Rams owner has clear message for fans
May 21st, 2008By Susan Iskiwitch
I grew up with the St. Louis Rams (am I dating myself?) and I was broken hearted to hear from Yahoo! Sports that at least three groups have had talks about purchasing the Rams franchise. Luckily, my sadness was short-lived as Rams Managing Owner Chip Rosenbloom announced he has every intention of keeping the Rams in St. Louis.
His statement read:
“It has only been four months since my mom passed away. Her passing immediately caused speculation that we were selling the team. When a team is passed from one generation to another it becomes to some a calling card that the team must be for sale. So to reply to this article: Nothing has changed since my mom’s passing. We’ve been approached by several people. We plan on using the season to show that the performance on the field will be exciting and to honor my mom. And while we deal with her estate I can assure you we have every intention of keeping the Rams in St. Louis and will have no further comment on this article.”
Every time we provide our clients with message training, we insist that telling the truth is the most important tip to remember, followed by not speculating on the situation. Mr. Rosenbloom (or his publicist), in a very matter-of-factual way responded by stating the facts and nothing else. It is because of Mr. Rosenbloom’s clear and concise message, and by dismissing the Yahoo! Sports article’s accuracy, St. Louis Rams fans across the country slept better last night.
May 21st, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Thanks for reprinting this. When I heard it on the radio, I had the same impression that it was a very good statement that spoke from the heart. It’s a great example of how not to address an issue when you are not ready. I don’t follow the sports blogs. Wonder how they are taking it?
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:22 am
The following sports reports I’ve read aren’t buying it. The sports reporter at Yahoo! Sports previously worked wtih Sports Illustrated and has a credible history. He quoted people such as former 49ers owner Eddie Bartolo, who said, “Georgia’s kids have decided to sell the team. I’ve talked to some people who are brokering things, and they’ve told me about the price and what the deal might entail.” I’m not sure what the sources would have to gain by saying this, but it’s clear the current owners would need to say the team isn’t moving to keep ticket sales up.
I don’t think a sale will happen soon, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the team sold within a year or two (especially if the Rams perform poorly again and ticket sales continue to sag).
As long as the siblings own the team, as stated, it will be in St. Louis. Notice how there’s been no commitment to a long-term ownership of the team? Once the team is sold, the new owner can do as they please … once the Edward Jones Dome lease is up in 2015.