Statement from Jeremy Jacobs

[dash]

"On behalf of the National Hockey League's Board of Governors, I am pleased to report that today we voted to ratify a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National Hockey League Players' Association. Which means, to our fans all around the globe, hockey is back.

"This great game has been gone for far too long, and for that we are truly sorry.

"The Board today also expressed its appreciation for the professionalism and commitment, to our clubs and to the sport, that Commissioner Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Daly displayed throughout this difficult period. Gary, Bill and their staff worked tirelessly from long before the lockout began in an effort to reach a constructive conclusion. Gary and Bill have the complete and unconditional support of the Board – and our gratitude.

"As our League moves toward what we know will be a period of growth for the sport, and a time of great excitement and entertainment for our fans, I would add the appreciation of the Board for the dedication the players showed during the negotiating process – and for their role in securing an agreement that will move the National Hockey League forward in the years ahead. There’s no doubt we all love this game.

"Together our collective future is extremely bright.

"Our only interest now is to look ahead and to focus on what this great game can provide to the best sports fans in the world."

What hubris to trot the line out again.

 

[4thstreet]

blah blah blah,you old fucking fart.
get the schedule organized,and drop the damn puck already!!!!!!!!!!

 

[elocomotive]

"Our only interest now is to look ahead and to focus on what this great game can provide to the best sports fans in the world."[/I]

I wasn't happy with the situation this offseason like all of us, and wasn't sure if I would attend a game this year or not. That cinches it.

No games or merchandise purchases this year for me. They don't deserve us.

 

[pixburgher66]

All the middle fingers to you Mr. Jerkobs (do you see it? DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID?!)

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Hey Jacobs EAT SHIT!!

 

[flyersfan4706]

Can't wait to make it to as many games as I can this season.

 

[Slimpikins]

Jacobs is like the frat guy who sticks in a girls butt and makes her cry and then tells her that she is special afterwards to smooth things over.

Fans are like the stupid girl who buys it, our ass still hurts but we keep coming back for more...

 

[elocomotive]

I actually got an e-mail from Ted Leonsis yesterday (not personally, just on the fan list). It also made me mad and was filled with typical i'm sorry, can't wait to get started, etc. etc. It pisses me off - "sorry... now come spend your money." I wrote this back and I won't be going to any games this season. I'll watch on TV.

Hey Ted,

Thanks for the letter, but I won't be at the Verizon Center this year. I've been a Caps' fan for 25 years now. I usually go to 8-10 games every year. I buy food, I buy jerseys, and I wear a Caps' hat more days than not. I traveled to Pittsburgh to see the Classic. I'm not a season ticket holder because I don't have that kind of coin...yet. I might soon. I'm in that 2 or 3% of Washingtonians that loves HOCKEY first. And trust me, I know there aren't many of us out here. My dad was at the first Capitals' game there ever was. He went on a whim, got hooked, and raised his boys as Caps' fans. And here we are. Nearly 40 years of failure but we still watch and cheer and spend our money.

But not this year. Not sure about next. I'm tired, Ted. I'm tired of the owners around the league abusing the public trust you are supposed to uphold when you own a sports team. I'm tired of Gary Bettman trying to ruin the game while you owners sit by quietly and allow it to happen. I'm tired of the complete inability of the league to reach a pretty basic compromise in a timely manner... over and over again.

I have always respected you as an owner of my favorite sports' franchise. But I'm tired of the complete lack of respect the players and, ESPECIALLY, the owners show the fans. It's not your money. It's my money. It's my decision.

And I decide... no. I decide to remind you what I know as a true fan of hockey. You depend on gate revenues. You need merchandise sales. ABC isn't throwing a multi-billion dollar TV deal your way. You depend on fans like me. And when fans like me walk, you lose money. My money. Your margins are thin and you can't keep taking advantage of the fans and not expect repercussions.

This won't impact you this year, or the next three or four. We have Ovechkin, Backstrom, Laich, Green, Carlson, and Alzner. Fans will come to see a winner. They will come to see the spectacle. But what about 6 years from now? Or 9 years from now? That inevitable season when we suck and the casual fans and the fair weather fans don't show up. When people like me are the only ones keeping you out of the red because we have nothing but love for The Red.

Loyal Caps' fan of 25 years checking out this year. Will I be back? Now you get to sweat it out.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

I actually got an e-mail from Ted Leonsis yesterday (not personally, just on the fan list). It also made me mad and was filled with typical i'm sorry, can't wait to get started, etc. etc. It pisses me off - "sorry... now come spend your money." I wrote this back and I won't be going to any games this season. I'll watch on TV.

Very well said.

 

[BF4L]

Elo nice reply.

Unfortunately, Bettman is just a mouthpiece for the owners. He speaks for them and takes all the shit.

 

[SLY]

I actually got an e-mail from Ted Leonsis yesterday (not personally, just on the fan list). It also made me mad and was filled with typical i'm sorry, can't wait to get started, etc. etc. It pisses me off - "sorry... now come spend your money." I wrote this back and I won't be going to any games this season. I'll watch on TV.

Damn good response!

 

[SLY]

Jacobs is like the frat guy who sticks in a girls butt and makes her cry and then tells her that she is special afterwards to smooth things over.

Fans are like the stupid girl who buys it, our ass still hurts but we keep coming back for more...

 

[sbb122]

Eloco. Excellent response. Bravo!

 

[forty_three]

for elo.

For Fuckuts Jacobs.

 

[SLY]

How the fuck did you get more than 4 smileys in one post?

edit: I guess now we can post 6.

 

[forty_three]

How the fuck did you get more than 4 smileys in one post?

1337 haXx0r