Teddy Montoya Banned! WTF?

Some one in the FO probably over reacted. With the legs this seems to be getting, we will probably see it reduced. Unless, like already stated, there is more to the story.

 

The situation is being taken care of by the leaders of the Pid Army. We look to resolve this issue shortly. I am being patient w/ it all though, as I know these things aren't a quick fix.

 

If this is all really true as per Burgundy Wave, Prost, etc. then what a bunch of ham fisted clods the KSE truly are. I dont know Teddy or even what sort of game day supporter Teddy is or isn't other than he is clearly popular, enthusiastic and well liked and I've seen him around Rapids games since before I was a season ticket holder. This is all sorts of black eyes for KSE: A lifetime ban for the all around minor actions as described seems rather draconian and emotionally reactionary; the supposed existence of secret files paints them as paranoid and if they now back down from a "lifetime" ban they look sorta weakly hysterical or at least just full of hollow empty threats. And I should mention that sending a longtime loyal supporter a lifetime ban by mail is chickens**t?

Could you imagine the same protocol at Nuggets games? There would be no crowd left for the Nug's to play in front of except maybe 5 mutes in baggy pants and gold chains, I've heard language there that made my well seasoned ears blush. Then I had to explain to my kids why people were chanting "rapist" at kobe. Its like a drunk, stoned gangsta tourettes convention every night.

is there a copy or a transcript of this ban letter posted online anywheres? or is that currently considered counter productive to Teddys desire to be readmitted?

 

I might be alone on this, but the idea that KSE has files on people they've had incidents with doesn't bother me, hell it doesn't even surprise me.

Now what qualifies as an "incident" and the fact that they're using these files to issue lifetime bans without any warning to the fans, those are the real problems.

 

I disagree. I think it's prudent business practice to keep track of incidents, for legal and possible insurance reasons. As for warnings, while he may not have been personally warned of the pending action. DSG and Rapids policies are well documented.

Having said that, and I'm sure it's just me, but I'd prefer Teddy behind me tossing 'F' bombs at a bad call versus the guys on Saturday rambling on inanely all game about random stuff having nothing to do with soccer, or the mother a couple games back playing noisy cutesy pie games with her toddler while bouncing him on her knees.

Okay, so I'm all over the place on this . Bottom line, I suspect by the letter of the law, the decision was correct. I wish, however, the organization and fan could resolve this amiably. I'd like to think banning someone is a rare occurrence and as such deserving of some time resolving the issue.

Although since we don't know the details, I'm not sure what did or didn't happen.

 

We agree here.

I guess you think we disagree here, but I'm not sure we do. I know that foul language is generally not tolerated at the Dick, but that doesn't mean I agree that it should rise to the level of an incident even though I know it does. Also I don't think there's any clear guidelines as to what results in a lifetime ban, which is also an issue.

The only other time I've heard of a lifetime ban at the Dick was greenie and joeyclams getting kicked out of the China game for their display of a Tibet flag. The head security guy told them on the way out they were banned for life, but the Rapids called the next day and told them that security didn't have the power to declare a lifetime ban and they were welcome back any time.

 

Follow him on Twitter: teddy_montoya. The guy is handling his ban with more class and dignity than I could muster. I didn’t witness what happened, but you’d hope the Rapids, KSE, and DSGP security could find a way to resolve this. You don’t want to alienate fans like him.

From my perspective, the Terrace was set up to allow a saltier group, with saltier behavior. From what I’ve read, the only injury was to a security guy who got his panties in a knot, and his feelings bruised. Certainly doesn’t sound like an offense that would result in a lifetime ban. Sad.

Somebody should put his story on Reddit. Those knuckleheads would probably fund his way to every Rapids away game for a decade.

 

my first memories of teddy and dsg war was when we all stood abroad with fire clavijio at one of them warm up games before the season then clav came up and talked to teddy haha!

then theres the time where he backed me when i was puking my guts up and being pulled away by security haha!

free teddy dude is a legit supporter his blood is burgundy and blue his heart is shaped like the rapids shield.

 

That there are files on fans is unsurprising to me as well, the fact they are secret and used to issue forth "lifetime" bans without contest or review and without so much as a warning is the highly surprising and disturbing part to me.

 

The punishment does not fit the crime. That is the main problem here.

The fact they would have files on supporters makes sense. If there are incidents they need to document it. Otherwise there will be a serious incident someday with some multiple-repeat offender and we will be wondering why nothing was done proactively.

To ban for LIFE, well that is the problem. Especially with no prior notice etc. I do however think that this is something that needs to be handled between Teddy and the Rapids. Let's give them time to work things out before we get the pitch forks out.

 

Folks I know nothing about this or Teddy. I think this whole Secret files is getting blown out of proportion. I find it hard to believe in supports section someone could get the boot for language let alone a lifetime ban.

I have seen many people fired over the years with no warning or performance review. It's the way it is these days, you are an " at will" employee or fan, you have little rights and can be removed at a whim.

 

Technically you are correct. However, it most certainly is not the direction MLS is going in as they try to build larger fan base and supporter culture. It is becoming much more standard practice to work with and "partner" with supporter groups to prevent and address incidents. I'm confident the Rapids will take that route in this situation as well as going forward.

 

http://p.twimg.com/Awb8GaiCEAA19A0.jpg:large

Have had some positive communication with the Rapids Stadium Staff. I am gutted over this situation.

 

Unbelievable. Given KSE's attitude and handling of previous situations, I join the group that finds it cynically non-shocking to learn that they keep "dossiers" on individual fans. However, even at KSE, I would have thought some modicum of reason would leak in; ie, they'd only be recording serious incidents like throwing projectiles onto the field, fighting, vandalism etc. Cursing??? OK, fine. KSE's uber-draconian policies regarding language are well-known to pretty much anyone who has gone to more than a dozen games over the years, but I thought that was the whole point of the Terrace's existence; to allow the younger, more boisterous fans a chance to show support away from Mom and her brood's sensitive ears. What exactly is KSE trying to accomplish here, stomping out any loyalty or fan culture? Guys like Teddy MAKE the games. I wonder how many STH's threatening to cancel their tickets would make KSE think twice. Money talks...

 

Therein lies this issue. It isn't clear if this is a KSE (corporate) issue, or a Rapids SC issue. My guess is that KSE made the decision as the stadium operator, and the Rapids are left dealing with the fallout.

I understand there are synergies having all of the facility operations for Pepsi Center, DSGP, and Paramount under common management (concessions, security, maintenance, etc). Unless someone is vandalizing the stadium (which point it would really be a criminal offense), game-day operations and fan relations should be managed solely by the individual teams (Rapids, Avs, Nuggets) .

If they are giving Teddy a lifetime ban for "verbal assault" there better be a criminal complaint from the team or security company. Unless Teddy threatened bodily harm, I don't think there are even grounds for the complaintant to file a civil restraining order, in which case this would be a prime example of KSE acting like a bunch of D-bags.

 

More than that, security was supposed to use a yellow card/red card system for language. You get a warning first, then you get a more severe punishment if it happens again. There was also supposed to be an open channel of communication between the group and stadium staff/security. Neither of those things happened, which means KSE brazenly deceived and lied to us. The only alternative is that they just that fv<king stupid.

1) What exactly dictates what a supporter does is worth of going into a file? Knowing KSE, probably nothing beyond some supervisor having a bad day and needing to take his loser minimum wage job out on somebody else.

2) Does KSE share such files with the League. We've already seen MLS take action against Houston. So whats next?

3) Can a supporters contact KSE and see their personal file?

4) Why was the RFO not notified of the ban? It either means that KSE proved to be a terrible and dysfunctional organization yet again, or the FO just simply lied to us and decided to play dumb.

All of this also comes at a time when the FO is berating the supporters groups for not filling more seats (and complaining that the the Rapids are strapped for cash). Really? Are these guys really this stupid? We're going right back to where we were five years ago.

 

Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

 

As far as I'm concerned, no distinction is needed. They both cause the same amount of damage.

 

So that's what the Teddy shirt was all about at the last game. Freaking BS.

I wonder what would happen, if every supporter/sth started 'turning in' all those fans that sit in sections 124-133 for cursing/swearing/etc. Though I guess I don't have to wonder cause nothing would be done about it.

uh-oh. I supported Teddy. Add that to my file. Sure hope they didn't notice the mess my kids left last time and added that to our file too.

 

I don't have much to add to this conversation other than I support Teddy in his fight to regain his rightful spot in the stadium and I am extremely disgusted in the use of a lifetime ban and the lack of any transparency (yet again) from the Rapids and KSE; along with the following experience from last year:

I watched a game (I think it was against Vancouver) from the supporters terrace last year and a guy next to me was mercilessly heckling a reserve player (Brovsky!) warming up on the sideline. One of the KSE security hacks told him to stop even though he did not use any profanity or say anything remotely insulting or offensive. So I think maybe the solution to this problem would be stationing mildly well trained KSE security (i.e. has been told that heckling is part of the game)around the supporter's terrace and have grandma (she was old...) secure the dippin dots stand.

 

W

Oh trust me I know. That response was really just to calm people down so we can in fact free teddy. If the rapids could sell enough seats they would be completely happy banning everyone.

Once the gate becomes less important to Mls revenues I fully expect a crack down on supporters from all teams. Once teams can build revenues from tv and corporate sales I'm sure most Mls teams will tell supporters to go fvck themselves