Henry Winter is a retarded Xenophobe
This article pissed me the hell off.
I have to say that I do not have a proper understanding on what Americans think of English people or what English people think of Americans. It seems to me that too many people think that the whole of the United States is some Times Square esque super magic wonderland with people who don't have any hearts and who condemn blacks, gays, terrorists, and the poor.
What I have to say though is that I wish someone would have a proper understanding of American Sport History before he goes off spouting that the Yankees are the only team we have with history and legacy. What? Did he ignore the fact that the richest man in baseball has been in charge of the Yankees for ages? (MLB and other American sports are a bit out of my forte so excuse me). Most NFL teams have a long standing tradition in their towns and with their supporters. The Eagles (who are basically Manchester City in their successes/failures/form) is a NFL team with history, fans, and dedication.
- Yes, Gillette saying "Liverpool Reds" was inexcusable. Please learn the name of the club you've bought.
- Two nations separated by a common language. I realise this every time I go back to Manchester and come here. Franchise in NFL and NHL does not mean the same thing that it means in normal people's English, it's different connotations. It's an unfortunate choice of words, but I don't think that Winter should harp on that.
- Teams have left towns. He's got a bit of a point, but I think his over exaggeration and overstatement of this is disingenuous. This is something that has never been taken lightly anytime it's happened.
If Gillette et. al, prove me wrong--I'll wage war over here for my kopite friends. An enemy of an enemy is a friend of mine--except for 2 weekends a year. :P
How is the news received over there? Is it making headlines? Do they care?
PS - Nice blog.
Anonymous said... February 9, 2007 at 2:18 PM
Thanks Smart! I like Chris' yours site as well.
I don't know--I'm too into footie to know what's going on non-English news. I think that it did get big news in TX and I did see it on the news in Philly--like a couple minute story too. But Anna Nicole died so now that's all that's on.
Chrissy said... February 9, 2007 at 2:30 PM
It's a shame how far Henry Winkler has fallen since his days playing the Fonz.
Anonymous said... February 9, 2007 at 4:27 PM
First, great blog -- very enjoyable.
Second (and third, fourth, etc),
You're dead on with your title to this post. I'm an American somewhat connected to American sports (that is, I watch college sports and NFL) and there's no doubt that Americans know a thing or two about their own sports franchises (and yeah, that's the word we use). The Yankees have history, but the Chicago Cubs? Founded 16 years before Liverpool. (admittedly renamed in 1902 to the Cubs from the infinitely worse Chicago Orphans) And that's just one of many teams.
Anyway, Americans know about history. You mention the Eagles -- very understanding of what's what. Green Bay Packers fans are about as history-obsessed as they come...
When the Red Sox won the World Series (yeah, I know it's named incorrectly, but less so now than before), Boston was incredible.
About teams moving away: just look at what happened when the Cleveland Browns tried to move away in the 90s. There were protests, threats, general fandom craziness. No riots or unrest, but that's a good thing. Are we supposed to burn something?
Also about teams moving away: you can't generally move your team (as an owner) unless you can prove the market isn't able to uphold a team, meaning that if the fans aren't into it enough to go to the games and support the team, who cares if they move anyway? That's how it's supposed to work, but as in the case of Cleveland there were some shady undersides to the whole deal I don't really understand.
Anyway, Henry Winter is a shithead.
Isaiah said... February 9, 2007 at 6:54 PM
I agree with all that, including the Fonz reference. I think.
Seriously though, I'd have to say that up until now I've had a lot of time for Henry Winter as he's always seemed like a journalist with his head screwed on straight.
On this occasion, however, I think his opinion is wide of the mark. I don't hear too many Liverpool fans moaning about the new owners coming along. They're just happy to have the extra investment in the club that will help them compete with the best teams in England and Europe.
Justifiably they have concerns that their club may sell out to outright commercialism or that the history of the club may be carelessly swept away, but the owners have said they'll respect the fans wishes and do the right thing.
I think Winter is forgetting something. He's probably one of the many people who proudly claims that England has one of, if not *the* best league competition in the world and yet without the top players joining its clubs it would be a shadow of itself.
And guess what? If the clubs haven't got enough money, they can't buy the players. One gets the impression he hasn't thought his argument through enough.
Chris O said... February 11, 2007 at 5:08 AM
You make me sick you pathetic Yank. Firstly dont use the word retarded. Second, I think Winter has been justified in his article now, dont you? Those horrible men from that country of your have done their best to ruin Liverpool in just over a year. Shame we dont see any comment from you now on the subject.
Anonymous said... October 8, 2008 at 4:17 AM
Ted,
I'm sorry I offended you and your mother with the use of my word retarded it must be very hard to care for a mother in that condition.
Chrissy said... October 8, 2008 at 6:19 AM
Post a Comment