If the Cleveland Browns were a reality TV show, they would get better ratings than "Survivor" and "Dancing with the Stars" combined.
The latest episode in the high-drama series of “Browns ’08: Disappointment Island” involves General Manager Phil Savage responding to an angry and confrontational fan in a less-than-ideal way.
The website deadspin.com originally reported the story, and it was also reported on a radio station local to where I live; that’s right, Pittsburgh, PA, of all places.
Here’s how the confrontation allegedly went down:
Fan: You are easily the worst GM in the NFL. Chud, Crennel, and Tucker should
NOT have jobs. How the hell do you play prevent defense the entire game? How do you NOT use Jerome Harrison more? Why the hell would you throw the ball with six minutes left? This is officially a regime that is worse than Butch Davis'. By the way, just like last week—this e-mail was written while the Browns still had the lead.
Savage:
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about 1 month ago
Coop,
Thanks for the love BTW. Savage droping the f bomb could either be good for the team or bad, and the Browns have more pressing matters on their hands, If I was Savage I would have said the same thing, but this has been a dissapointing season and the fans have a right to speak.
from about 1 month ago
Honestly, I don't see Phil's e-mail as having any impact whatsoever. Like Trent Dilfer's comments, these won't impact how Phil does his job, and certainly won't matter on Sunday at 1 pm.
Still, if it has any impact at all, I've got to think it will be positive. I'm sure RAC and the players would be glad to know Savage has their back, rather than if he said, "You know, you're right. Know any good head coaches and coordinators that need a job?"
Fans do have a right to voice their opinions, but there's a proper time and forum. And the best way to get your point across has been and will always be not buying tickets and merchandise.
about 1 month ago
Speaking of surrogate e-mailer's, I would guess it was YOU who sent the "Savage" response! LOL!!!...you do have a way of laying it on the line!....but seriously, I also have reservations as to whether Savage was the actual author.....hard for me to imagine that this is the first or only criticism e-mail Phil has received this year, and now he goes off on a fan after after a WIN?...not likely...and equally hard to believe that Phil would spend valuable time to send a response....my guess is he was not even in his office when it was sent...probably out travelling to interview guys for the Browns head coaching positon! ;-)
from about 1 month ago
Agreed. Seems like rather than finding the right coach to hire, Phil should be worrying about hiring public relations staff and administrative assistants that don't make him look like a jerk!
about 1 month ago
Couldn't 'a been Li'l Coop with the e-mail to Phil. He would have included Stonehands Edwards in his rant. This guy couldn't even get his complaints right.
from about 1 month ago
Ha! You've got that right!
about 1 month ago
Great read. Furthermore, these aren't heads of state here. They are owners of professional sports franchises. There are no prereqs to owning a team except enough money.
Hey, four-letter words and sports go together like America and apple pie. Even if they didn't, where does dropping an f-bomb in an email to a fan who's provoking you rank on a conduct policy that encompasses dog-fighting, making it rain, fighting your own bodyguard, owning an arsenal, etc.?
from about 1 month ago
That's a funny but thought-provoking point. After I wrote the article, I began to seriously wonder if Dictator Goodell will be levying a fine on Savage. I guarantee it's crossed his mind.
Of course, if I was Phil, I might have been a bit more creative in my use of the F bomb. As in, "Where's YOUR F-ing Super Bowl ring, genius?"
about 1 month ago
I completely agree. Go Phil!!
about 1 month ago
Good article, Coop...
Whatever one's opinion of Phil Savage (mine is that he should be dumped on an island where there aren't any football teams he can destroy), you can't blame the guy for defending himself while under flagrant attack by some bozo with a lot of opinions and too much time on his hands.
And actually, his reposonse may be the best move he's made all season...nothing like an F bomb to get people fired up, and a little more spark is exactly what the Browns need.
about 1 month ago
Have to disagree with everyone else.
The F bomb is unacceptable and embarrassing.
Why does a professional GM, after a game his team won, even acknowledge a rowdy fan e-mail let alone give the response his did.
It just shows how screwed up this franchise is from the top down.
This team has talent but until it has any sort of leadership or direction from the top it will continue to flounder.
from about 1 month ago
Jeff, I don't think this reflects on leadership or direction. Of course, Savage might be leading the Browns over a cliff (I don't believe that, but some do)... but it's leadership nonetheless.
You acknowledge that the team has talent.... Who got all that talent? Savage.
What I'm trying to say is, with the way Savage has methodically built the team - basically from absolutely nothing - I think it's clear that Savage has a plan. And that's what "leadership and direction" is all about.
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