Seems like it's one club when things are going well, but two teams when they aren't. This kinda reinforces that.
Paulson has helped make a lot of people a lot of money in MLS. He's in no hurry to go and they're in no hurry to see him leave. Timbers Army has also shown a willingness to keep buying tickets in spite of everything, so clearly at some level they're fine with him too. I mean, sure, they're going to sit on their hands this weekend, but they'll all be there.
That leaves the Thorns. Does he sell? Conventional wisdom says he has to. But what happens then? Are they treated as second-class citizens like Portland State? Do they move to Merlo Field? Do they relocate altogether? I fear we may be seeing the last of women's soccer in Portland for a while.
One more thing I can't get out of my head. I'm still a relatively new Portlander having arrived her in 2009. I got curious to know more of Merritt's background. He and his wife arrived in 2007 and had nothing but glowing things to say about our city. Here is what his old boss had to say fifteen years ago about Paulson, "Merritt is not only an outstanding sports executive, he is someone who understands the relationship between sports and community,” said David J. Stern, Commissioner of the NBA." Community - hmmm.
I have been watching soccer in what was called Civic Stadium since 1975. I really struggled with renewing my Thorns and Timbers tickets this season. I reached out to friends in HR, had discussion with other friends, and ultimately decided supporting the Thorns by purchasing season tickets was the right thing to do. I'm delighted to see Gavin and Mike get fired for colluding and covering up Paul Riley's egregious behavior. I hope the next step is for all sponsors, season ticket holders, and the league to demand Merritt Paulson sell the team.
Merritt has been a great owner from a business standpoint, and the teams will likely not do as well on the pitch with a new one, and I'm ok with that. RCTID, unless Merritt continues to own the team, then the teams will be dead to me.
Was waiting on your column on this John. George really really hit the nail on the head. You captured lightning in a bottle with your interview. Still much of this story to be told I think. Side note - that art show tonight will be a sell out!
Owning a woman's professional sports teams seems more problems than it's worth. Owners are accountable for some deutchbag's behavior and constant babysitting, and paranoia are required.
Seems like it's one club when things are going well, but two teams when they aren't. This kinda reinforces that.
Paulson has helped make a lot of people a lot of money in MLS. He's in no hurry to go and they're in no hurry to see him leave. Timbers Army has also shown a willingness to keep buying tickets in spite of everything, so clearly at some level they're fine with him too. I mean, sure, they're going to sit on their hands this weekend, but they'll all be there.
That leaves the Thorns. Does he sell? Conventional wisdom says he has to. But what happens then? Are they treated as second-class citizens like Portland State? Do they move to Merlo Field? Do they relocate altogether? I fear we may be seeing the last of women's soccer in Portland for a while.
It’s easy to root for players like Fochive. A decent human and fun to watch on the pitch.
Loved the simplicity and purity of George’s comments…I pray that would be true across all pro sports…but, sadly, not sure it is…
Thanks for your “up to the minute’ stories, John…
One more thing I can't get out of my head. I'm still a relatively new Portlander having arrived her in 2009. I got curious to know more of Merritt's background. He and his wife arrived in 2007 and had nothing but glowing things to say about our city. Here is what his old boss had to say fifteen years ago about Paulson, "Merritt is not only an outstanding sports executive, he is someone who understands the relationship between sports and community,” said David J. Stern, Commissioner of the NBA." Community - hmmm.
I have been watching soccer in what was called Civic Stadium since 1975. I really struggled with renewing my Thorns and Timbers tickets this season. I reached out to friends in HR, had discussion with other friends, and ultimately decided supporting the Thorns by purchasing season tickets was the right thing to do. I'm delighted to see Gavin and Mike get fired for colluding and covering up Paul Riley's egregious behavior. I hope the next step is for all sponsors, season ticket holders, and the league to demand Merritt Paulson sell the team.
Merritt has been a great owner from a business standpoint, and the teams will likely not do as well on the pitch with a new one, and I'm ok with that. RCTID, unless Merritt continues to own the team, then the teams will be dead to me.
Was waiting on your column on this John. George really really hit the nail on the head. You captured lightning in a bottle with your interview. Still much of this story to be told I think. Side note - that art show tonight will be a sell out!
Owning a woman's professional sports teams seems more problems than it's worth. Owners are accountable for some deutchbag's behavior and constant babysitting, and paranoia are required.
It’s not just Portland, the controversy is nationwide.
Beautiful daughter--make sure she's NOT WEARING HER GLASSES, when she does her fights! best, Ken