe it makes 15% of total SI sales) #sportsprchat
5:25 pm mikeschaffer: RT @EZBaratz @mikeschaffer SI Swim is Time’s biggest/best selling issue every year. I’d say it’s relevant. #SportsPRChat
5:25 pm ithakid: Q3a: What should @mikeschaffer name his fantasy baseball team in my fantasy league, which he still needs to sign up for? #SportsPRChat
5:26 pm mikeschaffer: Q3 – Keeping with male/female dynamic – Danica’s NASCAR debut…Big deal or what’s the hype? #SportsPRChat
5:26 pm Sean_Flynn: If ur client had an ad in the mag u would appreciate the spectacle RT @mikeschaffer: Big deal, but unveiling the cover? #SportsPRChat
5:27 pm forrestkoba: @mikeschaffer Danica is well-overhyped. She was an average racer in the IndyCar Series, but she is marketed well. #SportsPRChat
5:27 pm mikeschaffer: @ithakid I’ll name my team from the group – e-mail me suggestions michaelgschaffer at gmail.com #SportsPRChat
5:27 pm SuperDu: Nah, most are drooling. RT @kmskala ppl thinks we’e drooling over attractive women, but there is meaning 2 landing cover #sportsPRChat
5:27 pm mikeschaffer: @kmskala I agree with you. I’m amazed at how SI has turned it into a major annual event! #SportsPRChat
5:27 pm UOsportsdude: Q3 – Danica Patrick is more overhyped than the SI swim cover #sportsprchat
5:28 pm jliebman: Q3 – A female breaking into a sport dominated by men – big deal. NASCAR – big in SE USA. In OR – most couldn’t name 3 drivers #SportsPRChat
5:28 pm ThatGuyHugs: @Anita_Lobo It is by far their best selling issue each year…also helps that it has longer shelf life #sportsprchat
5:28 pm stephmajercik: Q3 I don’t think its a huge deal. She’s not the first woman to race in NASCAR #sportsprchat
5:29 pm forrestkoba: @mikeschaffer A female in NASCAR has everyone buzzing. She’s signed with a good race team so she’s well-positioned to succeed. #SportsPRChat
5:29 pm tshepard: Q3- Could care less, but I don’t follow NASCAR. Could be good for women in the sport #SportsPRChat
5:29 pm Sean_Flynn: RT @mikeschaffer: Q3 Big Deal-Women should be mad for her dropping the ball. She could have been a GREAT role model. #SportsPRChat #godaddy
5:29 pm ThatGuyHugs: Q3 I’m actually interested in seeing the father/daughter combo racing… #sportsprchat
5:29 pm stearnscd: Q3 Danica + NASCAR is made to be a big deal only because she’s a pretty girl with talent in a male dominated sport #sportsprchat
5:29 pm sherylgudelsky: i guess being the token woman makes the danica buzz unavoidable #sportsprchat
5:30 pm mikeschaffer: RT @stephmajercik: Q3 I don’t think its a huge deal. She’s not the first woman to race in NASCAR #sportsprchat
5:30 pm justplayindumb: Q3: Danica is NASCAR, could be the potential long term face of a sport that badly needs a spokesperson who peeps recognize #SportsPRChat
5:30 pm forrestkoba: @mikeschaffer Dale Earnhardt Jr. is an average talent, but is retained due to his fanbase. Danica could follow the same route. #SportsPRChat
5:31 pm mikeschaffer: Hunsicker @mikeschaffer Q3 – Big mistake to start her at Daytona NW race. Won’t be at all like ARCA or her open-wheel races. #SportsPRChat
5:31 pm ThatGuyHugs: Danica is marketed well but she needs to win otherwise she’ll just be next Anna K. #sportsprchat
5:31 pm SuperDu: Q3 Danica better than just ave. Finished 6th in 1st stock car race ever. AND, yes, marketers capitalize on her sex appeal. #SportsPRChat
5:31 pm jonlustig: Q3 Big deal. More people paying attention to the sport in the northeast. #SportsPRChat
5:31 pm mikeschaffer: RT @Hunsicker til she can prove herself as a viable stock car driver, it’s just hype. She had 1 win in IRL; #SportsPRChat
5:31 pm UOsportsdude: Q3 – Unless Danica wins, the hype will fade quickly like it did for Michelle Wie. #sportsprchat
5:32 pm mikeschaffer: RT @ThatGuyHugs: Danica is marketed well but she needs to win otherwise she’ll just be next Anna K. #sportsprchat
5:32 pm eglomb: Q3: I think that no one is really going to care about Danica till she wins something. #SportsPRChat
5:32 pm forrestkoba: @mikeschaffer I disagree. She’s well-prepared for Nationwide and could be a borderline Sprint Cup racer immediately. #SportsPRChat
5:32 pm mikeschaffer: Q4 Coming in 2 mins #SportsPRChat
5:33 pm tshepard: RT @detnewsMSU: RT @detnews: Report: U. of Texas, Big Ten have ‘preliminary exchanges’ about expansion http://bit.ly/cKatHN #SportsPRChat
5:33 pm stephmajercik: RT @UOsportsdude: Q3 – Unless Danica wins, the hype will fade quickly like it did for Michelle Wie. #sportsprchat
5:33 pm SuperDu: She is 1st woman to win an IndyCar race! RT @ThatGuyHugs Danica is marketed well but needs to win otherwise just next Anna K. #sportsprchat
5:34 pm jliebman: Q3 – It also gives @ESPN a story to run for two straight weeks now that the Super Bowl is over. #SportsPRChat
5:34 pm jonlustig: Q3 She’s being backed by the best team in the sport, we’ll see if she can hold her own there. #SportsPRChat
5:34 pm stearnscd: Gotta run to a meeting. Enjoy the rest of #sportsprchat everyone. Thanks again @mikeschaffer!
5:34 pm mikeschaffer: Q4 – Better Olympics – Winter or Summer – and why? #SportsPRChat
5:34 pm Worob: Q3 Or the next Andy Roddick RT @ThatGuyHugs Danica is marketed well but needs to win otherwise just next Anna K. #sportsprchat
5:34 pm ThatGuyHugs: @SuperDu I know but I meant at the NASCAR level…but then again, Dale Jr. is as popular if not more than J. Johnson… #sportsprchat
5:34 pm SuperDu: She has won an IndyCar race. RT @eglomb Q3: I think that no one is really going to care about Danica till she wins something. #SportsPRChat
5:35 pm jeffespo: @mikeschaffer Winter – one word Hockey #sportsprchat
5:35 pm katiebailey: @tshepard Wow, I’d heard they might consider Mizzou, which I think is a better choice geographically, but hadn’t heard abt Tex #sportsPRchat
5:35 pm stephmajercik: Q4 Summer. There are way more sports I want to watch in the summer olympics than the winter #sportsprchat
5:35 pm Worob: Q4 Summer. Too much going on in the winter – NHL, NBA, Spring Training, Daytona 500 #sportsprchat
5:35 pm james_bravo: RT @UOsportsdude: Q3 – Unless Danica wins, the hype will fade quickly like it did for Michelle Wie. #sportsprchat
5:36 pm Sean_Flynn: Summer–Bigger, more international. RT @mikeschaffer: Q4 – Better Olympics – Winter or Summer – and why? #SportsPRChat
5:36 pm mikeschaffer: @stearnscd adios, bud…thanks for stopping by! #sportsprchat
5:36 pm tshepard: Q4- I don’t think many will agree with this one but I love the Winter Olympics. I’m also a figure skater and huge hockey fan! #SportsPRChat
5:36 pm jhalitsky: Q4-Summer Olympics has more appeal in USA. Less promo from NBC, most noise is about how NBC will lose $. #sportsprchat
5:36 pm jonlustig: Q3 Most drivers in any series never win a race. She’s certainly capable of succeeding in NASCAR. #SportsPRChat
5:36 pm UOsportsdude: Q4 – Summer, without a doubt. All nations can participate, not just ones with snow. More TV dollars and more competition #sportsprchat
5:36 pm plandsem: Q4 Summer! People have more free time and the sports are more glamorous. #SportsPRChat
5:36 pm mikeschaffer: @Worob I’m no Roddick fan, but the guy has been Top 10 material for a decade. Just not top 3 material #sportsprchat
5:37 pm stephmajercik: Q4 Plus I usually have more time in the summer to watch #sportsprchat
5:37 pm katiebailey: Q4 – Summer. I’m a huge fan of Olympic swimming and played several “summer” sports growing up. Familiar w more of athletes too #sportsPRchat
5:37 pm justplayindumb: Q4: Winter Olympics because of the hockey! #SportsPRChat
5:37 pm sherylgudelsky: Q4: definitely more followers of summer games, but can not beat the hockey in the winter game #sportsprchat
5:38 pm jhalitsky: Q4 Winter’10 timing should have been separated from SB, NBA ASG, Daytona #sportsprchat
5:38 pm Worob: Q4 From a marketing standpoint, both have difficulties. Too many sports choices 24/7 for either to really do well #sportsprchat
5:38 pm plandsem: Q4 And by glamorous, I mean more interesting to the avg. American viewer. I think people identify more w/ summer Oly. stars. #SportsPRChat
5:38 pm jliebman: Q4 – Summer. It unites the world w/a wide array of sports. Little representation from warm countries (except in Cool Runnings) #SportsPRChat
5:38 pm jonlustig: Q4 The fact that their playing hockey in an NHL rink this time kills it for me. The Summer games are better. #SportsPRChat
5:38 pm eglomb: Q4: Summer bc there are more sports I like & after all the snow in DC this past week, I’m sick of winter #SportsPRChat
5:38 pm mikeschaffer: Q4 – Don’t know what the big storylines will be for winter. Summer has more action..and less glitter! #SportsPRChat
5:39 pm ithakid: Q4 Summer Olympics way better than Winter. IOC should make Baseball a Winter Olymic sport, play it indoors, invite MLB players #SportsPRChat
5:39 pm stephmajercik: @Worob But there is really never a good time of year where there aren’t other sports to watch/choose from #sportsprchat
5:39 pm SuperDu: Q4: From Canada, so I love Winter. Not better, but different than Summ games. U.S. likes Summ better bec they win more there. #sportsprchat
5:39 pm mikeschaffer: Agree 100% RT @eglomb Q4: Summer bc there are more sports I like & after all the snow in DC this past week, I’m sick of winter #SportsPRChat
5:39 pm backseatgaffer: Q3 Danica has talent, but also been w/top-flight teams. Would like to see results with a start-up team or as driver/owner.#SportsPRChat
5:40 pm plandsem: Q4 @mikeschaffer And the athletes’ faces are not constantly covered by helmets. #SportsPRChat
5:40 pm UOsportsdude: Q4 – The Winter games this year need fake snow. Have the Summer games ever needed fake sun? #sportsprchat
5:40 pm mikeschaffer: RT @jliebman: Q4 – Summer. It unites the world w/a wide array of sports. Little representation from warm countries (except in Cool Runnings) #SportsPRChat
5:40 pm jhalitsky: @eglomb Maybe all this snow will drive ratings bec ppl are stuck at home! #sportsprchat
5:40 pm Worob: @stephmajercik Just saying that the Olympics aren’t what they used to be b/c of all of the choices we have today #sportsprchat
5:40 pm jonlustig: Q4 Too many judged sports at the winter games. Summer has them too, but less prominent. #SportsPRChat
5:41 pm mikeschaffer: Yep, Tweet of the Day goes to @jliebman for citing “Cool Runnings” in a #SportsPRChat answer! FEEL THE RHYTHYM! FEEL THE RIDE!
5:41 pm justplayindumb: RT @jliebman: Q4 – Summer. It unites the world w/a wide array of sports. Little representation from warm countries (except in Cool Runnings) #SportsPRChat
5:41 pm katiebailey: Amen! RT @eglomb Q4 Summer bc there are more sports I like & after all the snow in DC this past week, I’m sick of winter #sportsPRchat
5:41 pm Sean_Flynn: How about it being almost 50 degree in Vanco. Q4 – Don’t know what the big storylines will be for winter. #SportsPRChat
5:41 pm mikeschaffer: Q5 – Donating Q5 to #HAPPO. Please read this and share: http://is.gd/8aDaz #SportsPRChat
5:42 pm Worob: Q4 Apologies for the promo, but actually had a blog post about the winter olympics marketing efforts – http://bit.ly/8VxL2P #sportsprchat
5:42 pm stephmajercik: @Worob I see your point. And I also feel, esp. in winter, that Olympic sports are more obscure #sportsprchat
5:43 pm IFSTPresident: @mikeschaffer Q4 – I say winter, but only if they add snowball throwing! http://snowballthrowing.com/ #SportsPRChat #snowballthrowersunite
5:43 pm eglomb: @jhalitsky I disagree that ratings from the DC area would go up, after 6 days of being inside people will be avoiding tv’s #SportsPRChat
5:43 pm mikeschaffer: RT @EZBaratz I want to say Summer, but Winter has curling. You cannot beat a game that’s referred to as “chess on ice.” #SportsPRChat
5:43 pm SuperDu: WORLD shdn’t schedule thr sports around U.S. sched. RT @jhalitsky timing shld have been separated from SB, NBA ASG, Daytona #sportsprchat
5:43 pm Sean_Flynn: Sad the NY Times did a Jamaican bob sled team article and only had this picture http://bit.ly/aXYsAi @jliebman #SportsPRChat
5:44 pm mikeschaffer: Q6 – What pro sport has best trading deadline (combination of buzz and impact)? #SportsPRChat
5:44 pm mikeschaffer: RT @ErichHeber @mikeschaffer Actually it is Feel the Rhythm, Feel the rhyme… #SportsPRChat
5:45 pm sherylgudelsky: harder in winter for people to watch sports they arn’t familiar with,snowballl throwing would help this I agree@mikeschaffer #sportsprchat
5:45 pm mikeschaffer: RT @SuperDu: WORLD shdn’t schedule thr sports around U.S. sched. RT @jhalitsky timing shld have been separated from SB, NBA ASG, Daytona #sportsprchat
5:45 pm rob_e_smith: @Sean_Fylnn Q4 Dang its 50 degrees in Vanco. They are going to be skiing on grass #SportsPRChat
5:45 pm forrestkoba: @mikeschaffer The best trade deadline is easily the MLB. If it counts, trades during the NFL Draft are also very interesting. #SportsPRChat
5:45 pm Worob: Q6 @mikeschaffer Not even close. baseball. Hot stove is talked about all year #sportsprchat
5:46 pm stephmajercik: Q6 Also have to say baseball. Constantly hearing about trades #sportsprchat
5:46 pm Anita_Lobo: @mikeschaffer: Q4 – summer Olympics allows more participation – more feasible for athletes & spectators #sportsPRchat
5:46 pm ThatGuyHugs: @mikeschaffer Q6 Baseball – little competition for media attention, same date each year, easy to understand #sportsprchat
5:46 pm mikeschaffer: @Worob I was thinking that, but percentage wise, can an NBA trade have more impact on a team? #SportsPRChat
5:46 pm SuperDu: Just skating at Wintrs. No more prominent than gymnastics at Summers. RT @jonlustig Too many judged sports at winter games. #SportsPRChat
5:46 pm tshepard: Agrred. MLB hands down. RT @stephmajercik: Q6 Also have to say baseball. Constantly hearing about trades #sportsprchat
5:46 pm jonlustig: Q6 It’s still baseball. Other sports have salary caps, makes it harder to do deals for big impact players. #SportsPRChat
5:46 pm JasMollica: @mikeschaffer: Q6 – Joining late all… NHL Trade Deadline. Hands down. #SportsPRChat
5:46 pm jhalitsky: Q6 Baseball gets ton of trade deadline buzz 4 actual moves & lamenting teams dumping players. BUY or SELL talk starts early #sportsprchat
5:47 pm ithakid: Q4 Also, why can’t big-ticket indoor sports like gymnastics be both Summer AND Winter sport? I’d watch Winter Games Gymnastics #SportsPRChat
5:47 pm sherylgudelsky: agreed. baseball. RT @stephmajercik: Q6 Also have to say baseball. Constantly hearing about trades #sportsprchat
5:47 pm forrestkoba: @mikeschaffer NBA trades are of a much higher impact because the roster sizes are much smaller. Big swings in projected wins. #SportsPRChat
5:47 pm Worob: @mikeschaffer tough call. think it depends on the team. As a former MLB reporter, I’m bias #sportsprchat
5:47 pm UC_SID: Q6 @mikeschaffer baseball has the best trading deadline. BAR NONE. NBA & NFL are nonexistent it seems #SportsPRChat
5:47 pm mikeschaffer: @JasMollica I think MLB gets most buzz, but NBA and NHL trades have more impacts #SportsPRChat
5:48 pm MVNUSID: @mikeschaffer Q6 I think the @MLB trading deadline is the best one and tends to have the biggest impact #SportsPRChat
5:48 pm forrestkoba: @JasMollica The NHL trade deadline only really impacts the teams who break rosters down or make major acquisitions. #SportsPRChat
5:48 pm katiebailey: Q6 – I’d say MLB gets the most trade chatter. NBA gets a fair amt as well, but it seems to be discussed less intensely. #sportsPRchat
5:49 pm Sean_Flynn: Agreed. Now P Gammons at MLB network RT @Worob: Q6 @mikeschaffer Not even close. baseball. Hot stove is talked about all year #sportsprchat
5:49 pm SuperDu: Basketball is winter sport! RT @ithakid Q4 why can’t big-ticket indoor sports like gymnastics be both Smmr AND Wntr sport? #SportsPRChat
5:49 pm jonlustig: @SuperDu Skating is more prominent than gymnastics. Also judged, aerial skiing, snowboarding, others. #SportsPRChat
5:49 pm Worob: Time for lunch. Good chat all. Hope you all checkout my PR at Sunrise blog – http://bit.ly/dys22u #sportsprchat
5:50 pm JasMollica: Q6 To me the baseball trade deadine is the appetizer to the waiver deadline. #SportsPRChat
5:50 pm justplayindumb: @mikeschaffer For MLB trades you have to wait essentially years before you know whether it was worth it, unless high profile #SportsPRChat
5:50 pm UC_SID: Q4 – Summer games are better. To be honest, I almost forget about Winter game #SportsPRChat
5:50 pm Sean_Flynn: Disagree. CC and the Brewers. Cliff Lee and the Phills as examples. RT @forrestkoba: NBA trades are of a much higher impact #SportsPRChat
5:50 pm mikeschaffer: Q7 (last one) coming up in 2 mins! #SportsPRchat
5:51 pm RobertCInnis: Speed skating and curling are the things to watch. #sportsprchat http://myloc.me/3IHzC
5:51 pm SuperDu: @jonlustig I think Fig. Sktg and Gymnastics are equivs at their games. Also, diving, trampoline (good god) etc. @ Smmrs #SportsPRchat
5:52 pm forrestkoba: @justplayindumb If the trade results in a MLB Championship, then no matter what players were involved, the trade was worth it. #SportsPRChat
5:52 pm mikeschaffer: Q7 – Call it now – who wins the Super Bowl next year? #SportsPRChat
5:52 pm BradBisbing: RT @JasMollica: Q6 To me the baseball trade deadine is the appetizer to the waiver deadline. #SportsPRChat
5:53 pm UC_SID: .@Sean_Flynn @forrestkoba MLB deadline has MUCH great impact. when was the last time a NBA deadline trade made a difference? #SportsPRChat
5:53 pm eglomb: after going to a curling open house in CT once, I’d say it’s a sport that’s more interesting to do than watch #SportsPRChat
5:53 pm jonlustig: @SuperDu True. Just feels like more of the sports we’re told we should care about are judged ones in the winter. #SportsPRChat
5:53 pm forrestkoba: @mikeschaffer I’m going to go out on a limb and say Green Bay, if they can shore up their offensive line in the offseason. #SportsPRChat
5:53 pm jhalitsky: Q7 – J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets #sportsprchat
5:53 pm stephmajercik: Q7 Cleveland Browns! Haha fat chance, but would be absolutely amazing #sportsprchat
5:53 pm SuperDu: Q7 If they can keep rosters stable, next year SB could be a rematch! #SportsPRchat
5:53 pm colinokeefe: @mikeschaffer Packers. Rodgers makes leap to top 3 QB while defense gets its act together. #SportsPRChat
5:54 pm Helpaprproout: Thanks Mike! And hello #SportsPRChat friends RT @mikeschaffer: Q5 – Donating Q5 to #HAPPO. Please read this and share: http://is.gd/8aDaz
5:54 pm UC_SID: Q7-right now, easy money for me would be the Saints to win SB next year #SportsPRChat
5:54 pm katiebailey: Q7 – I’ll pick something different… Steelers to win #SB45! Gotta make playoffs first though. #sportsPRchat
5:54 pm GoKTGo: @mikeschaffer Q7 My Carolina Panthers, hahah! #sportsprchat
5:54 pm stearnscd: That was a short meeting. Q6 – European soccer summer transfer window is the best trade deadline with HUGE $ and buzz #sportsprchat
5:55 pm eglomb: Rthat would be awesome! T @stephmajercik: Q7 Cleveland Browns! Haha fat chance, but would be absolutely amazing #sportsprchat
5:55 pm MVNUSID: @mikeschaffer Q7 I think we’ll have our first back-to-back rematch SB next year w/Colts over Saints 31-28. #SportsPRChat
5:55 pm UC_SID: Q7- however, Packers on getting better and should challenge. I’ve lost all faith in Colts right now to win the SB again #SportsPRChat
5:55 pm forrestkoba: @colinokeefe Glad someone else believes in the #Packers! (I’m a #Steelers fan being unbiased). lol #SportsPRChat
5:55 pm Sean_Flynn: I would love to see the Jets. Fun team and coach. RT @mikeschaffer: Q7 – Call it now – who wins the Super Bowl next year? #SportsPRChat
5:55 pm jonlustig: Q7 Eagles, if McNabb stays. #SportsPRChat
5:55 pm stephmajercik: @eglomb Yes! We can dream can’t we? #sportsprchat
5:56 pm rob_e_smith: Q7 My first choice will be the Patriots. Then the Cowboys. #SportsPRChat
5:56 pm mikeschaffer: I make this call with my heart, not with my head, but GO RAVENS! (caveat – if Ed Reed comes back, ONLY) #SportsPRChat
5:56 pm SuperDu: @jonlustig I think that’s because NBC doesn’t provide hi-profile coverage of sports that US isn’t favored in. #SportsPRchat
5:56 pm eglomb: Q7: I’d like to see the Ravens #SportsPRChat
5:56 pm jhalitsky: @SuperDu Good point. USOC not in good favor w/ IOC. But w/ revs generated by US, you’d think they’d have a say in timing. #sportsprchat
5:56 pm mikeschaffer: AXP112 I’m going to go a bit “out there” and say the Tennessee Titans. Chris Johnson is quickly taking over the NFL run game. #SportsPRChat
5:57 pm UC_SID: Q7- The Vikings due to Favre factor. Jets improved after he left, so Vikes could/should too LOL #SportsPRChat
5:57 pm rob_e_smith: @colinokeefe I like the Packers. They can make some noise next year. #SportsPRChat
5:57 pm eglomb: @stephmajercik I’m always a fan of the underdogs #SportsPRChat
5:57 pm mikeschaffer: Thank you for another amazing #SportsPRChat! We covered a TON of ground again today! Transcript coming soon!
5:57 pm UC_SID: @mikeschaffer I like the Ravens. Offense needs to improve, & defense needs to stay together #SportsPRChat
5:58 pm jonlustig: @SuperDu Nah, Canadian broadcasters mostly highlight the same ones. #SportsPRChat
5:58 pm stephmajercik: RT @mikeschaffer: Thank you for another amazing #SportsPRChat! We covered a TON of ground again today! Transcript coming soon!
5:59 pm UC_SID: @mikeschaffer TY for having the #SportsPRChat … really glad I found it!!!
6:00 pm eglomb: thanks too! RT @mikeschaffer: Thank you for another amazing #SportsPRChat! We covered a TON of ground again today! Transcript coming soon!
6:00 pm plandsem: Learned so much from #SportsPRChat again this week! Thanks for moderating, @MikeSchaffer.
6:02 pm katiebailey: @mikeschaffer Thanks, Mike! Another great chat. Looking forward to the transcript. And good luck with all the snow! #sportsPRchat
6:02 pm jhalitsky: @mikeschaffer Thanks for running a solid chat! #sportsprchat
6:04 pm SuperDu: @jonlustig I’ll bet CBC covers more sports where they’re own athletes aren’t favored than NBC. #SportsPRChat
6:07 pm jonlustig: @SuperDu That’s a common slam on NBC that’s really not deserved. Every country’s broadcaster mostly does that. #SportsPRChat
You’re a publicist and you represent a second-tier NBA superstar. Not a LeBron or Kobe, but one notch below. Still a major player in the game. Let’s call him, just for fun, “Gilbert Arenas.”
And let’s say that “Gilbert Arenas” just plead guilty to felonious gun possession in Washington, DC, Superior Court.
And let’s just say that the judge would not sentance “Gilbert Arenas” for 2 1/2 months.
(Note: As promised on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, I am blogging following a very successful blackjack session in Las Vegas! What? A little table time after my CES work is complete is allowed!)
It is not unprecedented in any way for a star athlete to face off-the-court troubles. And it’s not so shocking if those troubles involve the legal system.
As I’m sure you are aware of, Washington Wizards superstar Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely by NBA Commissioner David Stern following a horrible choice and even worse follow-up decisions.
The story linked above has a good run-down of the timeline, so I won’t go into details on everything, but here’s the
via: http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionscapital
main points:
Arenas lives in Virginia. Following the recent birth of a child, he brought his guns to the Verizon Center. The Verizon Center is in Washington, DC. That makes the guns unregistered. Bad decision.
Teammate Jarvaris Crittendon asked Gilbert to pay him money won in a gambling circumstance. Gilbert left four guns in his teammate’s locker – as a joke. Even worse decision.
Before Tuesday night’s game in Philadelphia, Gilbert pretended to shoot his teammates in a pregame huddle.
Wednesday morning, he is suspended without pay – with no end date. That’s a cool $140,000+ per each game missed.
Gilbert has said that he didn’t think he did anything wrong.
I am NOT about to debate the 2nd Amendment. Not happening in this forum. However, Gilbert’s response was eerily similar to the chorus of defenders who said they didn’t find dogkilling all that offensive.
To me, it boils down to a very simple fact: in our democratic government, elected officials pass laws for their jurisdiction that all citizens must abide by, or face penalties. If you don’t like said laws, you can petition to have them repealed, or just simply work to replace the official at the next election.
Not agreeing with the law is no defense when you break it.
So what happens next? With the possibility of jail looming, his career on hold and his image in tatters, what’s going to happen with Gilbert Arenas? If you were giving him advice, what would you say?
#SportsPRChat
