RIP Art Modell

Do you not believe the story about Modell looking out for Rooney? Or are you talking about his overall point? I don't buy Izenberg's argument at all. I don't think Modell was a good guy. That said, I see no reason to doubt that particular anecdote. It's not the first time I've read about Modell's high regard for Rooney.

 

How much money did Modell get for the move? The three teams that left got a substantial chunk. And by the time Modell agreed Rooney had already committed so Modell knew his chief rival was going to go, also. Rooney and Modell also knew that they could go into a division with the Bengals and have a pretty good division. And the teams would be close enough to bring their own fans when they played each other.

Having said that I will reluctantly give the devil his due for that move.

 

Good. When you shit where you eat, better learn to eat somewhere else.

 

That turn of phrase is appropriate given how so many people here and elsewhere are demonizing the guy. I don't like him much, either, but damn some of this is over the top.

 

He knew he was signing up for exactly this the day he agreed to move. No sympathy.

 

He moved a business from one city to another. Why all the acrimony and heartbreak?

 

Nah, he's not a deer, and this ain't Wisconsin.

 

That was his home community for almost half a century.

 

Can't say I agree with either of these posts. It isn't just moving a business. That completely ignores the impact a professional sports team has on a city beyond money.

That said, I'm not really talking about sympathizing with the guy. I'm not sure he even cared that much about people in Cleveland hating him. He had to know it was coming. That doesn't mean people aren't getting out of hand with the spleen venting. Singing songs of joy because a man died? Assuming any story that gives him credit for anything is not true just because they can't stand to look at him as anything but a villain? Sorry, but it's a bit much.

 

I just wish such vitriol were applied more often to companies that move their operations out of the country.

 

The entire premise of the business is predicated on building up consumer affection, attachment and yes, love, of the business itself. In fact, it's usually equated with the population's quality as a community.

If the company decides to get up and leave, it should be no surprise the former consumers react negatively.