There was an article by a lazy journalist in the St. Petersberg Times today that really made me angry. I wasn't really angry about the fact that he was complaining about Philadelphia sports fans. Everyone complains about the few bad apples they either 'hear' about or read about. What I can't take is lying and sloppy journalism. Basically what Romano did was take something EVERY sports writer outside Philadelphia writes about and try, poorly at that, to rehash it because their team is behind in the World Series.
"Children were cursed at, and one 9-year-old boy had beer poured on him."
- Do you know how much beers ARE at Citizens Bank Park? $7.50. I don't think there was any wasting of alcohol. There might have been spillage when big plays were made but no, I am sorry, that was not going to happen.
"A Rays family member stayed locked in a bathroom stall because, he said, Phillies fans were banging on the walls and threatening him."
- The family members of the Ray were sitting in a specific section of the ball park with more security and additional ushers to handle problems. No, I don't think this happened either.
"In a game that did not begin until after 10 p.m., giving fans more booze time"
-Beer sales were stopped after the 4th inning so that the vendors were not open any more time that usual.
"Does this sort of thing happen at other stadiums? Without a doubt. And I'm sure it has happened on occasion at Tropicana Field, too. But no city has the reputation of Philadelphia."
- Glass houses, even those with domes break. If you are going to berate us SOLELY on reputation, you are a POOR journalist.
"Team officials were reluctant to talk about the situation for fear of stirring up more hostility."
- If ANY of this had truth to it, it would have been on the news here in Philly (because you know we love to hear about what we do to other fans and the media LOVES to report it) AND in Tampa.
The worst one of all that CAN be proven a lie.
"Really, the biggest part is the families, if we could do something about that. Throwing mustard packs at my granddaughter is not very cool. The other part, I'm good with."
- There are NO mustard packs at CBP. None, period. They have the kegs o' mustard that you need to use to put on your food out by the vendors. Even the vendors outside the stadium don't use them very much.
When you need to stoop this low, to quote unnamed sources, take all hersay and print it and BLATANTLY make up lies, you are FINISHED as a journalist and might as well change careers to writing bad fiction.
On the other hand, those that STILL call us brutal and Neanderthals; I am proud to be from Philly. I am proud that we have the fans that we have. Santa has remained unscathed for YEARS. LET IT GO!
17 comments:
You go girl!
I feel terrible for not coming over here sooner! Of COURSE you can have my caramel and toffee recipe. They are all yours.
I'll dig them out and leave you another comment tomorrow. : )
i live in the middle of yankees vs red sox territory, and this behavior isn't unheard of.
it is unfortunate that such generalizations get such an audience, certainly.
I don't live in any baseball territory so I'm not familiar with all the hype. I will let you tell me what's going on and what's true versus what's not.
Perhaps a new candidate for your island?
Beers are the same price at the statdiums here. I can't think any fan would ever pour their beer on someone.
Sorry someone doesn't like Philly.
(I'm impartial on this one.)
Hi! GREAT rant! Do you feel all composed and elegant again now? I enjoyed this post. Was it baseball?
It's kind of like the political jabbering and ads ... Tampa fans aren't reall sports fans anyway ...
I had to laugh at the first comment about beer being poured on a 9 year old boy. Now that would be alcohol abuse and you are right, I just don't see that happening.
Crazy stuff happens in every city at all stadiums. Check out what my city is famous for.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Cent_Beer_Night
This is kind of how I feel about the McCain rallies - now you feel my frustration at the reported "rage" and "racism."
By the way, Phillies fan here too - WOO HOO! :)
That was great! Nothing like pulling out the facts and calling the guy on them. Just goes to show some people aren't to smart.
Thanks for the costume tips. I love the idea of splitting the box. I had not thought of that.
I love that you could use mustard packs as the proof for a blatant lie. You rock--keep on being a proud Philly fan, girl. Don't back down. EVER!
The problem with journalizm these days is that most of the people writing are not worthy to blog let alone get published. I am no writer by profession, so if I notice grammar mistakes you must really suck.
And, if it were not for the lies he would have had a one line article:
'My team sucked, I was to drunk to notice I peed on myself and everyone made fun of me because I am ugly.'
That would have been one boring article and he would not have been give his beer money.
Who'd of thought the Russians would take such a dim view of American sports fans!
Amen!
Congrats for winning Rhea's giveaway...I'm so jealous! You can come visit me (with your new pan) and cook for me!!
And I'm "boo-ing" you...stop by and see!
Wow, that really is awful journalism! Unbelievable.
Yeah, on behalf of all journalists, that guy is an idiot. So, uh... sorry?
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