Angry fans to meet with Browns owner
More evidence that Lerner is taking the idea of the protest seriously, at least on a PR basis. It'll be interesting to hear what the organizers have to say after this meeting. Might they call it off if properly reassured?
4 months ago
RelapsingDawgCatcher
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I wonder how many of those 2000 emails include the word ‘MANGiNA’.
Stupid teabaggers…
by golanbatrac on Nov 2, 2009 1:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ha. Gotta say, these guys have credibility and it looks like their stunt has worked pretty well so far.
They have talked to Lerner once and have a scheduled meeting and have specific points on their agenda to talk to him about.
They have sold me. I applaud Dawg Pound Mike and Mobile Dawg. Nice work guys.
by Ryan Kelsey on Nov 2, 2009 2:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i don’t think this is a bad idea. in fact, i like lerner a lot more now. i think a lot of owners would say “whatever” to this, but this shows that he really cares about the fans and how they feel.
by emily522 on Nov 2, 2009 6:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I tend to think that scheduling this meeting is a complete PR win for Lerner. He comes across as publicly sympathetic, deeply concerned, and clearly involved. Also, there’s a shot he might be able to placate this group and get the formal protest called off or modified.
(BREAKING: Plus he can apparently start the conversation with “So, Kokinis is history. Let’s talk about where we’re going next….” Nothing better than being able to start a meeting with a solution to the issue at hand already in progress.)
Now, what Lerner does with the input he gets here is another story….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 2, 2009 8:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well spoken.
so with kokinis out, i’m just wondering what else is going to happen this bye week. here’s an idea— let’s cut DA!
by emily522 on Nov 2, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks. Yes, this may be an exciting week off after all!
Cutting DA would make me giddy, but I do think demotion to third string is the right move for him.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 2, 2009 8:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
on cleveland.com it says that mangini defended DA.
how is that possible?
by emily522 on Nov 2, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s finally gone irrevocably insane?
Seriously, I’d have to read the quotes. You’d like your coach to stick up for his players a little even if they’re completely awful like DA, so maybe it’s not as bad as all that.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 2, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope that these guys are selective in the emails they will present Lerner with. As golanbatrac indicated, seeing emails with “MANGINA WAS THE WRONG HIRE” or “DABOLL BLOWS GET RID OF HIM” is not going to accomplish anything.
There are other good Browns forums out there, but I’d like to hope some of the types of comments seen here (i.e. the “rec’d” ones) are similar to what will be presented to Lerner.
Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.
by Chris Pokorny on Nov 2, 2009 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hey guys this is my first reply to any comments posted on this site. I have been following for about 9-10 months, so I hope I don’t screw this up and catch a bunch of flack!!! LOL. This is an email from one of the possible 2,000 “stupid teabaggers” (ie me) that may be presented to Mr. Lerner on Tuesday. I feel that it is very important for the fans to be heard about our feelings for the team….not about fans forcing football decissions, but rather opening lines of communication and keeping the organization accountable. So here it is (hopefully I am putting this in the right place because it is long), let me know what you think. If you wish skip over or Chris you can delete if you think it is to long and you don’t want to disrupt the flow of Relapsing Dawg Catcher’s post:
Dawg Pound Mike-
I have to admit at first glance I did not like this idea of the browns boycott for the Monday night game. I thought it was just another attempt to petition for the firing of Mangini, scouts, and management or forcing Mr. Lerner into selling the team. I have always believed it is important to show our support and pride for our Browns…..the players, the coaches, management and represent the city in a positive light. I believe Mr. Lerner really cares about the city, fans, and the clubs performance and wants to restore the Browns to greatness.
Then I realized you were the one leading the charge for this to happen. I have only met you once and that was at the Browns/Jets game a few years back. You exuded passion and excitement bringing that to every Browns fan during tailgating and at the game. I believe what you are doing is in the best interest of the fans, city, and ultimately the Browns Organization.
As for me, I am 30 years old and have lived in New Jersey for the past seven years. Unfortunately, I will not be in attendance for the game to support our Browns in person. But, I would like to send my support and a message to the Browns Organization.
That Message is….. RESTORE THE PASSION FOR THE BROWNS, REBUILD A CONNECTION TO THE FANS!!!!!!!!
Right now, I feel like it is a chore to be a Brown Fan. Before every game while streaming the WMMS pregame shows, I now find myself asking DO I really want to go through this again? And of course I do, watching for anything positive or a glimmer of hope. During the week, I read all the articles and listen to all the interviews/press conferences on www.clevelandbrowns.com trying to build my excitement for the upcoming game. But, it has become exhausting!!!
I used to go to a local bar for the games, but I am tired of being looked as a joke and catching ribbings from all of the Giant and Jet Fans. Recently, I have joined a Browns Backers bar and drive an hour to watch the game. In alot of ways, it is just as miserable as going to the other local bar. Everyone there lacks passion!!!! At least at the local bar I have to stand up for my team and city….I have to show my pride!!!!It is almost like the Browns Backers go there just because it is ingrained in them to put up with the suffering and performance of the team.
I miss the days of the Browns in the mid 80’s. Mainly because of the connection to the fans. Guys like Frank Minifield, Handford Dixon, Bernie Kosar, Webster Slaughter, Reggie Langhorne sparked the fans interest and included them in their successes. Even in failure, they gave Browns fans hope the following season would be a success. There was an interaction between the players, the organization, and the fans that is now absent.
I understand, we are rebuilding the organization again and it will take time. I appreciate the fact we are doing this through the draft and hope the incoming players will be successful and have long careers with the Browns. But I truly feel right now….We need a front man for this organization. We need for someone to be up front with the fans and give us a sense of hope. Someone who respects and acknowledges the successes, greatness, and accomplishments of past Browns Teams and who will lead and connect the fans to this again.
I don’t think it matters which person or group takes this responsibility. Maybe it is a current coach or player. Maybe it is a new coach or player. Maybe it is the entire defense, offense, or special teams unit. There only requirement for the job…..
Bring Back The Passion and Reconnect To The Browns Fans!!!!
Sorry Mike that this maybe long winded, but I appreciate you letting me vent. Although I can not attend the game please send my message to the Browns Organization.
GO BROWNS!!!!!!
by njdawg on Nov 2, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Nice Email
as another long suffering fan Rec
We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
by Steve_Chiefs on Nov 2, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This letter is obviously well thought-out and totally fair and polite. Though I don’t see the Browns football team as a cause as it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, I can sympathize with your feelings. If this kind of thing is making Mr. Lerner connect with the fans, great! He seemed very disinterested in the Browns until this past Sunday.
Brownsyup
by Brownsyup on Nov 2, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously a message from the heart there. Welcome to DBN!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 3, 2009 12:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This only adds fuel to their ridiculously stupid fire.
Lerner probably shouldn’t even had addressed them. The should have been simply ignored by everyone, shut out. But, of course the media had to go and shine a huge freaking light at the people, and present them as if they are the average Browns fan.
These morons are making the rest of us look retarded.
PLEASE STOP COVERING THESE PEOPLE.
by Simmsinns on Nov 2, 2009 3:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I truly do not understand the hostility. Some fans are going to get some face time with Lerner who, reportedly, is upset as they are, to hear them out. Okay. I don’t think we ‘look retarded’ for it.
by Western Reserve on Nov 2, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see the harm in it.
Actually I think the blow back would be pretty severe if he had a “who cares” attitude towards the whole thing.
by Bernie19Kosar on Nov 2, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think maybe a “Town Hall Meeting” next with Big Dawg moderating…
by Red-Right-88 on Nov 2, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not really sure what’s wrong with it? It’s pretty cool that ownership is willing to meet face to face with average guys- when does that ever happen?
by HenryDawg on Nov 2, 2009 4:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I am skeptical mainly because it feels like a big dramatic sideshow that in the end won’t accomplish much of anything.
by Roger Dorn on Nov 2, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If Lerner actually comes out of his cave to address fans and media for once then I’ll consider this stunt a win.
by L Train on Nov 2, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it won’t change anything in an operations sense (and probably even shouldn’t!) but I do think it’s good publicity. Lerner has a shot here to create a new narrative for the organization, besides the Mangini caricature of stoicism / harsh discipline / indifference to team history. (How true that caricature is or is not isn’t the point.) That can only be a win, and what’s it cost him? An hour or two of his time?
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 2, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i’m with you. i can’t believe he’s giving these idiots an audience, and thereby credibility.
by DontCallMeJoey on Nov 2, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Here’s the thing: Because of who they are, they already had credibility. These aren’t a couple of moronic cle.com posters, these aren’t some stuffy new fans, these are well-recognized and respected fans.
by Ryan Kelsey on Nov 2, 2009 10:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
being the guy who wears something orange or brown every single day does not credibility make…
whether they go to a lot of games or not says nothing of their moron-osity.
by DontCallMeJoey on Nov 3, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s not why they have credibility. They have credibility because they were among the fans that fought for the Browns name, history and colors to stay in Cleveland. They gave depositions in law suits, and I believe Mobile Dawg testified before Congress back in 96. They are two respected leaders of the most recognized and passionate group of Browns fans- the Dawg Pound season ticket holders.
by Ryan Kelsey on Nov 5, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’re also an embarrassment. You forgot that part.
by golanbatrac on Nov 5, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, but I don’t know what you want these guys to do differently. They were concerned about the atmosphere at Browns games, the lack of direction in the front office, and the lack of public relations from the owner. They took steps to make a protest that would still support the team, but send a clear message. The message has been covered by the media and responded to by the owner. Even before the protest, it has been an astounding success.
I see no embarrassment in that. None, whatsoever.
by Ryan Kelsey on Nov 5, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They were concerned about the atmosphere at Browns games, the lack of direction in the front office, and the lack of public relations from the owner.
sorry, this is extreme revisionist history. the original stated intent of the protest was “we’re tired of losing and being a bad football team”. that is stupid. that is embarrassing.
it just so happens that there’s a convenient ancillary gripe regarding the atmosphere at browns games, which lends the slightest hint of legitimacy to a protest (slightest)…but that’s purely coincidence.
by DontCallMeJoey on Nov 5, 2009 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And to make your point about your own personal embarrassment, you direct us to a website called the Cleveland Frowns that depicts a toilet in a Cleveland Browns motif and a frowning pile of crap.
by Western Reserve on Nov 6, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was going by what Mike has said at interviews with cleveland.com and ESPN Radio.
And from your link, what do they want to come out of this whole thing, more than anything?? For “Mr. Lerner to come out and address the fans…”
The thing is, these guys actually like Lerner as an owner. They know that he has a passion for the Browns and he is angry at the team’s dysfunction. But Lerner has never public owner. I don’t think he introduced Mangini or Kokinis to the fans. He doesn’t do many public interviews, and the few that he does with the media aren’t in front of microphones or cameras. I think this is a valid concern: We have all been confused, or angry, or sad about at least some of the front office coaching decisions and to demand that some of those things are explained in a public forum is nothing to be embarrassed about.
The atmosphere at Browns game has been a large part of everything Dawg Pound Mike has said. It isn’t just ancillary. It isn’t a coincidence.
by Ryan Kelsey on Nov 6, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Coupled with the Kokinis firing this gives the impression that Lerner has tin ears. The situation has the potential of backfiring if a potential hire asks if he can trust Lerner to support him if things do not turn around in 6 games. I’m not saying that is the case, but it is a potential consequence.
I’m interested in how Lerner takes control of the situation. It’s all about the spin.
"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge..." C. Darwin
by Spidey on Nov 2, 2009 8:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
These guys are the MODEL Browns sports fan. Get used to that.
by Ryan Kelsey on Nov 2, 2009 10:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really hope Lerner isn’t taking the fans’ opinions seriously when it comes to football decisions.
He should absolutely listen to them about security issues, ticket prices, media/fan relations, and other general fan-related issues.
Not the football stuff.
by rufio on Nov 2, 2009 6:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rufio, do you think it’s OK if he listens with a sympathetic ear but doesn’t take what he hears as anything more than the opinions of some fervent lifelong fans?
Totally agree on the rest of the issues, which depending on who you listen to may or may not be a major driver of the protest movement.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 2, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
An Average Browns Fan?
If you are satisfied with this team, with Andersons play, and Mangini’s coaching, you know as muchabout football as a hog knows about Sunday.
by HillBillyZag on Nov 2, 2009 6:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Kokinis has just been fired.
You’ve got to be f’ing kidding me. What a joke.
by gahnki on Nov 2, 2009 8:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Without a doubt a shot across the bow of the head coach.
by Western Reserve on Nov 2, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kokinis was Mangini’s dude. Firing him is an attack on Mangini’s authority.
by gahnki on Nov 2, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
truth.
wkyc and other sites are confirming it.
by emily522 on Nov 2, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
OMG! I JUST SAW IT ON SC!
IT’S TRUE!
by SpecialBrownie on Nov 2, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Does this make sense to anyone? Kokinis at least was a proven person to have in the front office unlike Magini. I don’t get it.
by jharbdo on Nov 2, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t get why everyone is upset about this. what did kokinis even do? he was like a ghost.
by emily522 on Nov 2, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am with you. He did nothing, Lerner found out what was going on, your services are no longer required. Bye.
by Roger Dorn on Nov 2, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And if you’re looking to add someone new and perhaps more public facing to the organization as Lerner has hinted, maybe you’d clear a chair currently held by a ghost as a place to put said individual.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 2, 2009 8:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Guys… I think this is making room for someone else… standby.
Brownsyup
by Brownsyup on Nov 2, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Shuffling around management / coaches is a sure fire way to run your franchise into the ground.
Just sayin’
by Simmsinns on Nov 2, 2009 8:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i think it’s safe to say that the browns are already run into the ground.
by emily522 on Nov 2, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d tend to agree, but the abject horror of this season so far has convinced me that some staff move could be good. Whether the departure of Kokinis is the right move or just the start of a series of right moves is impossible to tell right now, but I think it’s better than just having security escort all of Team Mangini off the grounds.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 2, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So why not keep running into the ground?
Don’t allow time for improvement?
Because that’s what happens when you play musical chairs with these positions.
Now, I’m not one to say whether this firing was right or not, I’m just saying we’ll never improve by swapping management every so years.
by Simmsinns on Nov 2, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you have a point. but kokinis was doing nothing. it’s not like mangini’s being fired. he has all the control of this team.
by emily522 on Nov 2, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree we need continuity, but not just for continuity’s sake. I’ve lost a lot of faith already with this new regime.
by Western Reserve on Nov 2, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How about the person hiring the regimes or hiring the regimes hiring the regimes?
by Simmsinns on Nov 2, 2009 10:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if mangini was calling all the shots, maybe he’ll be GM/head coach?
by emily522 on Nov 2, 2009 8:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we’ll get a real GM with some authority over things that a GM typically has authority over, like personnel and the coach.
Want out of Cleveland? Easy - mess with LeBron's entourage.
by woodsmeister on Nov 2, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I want to know who we will get to replace Kokinis. I’m watching MNF and why not just throw John Gruden in there…just for fun…just the tip…just to see how it feels
by jharbdo on Nov 2, 2009 9:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
just a thought
My feeling is that they will bring in a gm to evaluate the situation for the remainder of the year. Then let this person decide if Mangini will be back next year.. also get ready for the draft next year.. I will admit I’m not a talent scout and watch very little College football but have been told next years draft is a very full of talent. So with 11 picks this might be the most important draft in Browns history.. Lets get it right..
by Locnar on Nov 2, 2009 9:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Definitely need a good draft next year. We actually need to hold onto these guys, too. Please don’t turn into the Tribe! I hate watching the MLB and saying “I remember watching them at Jacobs/Progressive Field!”
by jharbdo on Nov 2, 2009 10:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m guessing either Kokinis didn’t want a president over him or the president wouldn’t agree to have Kokinis under him.
by Ryan Kelsey on Nov 2, 2009 11:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don´t think Lerner should pander to fans. He needs this organization run professionally.
Talking to the fans, even regularly, sure. Involving fans´ representative, but I mean truly honestly representative, rock and roll…
by mooncamping on Nov 3, 2009 10:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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