Fire Marinelli, Millen Today
I know our industry isn’t loaded with sports enthusiasts, but I love to you use sports for business analogies so what better time to talk about sports than opening football weekend.
First, I went to the home opener in East Lansing to watch the Spartans pummel the Eastern Eagles. Spartan Stadium glowed in the sun and the 71,000 fans were baking in glory and enjoying the 700 calorie Melting Moments ice cream sandwiches (they are the best but I gave them up years ago).
The marching band was brilliant as always. But here’s the thing, it’s about the Spartans who have proven to lose the games they should win and win the games they should lose. So even in victory, there were too many moments of disgust especially when Ringer fumbled in the end zone in the first quarter.
At the end, everyone was happy and leaving the stadium in a good mood. The drive home was fun listening to the commentary of the game.
I can’t say the same about the Lions. After coming off a 4-0 Exhibition season, they looked like the Eagles. Just like the Big Ten plays MAC teams the first two games of the season, my thinking is that the Lions should play MAC teams too. But wait, they played the worst team in football-the Falcons! The rookie QB looked by Brett Favre and the running game set a record.
I wasn’t even born the last time the Lions won anything. William Clay Ford, the owner of the Lions, is a strange creature. Losing doesn’t bother him. Why? The Lions are the third most profitable football franchise in the NFL. But that’s another blog.
Today, Marinelli and Millen should quit or be fired. They had their chance and we should not endure another season of embarrassment. But as one of the players stated, "It’s only the first game…"
Question: Is it the owner, coaches or the players that determine victory? Brady is out for the season after a horrible injury in the first quarter, yet the Patriots still won. Sure, all three are responsible for winning, but who is most responsible for losing?
Happy Monday!
September 8th, 2008 at 10:20 am
The coaches and the players, Defense was just standing around, they looked like my sons Dynomite football team, clueless as what to do next! It’s ok I guess for 9 and 10 year olds but for PRO? Not a chance!! I guess it all stems back to the coaches since they allow the players to be lazy and un-diciplined. Whos calling these plays and whos not following through! It’s a shame they can come into the season from pre season undefeated(am I correct at this?), Is this another year of the so called “NEW & IMPROVED” Lions?!! Being a Michigander I believe we all have a shred of hope for them every year, even though they suck so bad!! Question is why do we torture ourselves by watching just to be dissapointed? We can only yell at the TV so long before we lose our voices. But we always have “BUD” to drown our sorrows. And a Nascar race to switch back to!
Happy Monday Everyone!!!!!
September 8th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Being an Alumni of the Eastern Eagles, and a Huge fan of MICHIGAN football, ( UofM) I am still not shocked or bothered that the Spartans beat Eastern. (they haven’t really been a good team since I can remember) The thing that bothered me is that Ohio State won this weekend! It’s always an exciting feeling when college football begins and things start getting intense. Especially when you watch UofM beat Toledo-Miami! (it was predicted by some that they would lose) I’m pretty excited to watch Michigan and Notre Dame. I am predicting an even game with defense, and a win ofensively from maze and blue!
September 8th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I didn’t get to any college football games this weekend but I did watch my nephew play high school football. They lost 36 to 0. The coaches pretty much just stood around and didn’t give the players too many directives. They just yelled “hustle!”. The young men tried their best but without any guidelines or motivation, it was a lost cause. After seeing a poor display of coaching I have to say great teams start with great coaches. There cannot be success without powerful leaders.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
If the Lions are the third most profitable franchise in the NFL, then the fans are the most responsible for the losing.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
The coaches and the players are always the blame..should they be?? Who knows but those guys know what needs to be done to win they just aren’t applying themselves…or so it seems…
My husband and I are Packer fans..can’t wait to see Aaron Rogers tonight…I hope he does well..
September 8th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I am also looking forward to the Notre Dame/Michigan game, although I will not be rooting for the Wolverines! The game Saturday against San Diego State was mediocre, at best. Charlie Weiss better get his act together or even “Touchdown Jesus” won’t be able to save his job!! Maybe handing over calling plays to his offensive coordinator will the kick in the butt the Irish need.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I think we should wear our favorite college football jersey (t-shirts) to the 3rd quarterly meeting…
It would be a nice theme, Team Spirit!
Or we could get some TNG Jersey made up, Team Nailco! With our nice purple colors! What do you think?
September 8th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Many already have TNG Jersey’s with their name and number!
So that would be great, TNG Gear or your favorite sports Gear.
September 8th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I say TNG Gear !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think that teams become teams through great leadership and coaching. Sometimes you just need to move on. I use to love the Lions but I have come to engage myself with high school or college football. I get more out of it.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Maybe Toyota could buy the team. Then they would be profitable and a winner.
September 9th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I think that wearing your favorite teams jersey and/or teams colors is a great idea.