I've never really been an NFL fan in my life. I will admit that my dislike of the NFL comes from the media circus that is put on every Sunday, and how some football scores resemble hockey or baseball scores. However, one guy who has never had a problem putting up points is the man to the left: Brett Favre. Favre, as we all have been exposed to, has been trying to come back with the Green Bay Packers after prematurely retiring. I'll inform everyone right now that Hockey Blog In Canada is not becoming some NFL blog. Far from it, in fact. The reason I bring up Brett Favre today is that along with his reinstatement into the NFL by Commissioner Roger Goodell comes the loss for an AHL franchise.I've spoken in great length about the Iowa Chops already, and even responded to a number of angry people who commented. The problem is that the Iowa Chops are coming off more as a gong show than as a hockey franchise. Their latest publicity stunt, offering Brett Favre a contract to play in the AHL, reeks of minor league publicity stunt. Thankfully, it will never come to pass after the announcement that Brett Favre has been reinstated to the NFL.
I get that the Chops are trying to generate a buzz regarding their franchise before the 2008-09 season starts. There's nothing wrong with building a little momentum before the season starts to help sell tickets, especially when trying to attract new fans to the team. But why would the Chops offer a contract to a guy who, to my knowledge, has never attended an AHL game in his life? Can Brett Favre even skate?
The frozen tundra of Lambeau Field is far different than a sheet of ice, and, while Brett may be a top-notch athlete, there are a ridiculous number of differences between football and basketball. While he might be one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, assists in hockey are a far different breed of passing.
With his reinstatement to the NFL today, we no longer have to worry about the circus known as the Iowa Chops making a mockery of the league. The free agent known as Favre can return to doing what he does best, and the Iowa Chops can focus on icing a real team without being the butt of a pile of jokes.
Publicity stunt rating: A+
Reality of it ever happening: nil
Having a better PR team than an AHL team: priceless
Iowa's home opener is October 10, 2008, and there will be no #4 "Favre" jerseys in the stands. Unless, of course, someone wears their Green Bay Packers jersey.
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
I still can't get over the Chops' name. I have a problem with pork and pigs in general though.
ReplyDeleteAs for Favre...hockey is much better off now that he certainly will not be around it. I am still baffled by Packers fans that continue to cheer for him following his absolute disregard for the franchise. This has been and will continue to be all about HIM. HE wants to play again. HE doesn't care that the entire offense has changed how it plays and it's not his way. HE has caused more turmoil in a storied organization in the last month than they've experienced in their entire existence. If I'm Aaron Rodgers I am feeling deeply betrayed by the owners and coaches. Since March he has been told he's the guy this season and now that has all changed. He should demand an immediate trade to an organization that will not be held hostage by a single player.
Ok, back to hockey. :)