View Full Version : Lawsuit Against ESPN...
Big Mukmuk
28 Jul 2002, 12:19 PM
Can we as MLS fans file a class action suit against ESPN for not giving equal coverage to MLS and soccer overall. I know (well, at least as far as I know) that they are not legally required to show any particular highlights, and they could show badminton if they wanted. the point would be more of a protest than anything real.
An angle that could be used is that ESPN is willfulling ignoring a segment of their regular broadcast during their sports highlight show as an attempt to weaken soccer's appeal to the public, or something like that.
I leave the development of this topic to those of you who are much smarter than me.
Jack
tcmahoney
28 Jul 2002, 12:26 PM
And people wonder why soccer fans are laughed at by some people in this country.
Sure you can sue -- if you'd like to waste your money paying legal fees instead of on soccer DVDs and replica jerseys from the BigSoccer Store*.
Myself, I'd rather spend the money on good high-quality cheese.
Oh, and grow up.
*gratuitous plug
amerifolklegend
28 Jul 2002, 12:35 PM
Originally posted by Big Mukmuk
/snip/
blah blah blah
/snip/
I leave the development of this topic to those of you who are much smarter than me.
That would be the rest of the world's population.
kebzach
28 Jul 2002, 12:46 PM
buddy, please find something better to think of during your awake time
Kraze
28 Jul 2002, 01:08 PM
Congratulations!
This is probably the dumbest post ever in bigsoccer history. Now go join the stupid lawsuit club, hot coffee at McDonalds being able to hurt you, fast food being too fatty, etc.
FootyMundo
28 Jul 2002, 01:23 PM
You can sue the Pope for child support if you like. That doesn't make it a good idea. And this idea IMO is horrible.
Johnny Wright
28 Jul 2002, 01:59 PM
Dear Big Muk,
Dude, that lawsuit has victory written all over it.
Go for it.
Sincerley,
The Chick Who Spilled McDonald's Coffee on Her Lap and Won Millions
G Enriquez
28 Jul 2002, 02:07 PM
Spend your lawyer fees on season tickets for your local club or, buying replicas.
SCBozeman
28 Jul 2002, 02:11 PM
I'll leave the ad hominems out.
The answer is no. Freedom of speech and all that, plus "the general public" would not have a basis to sue -- called "standing" in the law. If you had different facts (say, ESPN reneged on its pathetic contractual relationship with MLS, for instance) then there might be something there, but really MLS would be the aggrieved party. Sorry, but ESPN can grouse about and ignore soccer to their heart's content, just as members of the press on soccer boards can grouse about and ignore ESPN or other sports.
The woman who did win a hefty award from McDonald's (and had it subsequently reduced) was actually burned -- i.e., she suffered an injury. If ESPN gets on TV and talks about how Garber, for example, is obviously a homosexual and a communist because he's the Commissioner of a soccer league (a sport favored by homosexuals and communists), then Garber would have a slander claim. Until then, we have to take it. So take it and watch soccer Saturday on ESPN2 -- that's the best weapon we have.
genpabloescobar
28 Jul 2002, 02:25 PM
I'm still laughing at this.
My theory still holds the same: Putting games on SportsCenter is not going to increase attendance. Those who want to go already are, and those who don't won't start now.
Mattbro
28 Jul 2002, 02:35 PM
Originally posted by genpabloescobar
My theory still holds the same: Putting games on SportsCenter is not going to increase attendance. Those who want to go already are, and those who don't won't start now.
Oh my God! Run for the hills! We're doomed! We've maxed out our attendance! Stop the construction of that stadium out in Carson! Is there any more room in the graveyard of failed soccer leagues for MLS?
Just do me a favor - don't let Lamar and Uncle Phil know about your theory. ;)
Jeff
28 Jul 2002, 04:05 PM
What Johnny Wright said, except it was an 80 year old lady. ;)
Big Mukmuk
28 Jul 2002, 04:09 PM
What is the point of a such a lawsuits?, to get attention. I clearly stated that I know that they have no legal requirement or obligation to show highlights, but bad press can be good for the argument that ESPN does not respect our sport. It is shameful that after the great showing in the WC our league is so disrespected.
Alas, you all are smarter than me, so I guess all there is left to say is ********** OFF. And forgive me for thinking that I could get anyone here for seeing the ingeniousness of my idea rather than the obvious ways to criticize it.
AndyMead
28 Jul 2002, 04:23 PM
Suing ESPN to show more soccer highlights. That's almost as daft as holding the Supporters Shield hostage to make a point with Major League Soccer.
kenntomasch
28 Jul 2002, 05:52 PM
Bedtime, mukmuk.
monster
28 Jul 2002, 06:25 PM
Oh
monster
28 Jul 2002, 06:26 PM
My
monster
28 Jul 2002, 06:26 PM
goodness.
pething101
28 Jul 2002, 06:39 PM
I go away for ten days and this is the first thing I see... good times, good times.
BenReilly
28 Jul 2002, 06:55 PM
Originally posted by genpabloescobar
I'm still laughing at this.
My theory still holds the same: Putting games on SportsCenter is not going to increase attendance. Those who want to go already are, and those who don't won't start now.
Your theory is completely, absolutely, and demonstrably wrong. Publicity is very valuable. Millions of people aren't even aware the MLS exists. Yes, it is true! Moreover, the vast majority of the public hasn't given MLS much thought.
Even the network covering the Super Bowl will make a zillion plugs for it. Wouldn't you think that anyone who wants to watch the Super Bowl would do so anyway? You might think that, but obviously the people that stand to profit from the Super Bowl disagree.
The question isn't does the lack of media coverage hurt, but how much? The answer is a great deal.