The Daily Press is reporting that the Colonials have folded. Though apparently the message has not been announced publicly yet.
Well, it was fun actually being able to afford tickets to a live, pro football game. That about wraps it up for this blog folks. I'm happy that we had a team for a year, just wish it could have been longer.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Whither Daunte?
We're getting closer and closer to training camp, and there's at least one notable absence on the Sacramento roster: Daunte Culpepper, almost certainly the UFL's biggest name, has yet to sign with the Mountain Lions.
Is he coming back? There's a lot of speculation, but there are reasons for and against.
Why Daunte Ain't Returning
Culpepper undoubtedly could have landed a backup job in the NFL in 2010, and though we don't know what his 1-year plus option UFL contract was worth, it was almost certainly less than the $820,000 minimum veteran salary he could have earned with an NFL squad. But he joined with the UFL because he wanted to prove he could still be the #1 QB on a roster.
The trouble is, he didn't prove it.
Through the Molos third game, Culpepper was looking sharp. A little low on completions at 58%, but admittedly his receivers weren't giving him any help in that area. 6 TDs to two picks. An 87.51 passer rating.
He falls apart in game 4, throwing 4 interceptions against the Locos on terrible throws. His rating drops to a mediocre 72.65. His numbers never really recover, especially after an awful showing in week 8 against, you guessed it, the Locos. In that game he threw for one TD and three interceptions. And though Sactown went 3-1 in the latter half of the season, Culpepper never did better than a 1/1 TD/INT ratio.
The point of all this statistical hooplah is that he did not prove to anyone that he can still be the best there is. And maybe he realizes it. His final statline on the year isn't bad... for a backup. Perhaps Daunte sees the writing on the wall and has decided to say goodbye to the UFL for a better salary in the NFL, should they play this year.
And yet, even just a serviceable quarterback would be an improvement on several NFL teams this year. Arizona, Minnesota, and Seattle come to mind.
Why Daunte Will Come Back
So he didn't prove that he's the man last year, perhaps he still feels the need to do so this year?
Despite the mediocre showing by the end of the season, Daunte's numbers aren't quite so bad if you remove the Locos games from the equation, which tack on seven interceptions and only one TD. His completion percentage still looks pretty awful, but some of that can be explained away by his big arm; Culpepper threw a lot of deep passes last year, which is reflected in the fact that his 1,944 yards gained through the air were the highest in the league by a 500-ish yard margin. And, as explained before, the early season saw a lot of dropped passes on the parts of his receivers.
Daunte has made his money playing football already. He'll still earn a modest paycheck in the UFL and it's more of a sure thing that the NFL at this point. If he still truly wants to be a starter, he's not going to get that in the NFL.
All in All
It comes down to why Culpepper wants to play. If it's pride, expect to see him in Sacramento. If it's money, don't expect to see his name inked to a UFL contract any time soon.
Is he coming back? There's a lot of speculation, but there are reasons for and against.
Why Daunte Ain't Returning
Culpepper undoubtedly could have landed a backup job in the NFL in 2010, and though we don't know what his 1-year plus option UFL contract was worth, it was almost certainly less than the $820,000 minimum veteran salary he could have earned with an NFL squad. But he joined with the UFL because he wanted to prove he could still be the #1 QB on a roster.
The trouble is, he didn't prove it.
Through the Molos third game, Culpepper was looking sharp. A little low on completions at 58%, but admittedly his receivers weren't giving him any help in that area. 6 TDs to two picks. An 87.51 passer rating.
He falls apart in game 4, throwing 4 interceptions against the Locos on terrible throws. His rating drops to a mediocre 72.65. His numbers never really recover, especially after an awful showing in week 8 against, you guessed it, the Locos. In that game he threw for one TD and three interceptions. And though Sactown went 3-1 in the latter half of the season, Culpepper never did better than a 1/1 TD/INT ratio.
The point of all this statistical hooplah is that he did not prove to anyone that he can still be the best there is. And maybe he realizes it. His final statline on the year isn't bad... for a backup. Perhaps Daunte sees the writing on the wall and has decided to say goodbye to the UFL for a better salary in the NFL, should they play this year.
And yet, even just a serviceable quarterback would be an improvement on several NFL teams this year. Arizona, Minnesota, and Seattle come to mind.
Why Daunte Will Come Back
So he didn't prove that he's the man last year, perhaps he still feels the need to do so this year?
Despite the mediocre showing by the end of the season, Daunte's numbers aren't quite so bad if you remove the Locos games from the equation, which tack on seven interceptions and only one TD. His completion percentage still looks pretty awful, but some of that can be explained away by his big arm; Culpepper threw a lot of deep passes last year, which is reflected in the fact that his 1,944 yards gained through the air were the highest in the league by a 500-ish yard margin. And, as explained before, the early season saw a lot of dropped passes on the parts of his receivers.
Daunte has made his money playing football already. He'll still earn a modest paycheck in the UFL and it's more of a sure thing that the NFL at this point. If he still truly wants to be a starter, he's not going to get that in the NFL.
All in All
It comes down to why Culpepper wants to play. If it's pride, expect to see him in Sacramento. If it's money, don't expect to see his name inked to a UFL contract any time soon.
Friday, July 1, 2011
NBA to NFL: "You call that a lockout?"
Well, looks like the National Basketball Association is also in lockout mode as of today. Owners have stated that 22 of the NBA's 30 teams are unprofitable. Players have argued that only 10 of the 30 teams are losing money.
When the major argument is whether 33% or 66% of the league is running in the red, you know there's a problem.
When the major argument is whether 33% or 66% of the league is running in the red, you know there's a problem.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
LB Coach Willis up on Domestic Abuse Charges
Ugh.
You hate to hear about this sort of thing anywhere, but it hits a bit closer to home when the scandal involves a member of your team.
Long story short, Hartford's linebacker's coach, James Willis, plead guilty to an assault and domestic abuse charge stemming from an incident in his home last December. Willis will be undergoing anger management training and has been sentenced to 30 hours of community service and a deferred 6-month probation. A violation could mean a 1-year prison sentence. Not something you want hanging over your head going into the season.
You hate to hear about this sort of thing anywhere, but it hits a bit closer to home when the scandal involves a member of your team.
Long story short, Hartford's linebacker's coach, James Willis, plead guilty to an assault and domestic abuse charge stemming from an incident in his home last December. Willis will be undergoing anger management training and has been sentenced to 30 hours of community service and a deferred 6-month probation. A violation could mean a 1-year prison sentence. Not something you want hanging over your head going into the season.
Monday, June 27, 2011
No T.O. in 2012?
According to several source, including AOL's Sportingnews.com, Terrell Owens has undergone surgery to repair a torn ACL. Several sources are saying that he couldn't be expected to recover before November.
At 37 years old, you have to think that this will be it for T.O., who spent the end of 2010 with a meniscus tear. Owens gets a lot of crap for being a "diva" type of wide receiver, and he deserves a lot of it IMO, but he's a hell of an athlete and it's going to be an occasion should he finally decide to hang 'em up.
At 37 years old, you have to think that this will be it for T.O., who spent the end of 2010 with a meniscus tear. Owens gets a lot of crap for being a "diva" type of wide receiver, and he deserves a lot of it IMO, but he's a hell of an athlete and it's going to be an occasion should he finally decide to hang 'em up.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Theismann Unhappy with UFL Owners
The Canadian National Post printed an interview with Joe Theismann today, and while the CFL was the main topic, Joe had a little to say about the UFL
That is... really not good to hear. We know that there have been some problems with bills and so forth, but it's not typical that you hear a comment as direct and unrestrained as this. Sad to say, it makes you wonder what some of the top brass were up to.
(post) Last year you were president of the Florida Tuskers in the UFL. What was that experience like?
(J.T) I worked hard as the head of football operations to fight for the people in the organization. Unfortunately the owners of the UFL have treated people like dirt. You can’t operate a successful business without being courteous and considerate of the people that work for you.
That is... really not good to hear. We know that there have been some problems with bills and so forth, but it's not typical that you hear a comment as direct and unrestrained as this. Sad to say, it makes you wonder what some of the top brass were up to.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday Grab Bag
I'm sure this picture is already making the rounds on the internet. It's a rough graphical presentation of the Bruins infamous $150k+ bar tab from Foxwood's casino.
And you've probably heard by now that the Colonials have a homefield again! Or at least, the framework of a stadium deal is there and it looks like the Rent will once again be the team's field in 2011. Great venue and great news.
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| "And no ice! I am so sick of ice!" |
And you've probably heard by now that the Colonials have a homefield again! Or at least, the framework of a stadium deal is there and it looks like the Rent will once again be the team's field in 2011. Great venue and great news.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Screaming at Football with Dad
Father's day is right around the corner, and I think it's important to note my dad's contribution to my own football knowledge. Mostly, I have come to understand that football means yelling a lot.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. I mean, I think that you shouldn't start shouting if your team is up 58-7 midway through the third, and the opposing team manages to close the gap to 58-10. That's where dad and I disagree.
But football is an aggressive sport and it deserves loud, aggressive fans. And that is where dad has always had it right. I've been a geek longer than a football fan, and as such, my social circle doesn't revolve around sports. This is a shame because it's not fun to get angry at the TV alone. This is why I like watching a game with dad: while I sometimes question his choice of targets, his spirit is and always has been in the right place.
Some of the most fun I've had in my entire life was heckling visiting teams at Rentschler last year, yelling myself hoarse at the Colonial's touchdowns and booing the miscues. It's a vocal game. Thanks, dad, for instilling that in me.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. I mean, I think that you shouldn't start shouting if your team is up 58-7 midway through the third, and the opposing team manages to close the gap to 58-10. That's where dad and I disagree.
But football is an aggressive sport and it deserves loud, aggressive fans. And that is where dad has always had it right. I've been a geek longer than a football fan, and as such, my social circle doesn't revolve around sports. This is a shame because it's not fun to get angry at the TV alone. This is why I like watching a game with dad: while I sometimes question his choice of targets, his spirit is and always has been in the right place.
Some of the most fun I've had in my entire life was heckling visiting teams at Rentschler last year, yelling myself hoarse at the Colonial's touchdowns and booing the miscues. It's a vocal game. Thanks, dad, for instilling that in me.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Let me Tell You...
...everything you need to know about sports in Connecticut.
Notice anything strange about this screen capture? Let's get a little closer.
Wait, what? Enhance!
The state's major news provider, the Hartford Courant, has a section on its website for a professional team that has not existed for fourteen years.
Also, Whalers merchandise is among the top sellers on NHL.com.
I mean, c'mon! If Winnipeg can get the Jets back, at least give us a cursory glance here NHL! Looks to me like people here, just maybe, might be thinking about how much they liked that pro hockey franchise they had all those years back?
Also, Whalers merchandise is among the top sellers on NHL.com.
I mean, c'mon! If Winnipeg can get the Jets back, at least give us a cursory glance here NHL! Looks to me like people here, just maybe, might be thinking about how much they liked that pro hockey franchise they had all those years back?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
2011 Schedule Released
We have a schedule!
I'm a little torn over the late start to Hartford's home games. It'd be nice to get into Rentschler early in the season, but I cannot stand summer weather, so the late start is appreciated. Home and away games are staggered such that between weeks 3-10, Hartford will be playing at home every other week. There are three Saturdays on the schedule and one Friday. No times are given.
Lets take a look at the matchups.
Week 1
Saturday, August 13 - Hartford at Virginia
These are two very different teams this year, and we have no way of knowing if a hostile crowd might be a factor in the team's first road trip of 2011. Hartford has never won a game against the Tuskers, but the now Destroyers have lost a lot of talent on the defensive side of the field. This could be the game to turn that streak around.
Week 2
BYE - Hartford
Our biggest challenge. The team came off of their bye weeks looking very flat
Week 3 (HOME)
Saturday, August 27 - Sacramento at Hartford
Yeah, we all know what happened during last year's home opener vs Sacramento. Sactown is returning with a lot of the same offensive personnel, but this fan isn't worried. The last place Colonials gave the Molos fits last year.
Week 4
Sunday, September 4 - Hartford at Las Vegas
Last season's trip to Vegas was a heart breaker, but a close one. Sammy Boyd stadium hasn't been full enough to worry about the game environment and will not be a factor. The Colonials D was picked apart by drowsy-faced rookie QB Drew Willy.
Week 5 (HOME)
Saturday, September 10 - Las Vegas at Hartford
Ooh, back to back against Vegas, eh? This'll be interesting. Chase Clement could not handle the pressure of being a starter last year, and the Colonials capitalized on that with big plays. Whatever worked with Willy did not work with Clement. Home field advantage puts us over the edge I say.
Week 6
BYE - Hartford
Have a good rest, but for the luvva god remember to come back!
Week 7 (HOME)
Friday, September 23 - Omaha at Hartford
Poor play and a streak of bad luck broke Hartford's back in the home game against Omaha last year, but Omaha has lost the veteran presence of Jeff Garcia, who at the time of the Omaha@Hartford game in 2010 wasn't too banged up to perform. Then again, the team dropped Jeff Jagodzinski. Then again, we still have yet to see if Joe Moglia knows what he's doing. My guess is that J.M is going to have a rough first season, and this will be a Hartford win.
Week 8
Saturday, October 1 - Hartford at Sacramento
Hey, Sacramento, remember your last home game against the Colonials? You blew it. Really though, it was a close game that could have gone either way, and I think it'll go that way again.
Week 9 (HOME)
Saturday, October 8 - Virginia at Hartford
Hartford has an easier time against the former Tuskers at home last year, but who knows what 2011 will bring? Too close to call.
Week 10
Saturday, October 15 - Hartford at Omaha
We will beat you at home, and it will be glorious. No more ridiculous 4th quarter comebacks.
Predictions
3 wins
2 losses
3 I dunno's
I'm a little torn over the late start to Hartford's home games. It'd be nice to get into Rentschler early in the season, but I cannot stand summer weather, so the late start is appreciated. Home and away games are staggered such that between weeks 3-10, Hartford will be playing at home every other week. There are three Saturdays on the schedule and one Friday. No times are given.
Lets take a look at the matchups.
Week 1
Saturday, August 13 - Hartford at Virginia
These are two very different teams this year, and we have no way of knowing if a hostile crowd might be a factor in the team's first road trip of 2011. Hartford has never won a game against the Tuskers, but the now Destroyers have lost a lot of talent on the defensive side of the field. This could be the game to turn that streak around.
Week 2
BYE - Hartford
Our biggest challenge. The team came off of their bye weeks looking very flat
Week 3 (HOME)
Saturday, August 27 - Sacramento at Hartford
Yeah, we all know what happened during last year's home opener vs Sacramento. Sactown is returning with a lot of the same offensive personnel, but this fan isn't worried. The last place Colonials gave the Molos fits last year.
Week 4
Sunday, September 4 - Hartford at Las Vegas
Last season's trip to Vegas was a heart breaker, but a close one. Sammy Boyd stadium hasn't been full enough to worry about the game environment and will not be a factor. The Colonials D was picked apart by drowsy-faced rookie QB Drew Willy.
Week 5 (HOME)
Saturday, September 10 - Las Vegas at Hartford
Ooh, back to back against Vegas, eh? This'll be interesting. Chase Clement could not handle the pressure of being a starter last year, and the Colonials capitalized on that with big plays. Whatever worked with Willy did not work with Clement. Home field advantage puts us over the edge I say.
Week 6
BYE - Hartford
Have a good rest, but for the luvva god remember to come back!
Week 7 (HOME)
Friday, September 23 - Omaha at Hartford
Poor play and a streak of bad luck broke Hartford's back in the home game against Omaha last year, but Omaha has lost the veteran presence of Jeff Garcia, who at the time of the Omaha@Hartford game in 2010 wasn't too banged up to perform. Then again, the team dropped Jeff Jagodzinski. Then again, we still have yet to see if Joe Moglia knows what he's doing. My guess is that J.M is going to have a rough first season, and this will be a Hartford win.
Week 8
Saturday, October 1 - Hartford at Sacramento
Hey, Sacramento, remember your last home game against the Colonials? You blew it. Really though, it was a close game that could have gone either way, and I think it'll go that way again.
Week 9 (HOME)
Saturday, October 8 - Virginia at Hartford
Hartford has an easier time against the former Tuskers at home last year, but who knows what 2011 will bring? Too close to call.
Week 10
Saturday, October 15 - Hartford at Omaha
We will beat you at home, and it will be glorious. No more ridiculous 4th quarter comebacks.
Predictions
3 wins
2 losses
3 I dunno's
Monday, June 6, 2011
Tryout Pics
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| I'm on the right. |
But I'm here to talk about the tryouts in Middletown this past Saturday. In fact, not so much to talk as to post pictures, so here we go.
Below: Only a few lucky participants would be picked Saturday (three, rumor has it), but some wouldn't even get the chance to finish competing. This poor kid walked off the field with his left leg taped from crotch to toe. At the very least, he did walk off.
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| Not a competitor; this guy stole Jerry Glanville's wallet and ran like hell. |
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| Goin' deep! (and breaking tables) |
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Are you ready for some football (related activities)!?
I'll be heading on down to Hartford tomorrow for the Black Bear get-together and the tryouts on Saturday. Should be a good time.
It's 53 degrees out right now, and there's a scent of wood fires and vegetation wafting in through our windows. It's like an autumn night out there. Perfect weather for football.
It's 53 degrees out right now, and there's a scent of wood fires and vegetation wafting in through our windows. It's like an autumn night out there. Perfect weather for football.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Hockey Teams Moving North for the Summer
Looks like the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers have had enough of Georgia and are moving to Canada for the 2011-12 season. The team will be ditching their Atlanta moniker and going with something new. Apparently the Jets are leading in the polls, due to the team of the same name that played there until 1996.
Could a Hartford relocation be far behind? I wouldn't get my hopes up, but it's not unfeasible. Hockey has never been a staple of the south and, personally, I think two NHL teams in Florida is at least one too many. Sounds like the Winnipeg probablyJets will be playing in a venue even smaller than the XL Center.
Come on NHL. No excuses. With the threat of an NFL lockout I'm ready to sell myself to the Bruins if I have to, but I'd rather root for Hartford's home team.
Could a Hartford relocation be far behind? I wouldn't get my hopes up, but it's not unfeasible. Hockey has never been a staple of the south and, personally, I think two NHL teams in Florida is at least one too many. Sounds like the Winnipeg probablyJets will be playing in a venue even smaller than the XL Center.
Come on NHL. No excuses. With the threat of an NFL lockout I'm ready to sell myself to the Bruins if I have to, but I'd rather root for Hartford's home team.
Friday, May 27, 2011
It Ain't Football Season Yet
So have I mentioned the New Britain Rock Cats?
Like it or not, the proper football season isn't kicking off until mid-August, and something has to fill the void. I wouldn't suggest baseball on TV, which tends to be boring. But what about at the park?
It's amazing what a difference your actual physical presence at a game makes. When you're actually in the park there's something real about the crack of the bat, the dust that gets kicked up by a slide into home plate, and the cheer of a crowd you're smack in the middle of. Baseball on TV has a dreary dreamlike quality to it: you see the game, but it's almost like it isn't really happening. Just a lot of pictures on the screen. No smells of dirt and hot dogs (hopefully not in the same place) and beer and that slight metallic tinge you get from the bleachers. Sounds are muted. There's just no energy to it.
Which is why I find it funny that I'm not sure that I like football in the stadium more than I like watching it at home. The level of passion at an in-person game is intense--even an only partly full Rentschler Field has a gigawatt of spark to it. But foobaw is a tremendously complex game, with multiple camera angles that help viewers understand what just happened in the middle of the clouds of dust and heaps of players, and pauses in the action that are perfect for instant replay. It's more of mental experience at home, and a heady, emotional one on the field. Both are great.
Hmm, did I just fall back into football chat in a post about baseball in a football blog?
In any case, I have fond memories of attending New Britain Red Sox games with my parents and aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents back in the day. And also attending Rock Cats games. I'm not bitter about the 1994 switch to being a Twins affiliate, though I think young me was a little disappointed in it. But this isn't Minnesota's team or Boston's team, it's New Britain's team, and there's a certain pride in supporting the local guys, even if the glamor isn't there.
Check em' out this year. The team is currently sitting at 27-17 and looks like a winner. Meaning they have talent you could be seeing in a different, much more expensive uniform next year.
Anything else good about going to see a ballgame in person? Beer and nachos. Yeah yeah, you could have those at home, but there's a charming, picnic quality to Bud in a plastic cup.
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| Go Red So... uh, I mean Rock Cats! |
It's amazing what a difference your actual physical presence at a game makes. When you're actually in the park there's something real about the crack of the bat, the dust that gets kicked up by a slide into home plate, and the cheer of a crowd you're smack in the middle of. Baseball on TV has a dreary dreamlike quality to it: you see the game, but it's almost like it isn't really happening. Just a lot of pictures on the screen. No smells of dirt and hot dogs (hopefully not in the same place) and beer and that slight metallic tinge you get from the bleachers. Sounds are muted. There's just no energy to it.
Which is why I find it funny that I'm not sure that I like football in the stadium more than I like watching it at home. The level of passion at an in-person game is intense--even an only partly full Rentschler Field has a gigawatt of spark to it. But foobaw is a tremendously complex game, with multiple camera angles that help viewers understand what just happened in the middle of the clouds of dust and heaps of players, and pauses in the action that are perfect for instant replay. It's more of mental experience at home, and a heady, emotional one on the field. Both are great.
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| "But coach, they have sharp corners!" |
Hmm, did I just fall back into football chat in a post about baseball in a football blog?
In any case, I have fond memories of attending New Britain Red Sox games with my parents and aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents back in the day. And also attending Rock Cats games. I'm not bitter about the 1994 switch to being a Twins affiliate, though I think young me was a little disappointed in it. But this isn't Minnesota's team or Boston's team, it's New Britain's team, and there's a certain pride in supporting the local guys, even if the glamor isn't there.
Check em' out this year. The team is currently sitting at 27-17 and looks like a winner. Meaning they have talent you could be seeing in a different, much more expensive uniform next year.
Anything else good about going to see a ballgame in person? Beer and nachos. Yeah yeah, you could have those at home, but there's a charming, picnic quality to Bud in a plastic cup.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Saying Goodbye to One of the Greats
Macho Man Randy Savage died today in a car accident in Tampa, Florida. he was 58.
This really sucks. Randy was the only wrestler awesome enough to play heel to Hulk Hogan, and even thought he's been out of the wrestling biz for years now, he's always been remembered for his iconic voice. I used to love pro wrestling when I was a kid. He's a piece of my childhood that I'm very sad to say goodbye to.
Godspeed man. I hope you're elbow-dropping angels in heaven.
This really sucks. Randy was the only wrestler awesome enough to play heel to Hulk Hogan, and even thought he's been out of the wrestling biz for years now, he's always been remembered for his iconic voice. I used to love pro wrestling when I was a kid. He's a piece of my childhood that I'm very sad to say goodbye to.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
And We're Back!
Which is more than anyone can say for the NFL right now. Zing!
With greater attention being given to the lockout, and to the UFL's possible role during the lockout, I think it's time the league started to think about looking into (gasp! Horror!) raising ticket prices.
Now, I get that this is not going to be a popular opinion. People tend to get very upset when the prices of things go up. Just look at all the rage directed at the recent surge in gas prices.
So why should the UFL look into a small price hike on tickets? Well, this Stanford University study suggests that a higher price tag may actually be a factor in how people perceive the value of their purchases. The study focused on wine, but its not a great leap to apply it to events. People still bash the UFL for being "bush league" or "semi-pro" when the quality of the play is actually not that far from an NFL game. What does it say for that perception when a ticket is $15, compared to a comparable NFL ticket that might be $90 or more? It suggests that what you are getting is of considerably lower value. Commissioner Hugyghue has been quoted as saying that the price of a UFL game was comparable to a night out at the theater. Trouble is, movies are seen as cheap entertainment. Pro sports carry the notion of the elite: that you are watching the best there is out there.
A price bump--say, $5-$10 or so--doesn't push the ticket price out of reach of the average family, helps build the idea of the UFL as a professional league (when prices are not as far out of range of the NFL's) and gives the UFL a much needed revenue boost. I'm a writer, sporadically employed and often working for free (sigh, thank you very much English degree) but even I wouldn't complain if I had to scrape up another $5 for season tickets.
With greater attention being given to the lockout, and to the UFL's possible role during the lockout, I think it's time the league started to think about looking into (gasp! Horror!) raising ticket prices.
Now, I get that this is not going to be a popular opinion. People tend to get very upset when the prices of things go up. Just look at all the rage directed at the recent surge in gas prices.
So why should the UFL look into a small price hike on tickets? Well, this Stanford University study suggests that a higher price tag may actually be a factor in how people perceive the value of their purchases. The study focused on wine, but its not a great leap to apply it to events. People still bash the UFL for being "bush league" or "semi-pro" when the quality of the play is actually not that far from an NFL game. What does it say for that perception when a ticket is $15, compared to a comparable NFL ticket that might be $90 or more? It suggests that what you are getting is of considerably lower value. Commissioner Hugyghue has been quoted as saying that the price of a UFL game was comparable to a night out at the theater. Trouble is, movies are seen as cheap entertainment. Pro sports carry the notion of the elite: that you are watching the best there is out there.
A price bump--say, $5-$10 or so--doesn't push the ticket price out of reach of the average family, helps build the idea of the UFL as a professional league (when prices are not as far out of range of the NFL's) and gives the UFL a much needed revenue boost. I'm a writer, sporadically employed and often working for free (sigh, thank you very much English degree) but even I wouldn't complain if I had to scrape up another $5 for season tickets.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Until a Few Days Ago...
...I hadn't really realized how much of a homer I was. My wife and I went to Maine for our anniversary. We took my car with its Colonials license plate holder. The key is dangling off of a keychain that also holds a Colonials mini banner. I took my Colonials hoodie because the weather was chilly and rainy on and off. I took my laptop to get some work done ( and blessedly did very little) and brought with it my Colonials mousepad.
Something about being so far north of CT just really made it hit home. I can't guarantee that any of this paraphernalia raised awareness of the team, but we can hope.
Something about being so far north of CT just really made it hit home. I can't guarantee that any of this paraphernalia raised awareness of the team, but we can hope.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Been a Little While, Hasn't it Blog?
So goes it when you're trying to write the next great American novel. Or a novel, at least.
Seriously. I'm writing a novel. Nothing to do with the UFL or football at all, but it has eaten up a lot of my time lately. The lack of updates has certainly not been because there's been nothing to talk about. For starters, the Colonials' protected players list has been out since late April and contained notable names such as Ahmad Carrol and Colt Brennan. Both pictured below.
But in even bigger news, the UFL draft took place yesterday night at 8:00, entirely over Twitter. Hartford held the first pick and used it, to my surprise, on Texas A&M QB Jerrod Johnson. The move may have been necessitated by the lack of a commitment by 2010 starting quarterback Josh McCown, who would not or could not give Jerry Glanville a definite answer as to any future he might have with the team.
I don't blame McCown for wanting to move on, given what he lost by sticking with the Colonials. I'd also note that despite the fact he had what was statistically the best year of any UFL passer, his stats on the year are buoyed by two tremendous performances at the beginning of the year. Without games 1 and 2, McCown has a 60.36 passer rating and only about a 52% completion percentage.
In short we'll be fine with Brennan or Johnson, whoever starts for the year. Johnson's interview on ESPN 1410 today shows he's a class act. He said he was thankful for the opportunity to play for the team, which is a good attitude to have. I'm sure he wants to be in the NFL, but you have to take the opportunities you're given. Perhaps when he's proven that his shoulder has recovered from his surgery last year the other league will come a knocking.
In any event, the complete details are up here. Hartford spent numerous picks early on offensive line talent, and sought out help on the D-line with its later picks. Other notables are center Cecil Newton Jr., brother of quarterback Cam Newton, and running back Phil Tanner out of Tennessee.
They'll have to look towards free agency for wide receivers. Here's hoping Markee White returns.
Seriously. I'm writing a novel. Nothing to do with the UFL or football at all, but it has eaten up a lot of my time lately. The lack of updates has certainly not been because there's been nothing to talk about. For starters, the Colonials' protected players list has been out since late April and contained notable names such as Ahmad Carrol and Colt Brennan. Both pictured below.
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| Colt wants to get rid of the ball. |
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| Carroll wants the ball. |
But in even bigger news, the UFL draft took place yesterday night at 8:00, entirely over Twitter. Hartford held the first pick and used it, to my surprise, on Texas A&M QB Jerrod Johnson. The move may have been necessitated by the lack of a commitment by 2010 starting quarterback Josh McCown, who would not or could not give Jerry Glanville a definite answer as to any future he might have with the team.
I don't blame McCown for wanting to move on, given what he lost by sticking with the Colonials. I'd also note that despite the fact he had what was statistically the best year of any UFL passer, his stats on the year are buoyed by two tremendous performances at the beginning of the year. Without games 1 and 2, McCown has a 60.36 passer rating and only about a 52% completion percentage.
 |
| 1st pick in the 2011 UFL draft, seen here looking for a high five. |
In any event, the complete details are up here. Hartford spent numerous picks early on offensive line talent, and sought out help on the D-line with its later picks. Other notables are center Cecil Newton Jr., brother of quarterback Cam Newton, and running back Phil Tanner out of Tennessee.
They'll have to look towards free agency for wide receivers. Here's hoping Markee White returns.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
NFL Draft Tonight: also, Goodell
We have at least one more NFL draft before the league collapses in a great nuclear inferno, Demaurice Smith riding the pale horse of the grim reaper, swaying through NFL HQ with the merciless scythe of death. According to Roger Goodell, this is what we can expect to happen if the players "win." His piece in the Wall Street Journal now holds the record for strawman argument with the widest audience.
Because it is either that or Goodell has become so detached from why the lockout occurred that he could only be suffering from dementia. Quotes like the following suggest that the commish either has no idea what is going on or (much more likely) did an incredibly poor hack job trying to spin the events of the lockout against the players.
For instance: "For six weeks, there has been a work stoppage in the National Football League as the league has sought to negotiate a new collective-bargaining agreement with the players."
But the league are the ones who decided that the current CBA wasn't good enough, and were incapable of negotiating a new one for a full two years after the decision was made to do away with the agreement at the time. NFL execs walked out of negotiations on at least one occasion, and seemed prepared to let the NFL float in limbo while player's savings dwindled away.
Another: "What would the NFL look like without a collectively bargained compromise?"
Well, Rog, we'll never know that because the players were also seeking a new CBA, and at no point was the idea of playing without one ever put on the table.
Wait, I take it back. If you want to know what the NFL would be like without a CBA, look to the early 90's. As far as I can tell, the league still exists and is even stronger than it was back then. So much for what he says afterward.
And another gem: "Rather than address the challenge of improving the collective-bargaining agreement for the benefit of the game..."
"Improving." Meaning, "you play more games for a lot less money because we say so."
How about this as a consequence of the players getting what they want: "No minimum player salary. Many players could earn substantially less than today's minimums."
So, the consequence of the greedy, nasty, goblin-like players wanting more money would be that they would arrange a deal where they made less? How in god's name does this make any sense?
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| Plague, Famine War... Demaurice Smith? Death-Maurice Smith? |
For instance: "For six weeks, there has been a work stoppage in the National Football League as the league has sought to negotiate a new collective-bargaining agreement with the players."
But the league are the ones who decided that the current CBA wasn't good enough, and were incapable of negotiating a new one for a full two years after the decision was made to do away with the agreement at the time. NFL execs walked out of negotiations on at least one occasion, and seemed prepared to let the NFL float in limbo while player's savings dwindled away.
Another: "What would the NFL look like without a collectively bargained compromise?"
Well, Rog, we'll never know that because the players were also seeking a new CBA, and at no point was the idea of playing without one ever put on the table.
Wait, I take it back. If you want to know what the NFL would be like without a CBA, look to the early 90's. As far as I can tell, the league still exists and is even stronger than it was back then. So much for what he says afterward.
And another gem: "Rather than address the challenge of improving the collective-bargaining agreement for the benefit of the game..."
"Improving." Meaning, "you play more games for a lot less money because we say so."
How about this as a consequence of the players getting what they want: "No minimum player salary. Many players could earn substantially less than today's minimums."
So, the consequence of the greedy, nasty, goblin-like players wanting more money would be that they would arrange a deal where they made less? How in god's name does this make any sense?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Six Teams in 2011?
According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, the UFL is still considering adding a 6th team for the 2001 season.
I find it hard to believe that the league could still be thinking of adding another team, but if a TV contract is riding on the line, there may not be much of a choice. The question is, what quality of play would we get from a hastily-added expansion team, only four months from the proposed kickoff date?
The one thing that I can say in favor of this is that the staff in Hartford is being assembled with amazing speed. Jerry Glanville was only hired last month but news about position coaches and coordinators arrives every other day.
But Hartford already had a tentative roster, uniforms, a stadium and so forth. A new team will not only have to contend with finding coaches and player personnel, but finding a venue, new uniforms, sponsors, etc. A tremendous task to go through in only a few months. I'll be thrilled if it happens, but color me skeptical about our odds of seeing, say, the Chattanooga Barracudas, the Portland Octopi or the Salt Lake Monsters.
The UFL is undecided on whether to add a sixth team, with Portland, Ore., Salt Lake City and Chattanooga, Tenn., under consideration. If a sixth team is added, the schedule will expand to 10 games. If the UFL remains a five-team league -- Las Vegas, Sacramento, Omaha, Hartford and Virginia (replacing Florida) -- the eight-game schedule will continue.
"We're still talking to possible investors," Huyghue said. "We think we could get that sixth team up and running fairly quickly."
I find it hard to believe that the league could still be thinking of adding another team, but if a TV contract is riding on the line, there may not be much of a choice. The question is, what quality of play would we get from a hastily-added expansion team, only four months from the proposed kickoff date?
The one thing that I can say in favor of this is that the staff in Hartford is being assembled with amazing speed. Jerry Glanville was only hired last month but news about position coaches and coordinators arrives every other day.
But Hartford already had a tentative roster, uniforms, a stadium and so forth. A new team will not only have to contend with finding coaches and player personnel, but finding a venue, new uniforms, sponsors, etc. A tremendous task to go through in only a few months. I'll be thrilled if it happens, but color me skeptical about our odds of seeing, say, the Chattanooga Barracudas, the Portland Octopi or the Salt Lake Monsters.
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