Redskins Ban Interviews with Tailgaters.

[SmootSmack]

I'm talking specifically about media access to tailgaters

[SBXVII]

Redskins dealing clumsily with rampant unrest
Posted by Mike Florio on October 28, 2009 9:19 AM ET
Everyone who follows the NFL knows that the Redskins are struggling (and Joe Namath couldn't care less). After seven games, they've won only two -- one by two points at home against the 0-7 Rams and one by three at home against the 0-7 Bucs.

But with coach Jim Zorn supposedly sticking around for the rest of the year and a crippling schedule awaiting after the bye (Falcons, Broncos, Cowboys, Eagles, Saints, Raiders, Giants, Cowboys, Chargers), there's not much more that can be said about the team.

There's plenty that can be said about the manner in which the team is -- or isn't -- dealing with the criticism that goes with the territory of being terrible.

For starters, the team has implemented a new "no signs" policy, which makes sense since the signs will be increasingly unflattering as the losses pile up.

Now, WUSA-TV (via Dan Steinberg's D.C. Sports Bog) says that the team is prohibiting television interviews of tailgaters.

Said anchor Derek McGinty on Tuesday, "Tonight the Redskins have seemingly escalated things again; they've banned media interviews with tailgating fans on FedEx Field property. They told our sports director Brett Haber that this has always been team policy, but when he pointed out that we and other stations, including their very own broadcast partners, have in fact always talked openly to tailgaters, there was, well let's just say, no further explanation."

The situation got even more tense when Redskins General Counsel Dave Donovan spoke with Mike Wise of the Washington Post on Wise's radio show at 106.7 The Fan in D.C. (SportsRadioInterviews.com has the link to the audio.)

The far better approach, in our view, would be to let the fans vent during the bad times. Heavy-handed tactics will serve only to increase the sense of frustration -- and will ultimately alienate hundreds if not thousands of paying customers.

UPDATE: Redskins blogger Matt Terl has put together a partial transcript of the Wise-Donovan debate. Donovan separately told Terl that fans are permitted to wear T-shirts critical of the team, as long as the shirts contain no profanity. Then again, in the eyes of many Redskins fans, the words "Snyder" and "Cerrato" currently are regarded as profane.

This was from PFT, but I found it interesting about the T-shirts. I hope the guys who (if true) was harrassed gets an apology from the Danmiester or perhaps free beer for the remaining part of the season for his inconvenience.

[GMScud]

Oh there's a "no sign" policy now too? Haha. What a joke. Could Snyder get any worse? Communism in the nation's capital. Who would've thought?

[MTK]

Good read here

Your T-Shirts Are Okay With FedExField. Also, Lots Of Mike Wise and Dave Donovan

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Good read here

Your T-Shirts Are Okay With FedExField. Also, Lots Of Mike Wise and Dave Donovan

Great work by Mike Wise.

[tryfuhl]

Donovan is such a smug prick.

"Pat Hill. She's a 72-year old grandmother.

"And as soon as we found out the facts, we terminated the lawsuit and we dropped the judgment. Nonetheless, your organization runs an editorial the next day"

and secondly, didn't he say he wasn't aware of her story when they first talked to him about it?

yet he's saying they dropped it BEFORE it was reported on?

[mlmdub130]

pretty sure i was one of the reasons for this action because they interviewed me about the sellourteamdannyboy.com website and it aired on nbc a little after 6 atleast we know this stuff is getting to him, fox 5 was also at my house today and interviewed me and a buddy today in front of my "redskins car" and it should be airing on fox tonight between 6 and 630 and as of now we are $30 away from getting our first thousand on sellourteamdannyboy.com

[SmootSmack]

I still think this initial report is inaccurate, based on my experience and knowledge of media's rights

[mlmdub130]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I still think this initial report is inaccurate, based on my experience and knowledge of media's rights

might be but they still made a point to make a staement enforcing it, he DOES own fed ex and can do what ever the hell he wants, he is turning it into his little fortress so the big kids can't pick on him, and he can play world of war craft with vinny all day

[insideman]

Danny boy is going to do everything he can to keep as much critizicing down to a low. He knows he's on the hot seat with us fans and he can't stand the bad talk he has been getting. You ask for it Danny so take your medicine like a man.

[BrunellMVP?]

probably would be effective to start writing in to FedEx (as the sponsor) asking them to put pressure on the skins. This idea was mentioned in "Around the Horn" - makes sense

contact | FedEx Global Newsroom

this is what I sent...

Hello,
I am a long time fan of the Washington Redskins and avid FedEx user and I wanted to draw your attention to the iron curtain that is FedEx Field and how this reflects on your company. As you may know, FedEx field has effectively become a censorship “state” that deploys coercive tactics to enforce its "new" rules.[1] At present, fans are prohibited from bring any signs (a common site at sporting events), clothing (critical of the team or owner), and television interviews at tailgates (another common occurrence at sporting events). While I won't waste your time getting into the specifics of each individual assault on our freedom of speech, I do wish to point out how these policies reflect on your company. As a firm that exists to unite the globe (via fast, reliable shipping) this message of intolerance stands in stark contrast to the FedEx vision. In continuing your association with the Redskins and FedEx Field, you are directly supporting the oppression of your clients (and undermining your own revenues). Burke said that “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”, to that end, I beseech you act now; withdraw your support of the Redskins’ restrictive policies by canceling your sponsorship of FedEx Field.

Thanks in advance,
XXX XXX

[1] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/28/AR2009102804589.html
Your T-Shirts Are Okay With FedExField. Also, Lots Of Mike Wise and Dave Donovan
D.C. Sports Bog - By The Washington Post's Dan Steinberg

[LongTimeSkinsFan]

"maybe someone getting hurt on Fed Ex property or simply everyone start filing suit against him for breach of contract (selling a lemon product. LOL) or something. "


Now that would be an awesome game day item. Buy up a few crates of lemons then slap "Redskins 2009" in burgundy lettering then on the other side "There oughta be a law" on the other side. Wonder how long it would take for the vendor to be issued a cease and desist?

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by LongTimeSkinsFan

"maybe someone getting hurt on Fed Ex property or simply everyone start filing suit against him for breach of contract (selling a lemon product. LOL) or something. "


Now that would be an awesome game day item. Buy up a few crates of lemons then slap "Redskins 2009" in burgundy lettering then on the other side "There oughta be a law" on the other side. Wonder how long it would take for the vendor to be issued a cease and desist?

damn, sometimes I can come up with half a decent idea only to let someone else capitalize on it.

[SBXVII]

Sorry for posting this twice, I went on a tangent in the "Redskins Gear" thread and it probably should have been here.

Questions about Skins gear?

Don't buy it.

Don't buy it.

Don't buy it.

Let Danny Boy feel the pinch when his product is not making money. Let him feel it when people are not paying the high cost of parking. Let him feel it when no one is there to purchase the high cost of food. Parking is all his, but the food he makes a % of also.

Everyone who has season tickets needs to find Metro and ride in so save on the parking cost. So Danny does not make money there. Then eat at a resturuant prior to arriving at Fed Ex. Then don't spend a dime at the park.

Let Metro have your money. Let the wonderful places around the park have your money who will give you a good product. Then go to the park and not spend a dime. Sooner or later Danny will feel the pinch.

I don't know if Fed Ex can do anything towards the team or not. But if DS is not making money to pay for the players, coach's, buildings and equipement, he will start making changes. Six flags is already in the hole so it can't bail him out.

[BrunellMVP?]

Still at it, i modified the FedEx email to work (somewhat) for Roger Goodell. I'm not sure I have the right email, but it hasn't been returned to me. I tried the (roger.goodell2@nfl.net) address and it did not work. If you guys have a better option, please let us know...

Roger.Goodell@nfl.net

Mr. Goodell,
I am a long time fan of the Washington Redskins and I wanted to draw your attention to the iron curtain that is FedEx Field and how this reflects on the NFL's brand. As you may know, FedEx field has effectively become a censorship “state” that deploys coercive tactics to enforce its "new" rules.[1] At present, fans are prohibited from bring any signs (a common site at sporting events), clothing (critical of the team or owner), and television interviews at tailgates (another common occurrence at sporting events). While I won't waste your time getting into the specifics of each individual assault on our freedom of speech, I do wish to point out how these policies reflect on the NFL. As a league that exists to unite the country (one game, one set of rules, forging new human bonds, uniting perfect strangers) this message of intolerance stands in stark contrast to the NFL vision. By remaining silent on the Redskins, you are directly supporting the oppression of your clients (and undermining your own revenues). Burke said that “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”, to that end, I beseech you act now; withdraw your support of the Redskins’ restrictive policies by issuing a league wide rule that ensures the freedom of speech at all NFL games.

Thanks in advance,
XXX XXX

[1] washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines wp-dyn/content/article/2009/ 10/28/AR2009102804589.html
Your T-Shirts Are Okay With FedExField. Also, Lots Of Mike Wise and Dave Donovan
D.C. Sports Bog - By The Washington Post's Dan Steinberg