As one season starts for a star-crossed franchise (the Washington Nationals) and one ended (The New York Islanders) it is interesting to look at the messages sent to fans by the actions of the team. This weekend, the Nats benched and fined one of their young, marketable players, Elijah Dukes, for showing up a few minutes late after attending a team-sponsored community relations appearance. While the question of zero tolerance for deadlines is left to management, the question of what message it sends to fans and to players is another issue. First, since it was a team-sponsored appearance, it shows a lack of connection between the business and personnel side, which in this economy, when teams need everyone understanding the bigger picture, is very troublesome. Secondly it now gives players who question the value of team appearances to opt-out for fear of team reprisals. Third it gives the media fodder to continue to pile on a sinking ship, at a time when Dukes work on and off the field should be highlighted. Fourth, it creates a distraction for all on both sides at a time when the team is struggling to gain fans, activate sponsors and come together on the field. Usually things like this can be handled back of the house and should not become public. Although we can’t say for sure what the history is, the message the team sent forth is problematic to all. Then there is the Islanders, who put forth owner Charles Wang to the media to talk about the future of the club as it gets the number one draft pick and tries to accelerate its position for a new facility on Long Island. Wang's messages were not mixed at all, they were pretty clear and he delivered what fans wanted to hear. However sometimes a little too much clarity can also be problematic, as Wang called his present and home for the forseeable future, Nassau Coliseum, a dump, and said is he had to do it over again he would not have purchased the team. Unlike the Nationals issue, Wang stated fact that was the clear message of the organization with regard to the arena and the future of the team, and the organization should get credit for putting him out to speak to the media. Criticizing the current arena and second-guessing a decision at a time when you need to continue to build loyalty with fans is another issue as to when too much is said, but given the lack of candidness in sports today even that can’t really be faulted to a great degree. Good move and positioning by the Isles, problematic moves by Washington.
Some other good reads…The Philadelphia Inquirer's Bob Ford had a great ode to the late Harry Kalas this week…the New York Daily News‘ piece on Syracuse's Doug Marrone's grassroots efforts to rebuild Orange football is also worthwhile…Shaun Powell surfaced at the New York Times this week with a good look back on a forgotten USFL story…and the Arkansas Press Democrat had a worthwhile read on how adults continue to create problems for youth sports.
