One of my all-time favorite movies. I've ceased to be surprised at how the vast majority of people I ask, have never heard of it.... it's a classic!
Chicago Bulls 2024-2025
One of my all-time favorite movies. I've ceased to be surprised at how the vast majority of people I ask, have never heard of it.... it's a classic!
Bulls win! Bulls win!
Didn’t see the game, but looking at box score it looks like game might have been an example of why I don’t watch that much NBA. Both teams shoot 20% from 3 and final score is still 116-112. I know it’s an exhibition and guys that might not even be on team are playing minutes, but the lack of D isn’t appealing to me. But some nice stat lines for some players including Ayo.
Didn’t see the game, but looking at box score it looks like game might have been an example of why I don’t watch that much NBA. Both teams shoot 20% from 3 and final score is still 116-112. I know it’s an exhibition and guys that might not even be on team are playing minutes, but the lack of D isn’t appealing to me. But some nice stat lines for some players including Ayo.
I think I nearly fell out of my seat multiple times laughing the first time I saw it. Pru’s favorite herb may or may not have been involved.
If you haven’t read the book, I’d recommend it. Fairly quick read and the movie is very true to the book.
Except for Green Bay?
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Yeah, that's true. The Packers ownership structure wouldn't be allowed today, they are grandfathered in to NFL ownership rules (NFL ownership rules also strictly limit how much a private equity-type entity can buy in, we'll see how long that lasts).
Obviously the team never moving from Green Bay is a product of that structure, but I would also point to Lambeau Field, the second biggest stadium in the league despite the smallest market, and the only one where the upper decks aren't separated and pushed away from the action by luxury suites. The purpose of the facility is to put as many of its fans as close to the action as possible.
The different relationship capital has to the team is literally poured in concrete at the venue. The Packers being so woven into the fabric of the mass culture of Wisconsin is not a coincidence.
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Happy to read this response. I've NEVER been a Green Bay fan but have always admired their commitment to their fans. I sincerely hope that that never changes! And as much as I'd like to see other franchises, in or out of the NFL, emulate their method of doing business, I just don't think it is possible in today's major sports franchise/business environment.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
I mean, there's no way to force the existing ownership to transform the nature of their businesses (short of some sort of government nationalization, which, get a couple of drinks in me and we can discuss), so it's "not possible" in that sense.
But the elite levels of soccer in Spain and Germany operate on a couple of different versions of a similar principle, and those are a couple of the most financially and competitively successful sports leagues on earth.
There's more money in sincerely serving the mass public and less money in petty scams than people tend to think, especially these days.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
This is something so obvious that it is shocking to me so many ostensibly successful people don't get it (or even approach being in the ballpark - pun! - of getting it) but recent history has provided a multitude of stark reminders that success in one sector rarely transfers to another.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
It's a culture of business education and leadership that spans countries and industries at this point.
There is value in ruthless profit-seeking and creative destruction. That spirit has brought us many great things in certain situations. But there is also an ethic of institutional stewardship that once reigned in other situations that has totally disappeared from the culture.
There's a lot you could say about that, but in this context, that imbalance is destroying sports in a way that's only accelerating, and I'm just ever more horrified by it.
George Carlin said, “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”
I would amend that slightly to read, ‘Never underestimate the power of stupid people.’ (The End)
As for pro sports franchises... these are (with that Green Bay exception) owned by a tiny handful of very, very wealthy men (mostly). And how did these very, very wealthy men get that way? By being Nice Guys? By being fair and equitable to everyone they ever dealt with? By thinking of the Public Good first and personal profit the least? We know the answers. They found a pathway to make fortunes of money for themselves – and in doing so lost their connection to the rest of common man/woman family. And this has allowed them to pursue with gusto their personal indulgences without apology.
Fans and franchise owners will always be at odds because we have totally different and opposing perspectives and ends. Fans forge an emotional attachment to a franchise and want what’s best for fans and ‘Our’ Team. Wealthy owners aren’t burdened by such sentimental emotions and are in it for the notoriety to themselves and the fortunes to be made (and little to nothing else). And these two sides of the sports-dynamic coin are irreconcilable.
This is just not fixable from a fans' point of view. The gap and gulf between We the People as fans and the Ownership Class will not find common ground.
And that is why no fan should be surprised at anything that franchise owners ever do because they do not answer to anyone but themselves.
"Institutional Stewardship" are two words that just don't belong together any more in today's World. They SHOULD... but wont. Sadly, that ship has sailed.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
My response, simply: The Customer Is Always Right
The sports industry has believed for decades that it is an exception to that iron law of business. Spoiler alert for the next couple decades: they aren't.
Am I understanding that Paul Giamatti is married to Matt Damon in this scenario?
I get what you’re saying and I agree with it in principle and spirit.
But here’s the thing: As much as Sports (Entertainment) might use and abuse We The Public... much of that public will continue to support it. Why? Because what else have people got today? People are being stressed all kinds of ways from morning ‘til night. People are desperate for escape and something (that seems) ‘fun’. Without Sports Entertainment right there at the ready to provide that – what else would people turn to?
I mean... I’m a White Sox and Bulls fan. That’s a special class of taking abuse right there. But the lure of still watching them is still great even though I know I’m effing myself, right? (half sarc, half not).
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
A more endless panoply of content of all kinds blasting us from every screen we encounter than anybody could have imagined even 20 years ago.
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” ― Groucho Marx
“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace.” ― John Lennon
“Americans no longer talk to each other, they entertain each other. They do not exchange ideas, they exchange images. They do not argue with propositions; they argue with good looks, celebrities and commercials.” ― Neil Postman
"Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn't have in your home." – David Frost
"Today's audience knows more about what's on television than what's in life." – Larry Gelbart
"I hate to mention age, but I come from an era when we weren't consumed by technology and television." -- Jimmy Buffett
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My Comment: Sports franchise owners know most fans are hooked on their product. That's why they don't care to please us.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
Only if Grandpa is married to Reinsdorf.
I was framed!!!!
Wait wait wait wait wait... Talen Horton Tucker is on the Bulls now? I guess they buried that hatchet long ago.
All men are brothers when we share the same logo on our uniforms and that nice big round ball is in our possession. Team Blood is thicker than petty grievances.
Cruel.
Former Illini Marcus Domask waived by Chicago Bulls
The former Illini had a very brief stint with the Chicago Bulls.armchairillini.com
Ayo gets the start. Had good game with 19-3-3. Also had best +/- on team with I believe +13 in a 2-point OT win.
Jalen Smith had a very nice stat line with 14-9-4. Don’t feel like going back and looking but seems like he’s had nice stats all preseason. Seem to remember even a double-double in there. Could be a very nice addition for Bulls.
Jalen Smith had a very nice stat line with 14-9-4. Don’t feel like going back and looking but seems like he’s had nice stats all preseason. Seem to remember even a double-double in there. Could be a very nice addition for Bulls.