Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
I have a dream that NBA season-ticket holders and walk-ups boycott one game for every game that is missed. Lose 20 games to labor strife, and that's 20 games in which you will have an empty arena.
Trust me: The league-wide embarrassment is worth the price of the unused ticket.
I have a dream that T-shirts will be printed that read: "Magic-Heat, 1-02-2012. I SKIPPED IT.''
I have a dream that viewers will refuse to watch the first big televised game after the lockout (likely Heat vs. Mavs rematch), sending a message to TNT execs, its advertisers and the league.
I have a dream that as long as the lockout lasts, fans do not purchase NBA player jerseys, bobbleheads or basketball shoes. And also those Magic Kingdom/Magic-themed Mickey Mouse ears…
I have a dream that the next time the NBA tries to, in effect, lock out fans it will think twice. . . .
And then I woke up. Who am I kidding?
Brian Schmidt – Orlando Sentinel
I'm buying what Brian Schmidt is selling. If the lockout drags into the fall and eats up regular season games, I think hardcore fans will be angry enough to take action. But even if we are able to organize a mass boycott, there's another problem. An NBA arena is probably half full of hardcore fans. The rest are corporate hacks, wannabe corporate hacks and their WAGs. And that group of "fans" won't participate in any movement.
Schmidt references the Sports Fan Coalition – a "national nonprofit fighting to give sports fans a voice on public policy issues." The group fights against media blackouts and for affordable seating. Go ahead and join (I did – it takes 5 seconds to submit name and email) and throw some additional muscle behind this group.
A season-long merchandise boycott may be a more feasible action. We get to watch the games, but still hit the league in the wallet. I'd love to see bloggers lead this charge.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Good in Green? A Veteran point guard | Globe – NBA Sunday notes | Twitter: Jeff Green joins (not verified)
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