Ben Schmitt
Fire Millen posts
Dec 6, 2006
All right, everyone: The Fire Millen postings were funny for awhile. I even wrote a story about them. I'm in no position to tell anyone to stop, but they are getting old.
Let me share this recent post on a forum from a concerned reader: "I am getting sick and tired of people posting "Fire Millen" or "Fire so and so" We know already!! You don't have to post this after each and every article.
Enough is enough! Obviously you don't have anything better to do than annoy all the rest of the freep readers!!!"
Those aren't my words, just saying....
Comment by Greg Speakmon | 12/06/06 at 12:30 PM
What does "We get know already!!" mean? When typing a post putting down others, please make sense.
Comment by Rachael | 12/06/06 at 2:27 PM
Yes, the "Fire Millen" comments are getting VERY irritating! It is juvenile at best. I see the comments posted in serious topics, and I think it is tasteless.
Are you gaining anything by posting these? Is this the best thing you could find to do on a daily basis? Are you being paid by your employer to waste their time? Maybe if more people actually worked at work, Michigan would be a better place economically.
And yes, I am now guilty of wasting my employers time also. So, I will not post this comment 11,000 times on every story!
Rachael
Comment by Tenacious D | 12/06/06 at 5:04 PM
Rachael-
Get off your high horse already. "It's tasteless..." Wahhhh!
Shut your pie hole. If you don't like it, the don't do it. It's that simple. I'm sure you are truely, DEEPLY concerned about your employers well-being. I'm sure that you NEVER waste time at work when you're trying to recharge your betteries.
Corporations and employers can stick it! Just because you work for them doesn't mean they own you.
Maybe this state would be doing better if the Big 3 was not ran like crap along with the state government prior to Jennifer Granholm taking office.
BTW... FIRE MATT MILLEN BYATCHES!
Comment by LRW | 12/06/06 at 6:02 PM
I suggest the Freep investigate those who are doing this and suspend their privilege of posting comments. That would stop it cold.
Comment by Greg Speakmon | 12/06/06 at 6:04 PM
Michigan's economy would be better just by getting rid of the piece of .... that is running the Lions. Look at how much money was generated to the state and the Detroit area by assembling a winning baseball team. The Lions fans have always been there even when they were doing as badly as they are now. If they could just make the playoffs year after year this city would rebuild because of the sports teams if nothing else. The Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers have found a way to win, why can't the Lions? It is no wonder Barry got out when he did.
Comment by enoc | 12/07/06 at 9:34 AM
Fire Millen.
(www.firemillen.net)
Comment by JB | 12/07/06 at 10:30 AM
FIRE MILLEN!
Comment by MillenHater | 12/07/06 at 10:49 AM
Just because it's annoying and I haven't posted it before:
Fire Millen!
Comment by firemillen | 12/07/06 at 11:05 AM
how could anyone defend anything about that moron or ask that people stop begging for his firing?
are you experiencing the early stages of dementia, mr. schmitt???
Comment by REGINALD | 12/07/06 at 1:42 PM
PISS-HAGLERS AND TROLLEY-ARSES UNITE!
FIRETH MILLENETH
Comment by MichiganFootball | 12/07/06 at 3:12 PM
Michigan is better than Florida, period. But I respect the BCS.
I'm counting down the days until next year's rematch with Ohio State.
Maize and Blue!
Comment by InTT | 12/07/06 at 3:17 PM
Michigan had its shot, but next year I'm going to "The Game" against Ohio State. We'll just have to wait another year.
Comment by Former Lions' Fan | 12/08/06 at 3:00 AM
Dear Mr. Millen,
It is time. You were given your chance to first lead, then to have full control, and then to turn things around. You must understand how proud football fans in Michigan are of our champions -- whether it is Grand Valley, Michigan, this year's MAC Champion CMU, and even our eight high school champions. Still, we desire the ultimate champion -- a SUPERBOWL CHAMPION. Each year we deserve to have HOPE... hope that WE could be SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS. Instead, we HOPE to read Monday's paper to find the Lions have reached a new low so maybe Mr. Ford will finally come to his senses. We HOPE for loses, so that maybe a miracle may happen in next year's draft. It is understandable that you would want to work even harder to turn this around and surely your competitive nature will not allow you to quit. However, we are sorry Mr. Millen; it is well past that. PLEASE recognize that it is time for change. PLEASE recognize that it is not about you, but rather us, the Lions' fans. You have taken away our football on Sunday afternoons, our reading of box scores on Monday mornings, and our desire have HOPE. You are holding our team hostage and respectfully, we ask that you resign. And, Mr. Ford, shame on you for letting it get to this point.
Respectfully,
Humiliated Former Lions' Fan
Comment by Rockinred | 12/08/06 at 10:16 AM
"We know already" means we know you guys want Millen Fired! We know, We Know!! now give us a break! Its really sad that when there is a serious article posted and we freep readers want to read others comments regarding the article and all we see is "Fire Millen" thats more than annoying now, its just down right stupid and frustrating.
Comment by Jebby | 12/08/06 at 11:34 AM
How about this then. The team has fired players and fired coaches. They've blamed quarterbacks and running backs and so on and so forth. And nothing has worked so far. If the powers that be want to keep on trying to root out the problem and try more.. why not fire Millen? It's not like going to his house and torching it and slaying his family. It's a business decision. Not a ritualistic murder. In sports people like Millen often times (should) take the hit when the team stays abysmal. Why is he up and above the fray somehow? Drinking buddies with the Fords? Seems to me he's the only thing than HASN'T been changed in a while. On the "nothing personal" level.. shouldn't axing Millen be seriously considered just for the logic of it all? You don't have to be a Millenologist to see the Millanthropic tendencies here. Apparently he IS the Detroit Lions. Everyone else is a contractor, he is the sole Lions Employee. I guess I HOPE then that he doesn't suck then, since he is never going to leave until he retires.
Comment by Idea | 12/08/06 at 12:27 PM
I want Millen to stay, here's how he can make himself useful...
1. Throw away the season, promptly losing the remainder of the Lions games.
2. Get first round pick, choose Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith.
3. Ruin his career.
I will love Millen forever if he can follow this simple action plan!
Comment by Greg Speakmon | 12/08/06 at 12:34 PM
Replace Millen with Wayne Fontes! Get Charlie Batch from the Steelers. We won't be any worse!
Comment by Angelo | 12/08/06 at 8:30 PM
Batch isn't a bad QB, never was. He throws a pretty nice ball. I would venture to say he's better than Kitna or shall I say: K-INT-A.
Comment by drayman86 | 12/09/06 at 11:10 AM
FIRE MILLEN ! ! !
Comment by Jon | 12/09/06 at 11:51 AM
"Ruin Troy Smith's career", I almost lost it when I read that! Finally a way for Millen to render himself productive!
Comment by jimmyt | 12/09/06 at 1:06 PM
Fire Millen: as a season ticket owner, I have a right to post this anywhere and everywhere...
Comment by Ray K (Florida) | 12/09/06 at 2:25 PM
The Detroit Lions have had a high draft pick every year since Matt Millen has been in charge, yet the Lions are tied for last in the NFL!! What is the message? "Fire Matt Millen"....
Comment by Otoolio | 12/09/06 at 4:23 PM
Fire Millen
Comment by Lions r losers | 12/09/06 at 5:29 PM
I think that the Owners of the Detroit Lions should sell the team.Time for a change in Detroit.
We need Winners not losers and Lions are just losers.I wouldn't pay a dime to see the lions lose all the time.Clay and Bill Ford.Please do us a favor in Detroit and just SELL THE TEAM THX Have a great Day!!!!!!
Comment by Maize&BlueEagle | 12/09/06 at 5:39 PM
"Pride of the Pride". In a pride of LIONS the top cat wins the Pride because of his Proud and fierce unrelenting determination to be the boss.
Too bad the LIONS without with PRIDE and have for years and will continue to do so.
Why?
Because with few exceptions this team shows none just as most others in the WC FORD era have. Its absence has shown up on the field with seasonal regularity for decades.
If the head guy has no pride how in the world can the people he hires and the players they get have pride?
WC Ford must be the "Laughing Stock" among NFL owners because of the fact that for decades he has been unable to build a winner while several expansion teams have.
And as long as Detroiters and Michiganders are willing to help build stadiums for him and as long as the fans flock to pay to see a loser why dole out money for real talent?
Detroit / Michigan fans have built him not 1 but 2 new stadiums. He shafted the city of Detroit when he left for Pontiac and a he shafted Pontiac by going back to Detroit. And he has shafted every fan for not delivering a winner. SHAME on him!
And the sports writers have had a soft 'almost hands off policy' about FORD all the time he's been the owner.
Real LIONS have big GONADS; most FORD teams played like castrated kittens.
It starts at the top and he demonstrates little
P-R-I-D-E.
The DETROIT LIONS are the only "supposedly" pro team in any sport that has been in a new franchise / rebuilding mode for almost 50 years!
Phew it is exhausting! The name DETROIT LIONS is actually an oxymoron.
He should sell the team or threaten MILLEN and all those impersonators called players that he is going to re-name the team THE DETROIT KITTENS - and change their team colors to fuchsia and Honolulu Blue..........................Meow!
Comment by LadyH | 12/09/06 at 7:23 PM
Dear Mr. Ford as a college-educated female football fan since I attended St. Boniface Elementary which was located three blocks from Tiger Stadium. Please Fire Matt Millen and tell him to take his West Coast Offense and stick it up his XXX and get the first plane out of Michigan ASAP. He wasn't much of a player back in the day and he still doesn't have a clue. He is just an old school has been with no experience running a football team.
Comment by Stoofy | 12/09/06 at 9:17 PM
I wonder if the Ilitch Empire has considered expanding to include the Lions... No doubt there would be more "rebuilding" involved, but it only took 14 years for the Tigers to become contenders after the family took over, which I'm sure is less time than the current debacle coudl turn around in.
Comment by bearspackersvikings | 12/10/06 at 8:13 AM
There are those who like Millen - the opponents of the Lions since Moeller coached them.
Comment by Angelo | 12/10/06 at 8:29 AM
Izzo for GM! Hire IZZO! H to the Izzo
Comment by Rod | 12/10/06 at 8:56 AM
Who ever thought that the Wayne Fontes and Bobby Ross eras would be considered the good old days?
And LadyH...I appreciate your lofty college educated status, even if your first sentence makes no sense. Regardless, Millen is a complete washout as football executive. He has proven his incompetence year after year and I'd love to see him get canned, but he was one hell of a player. I don't know how anyone who ever watched him play could think otherwise, unless you were spending all your time hitting the books.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/10/06 at 9:39 AM
Millen's not going anywhere. In fact, the day the music died for this franchise is when Ford acquired it in 1964.
Comment by jimmyt | 12/10/06 at 1:14 PM
FIRE FORD...
Comment by Sleepygal_13 | 12/10/06 at 3:43 PM
Being loyal to your employees is an admirable quality, but there are, and must be, limits. Look at what loyalty to his employees did for Richard Nixon. And it's doing the same thing to WC Ford. He was too loyal to Russ Thomas, which was the beginning of this debacle, and now he's being loyal to Matt Millen. Does this man never learn?? It's time for Millen to go, and maybe time for Ford to sell the team, or at the very least let Billy, Jr. take over. Maybe he'll have the guts and gumption to really clean house. We can only hope!
Comment by James K | 12/10/06 at 4:18 PM
Ford will never sell the team to Illitch.
I just cannot believe how obvious it is that the Fords do not care about building any kind of competitive team.
Maybe Detroit needs a second football team. One that has owners who care about winning, and care about their fans. (karmanos? Illitch? Davidson?) Anybody want to step up?
Comment by Bill Lee Alan | 12/10/06 at 4:25 PM
Keep Millen! Then he can draft another receiver in the first round and not use him the entire 2007 season.
The Lions, the Ford family, Millen & the idiots that spend good money for tickets deserve each other!
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/10/06 at 5:52 PM
I have to laugh at people petitioning Ford to see the team. The guy's going to give up an $800 million valued franchise and one he bought for $3 or $4 million becuase the fans are upset??? Come on. He should have fired Millen after season two, but it should be obvious to all that the guy (Ford) does what he wants even if it mean sticking with a buffoon of a GM. Apparently, holding the course in terms of retaining a stupid appointee (Millen) is Ford's method of operating. Great "way forward" in terms of maintaining a stranglehold on the NFC cellar.
Comment by alan | 12/10/06 at 6:07 PM
Well as long as the annoying Ford Sr continues to annoy the fans with annoying GM Matt Millen I will continue to annoy readers with the annoying FIRE MILLEN posts.
This can easily end with if Ford Sr fires Millen or if Millen finally leaves of his own accord
Comment by alan | 12/10/06 at 6:31 PM
Actually Ford can fire Millen and still keep the $800 million franchise. He can also hire some football professionals and replace the current front office administration with the proper management team all while keeping his $800 million franchise.
Comment by WC Fields | 12/10/06 at 8:05 PM
When are you going to realize that the NFL is actually a crapshoot? There's never any gaurentee that a free agent or draft prospect is going to live up to expectations, even if they have the potential. The same goes for the front office and yes, even the owner.
Who's to say that a new owner wouldn't move to another city like Modell or be twice as stingy? Who's to say a new GM wouldn't actually be worse?
There are no gaurentees and nobody said life was fair. If you want overnight success, you've just gotta put your Madden game in franchise mode and take the Lions there yourself. You might also learn that the Lions start out $14,000,000 under the salary cap too (Madden 2006 version..LMAO).
Until this lame franchise gets serious and takes an active interest in turning the Lions around, not to mention spending up to the cap and filling all the gaping holes with quality, I will not have a football team to root for. I might however be pursuaded to give them a new chance if they bring in some hot cheerleaders. At least then we'd have something worth watching.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/10/06 at 8:31 PM
True. Ford can keep his franchise, but he doesn't have to do anything, including firing Millen. The Lions fan base is loyal and each year hope springs eternal which means that El Stumblebum (Millen) gets a fresh reprieve. Don't get me wrong. Millen is a total loser who has no clue on how to construct a team and deserved to be fired long ago. However, with this owner, common sense takes a backseat.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/10/06 at 8:51 PM
WC, I wouldn't mind some cheerleaders. In fact, they'd be a nice diversion to the packaged crap presented on the field. In spite of Marinelli and his "pound the rock, watch the tape" mantras, this team now appears unmotivated and just content to ride out the season. And where are Millen and Ford while their coach is left as the team spokesperson??? Hiding under the same bed??? Two cowards, afraid to face up to the mess under their watch.
Comment by Detroit Sports Fan | 12/11/06 at 9:04 AM
You know there is an easy way to get what you want . Quit going to the games. If the fans quit going to the games until the Lions start winning on a regular basis, maybe just maybe Bill Ford will get the idea. Then maybe he will sell the team to an owner who wants to put a winning team on the field.
Vic Ferrari you are so right! Bill Ford runs Ford Motor Co. the same way with lack of common sense. Is it no wonder why it is in the shape it is.
Comment by UncleBuck | 12/11/06 at 9:39 AM
The Lions make money, regardless of what we, the fans, think they should do.
At the beginning of every season, as they go into camp, we have hope, mostly based on media hype, of how good they could/should be.
We kid ourselves during pre-season games, that they're "sandbagging" or working out the rookies and that they'll do something special when the regular season starts.
We come to the first home game of the season, with high hopes. We buy the 8 dollar beers and the souveniers for the kids. We cheer, we hope, we pray. We go home dejected.
We are the cycle. We have to change the cycle in order to get ANYONE to try harder for us. That includes the Ford family, Matt Millen, Rod Marinelli and every single player on the roster. They are all millionaires because we watch, we buy, we pay. They get paid regardless of the product on the field or the results, because we contribute to their financial well-being.
Stop going to games.
Stop buying merchandise.
Stop supporting the team.
If they don't sell out the stadium, they miss out on television advertising dollars, because the game will not be televised. They miss out on our dollars because we're not supporting the vendors or buying the merchandise.
Interrupting the money stream is the ONLY way to get them to finally care.
Fire Millen. Please?
Comment by Chris | 12/11/06 at 9:40 AM
To all angry football fans, I propose an idea. Once upon a time, this city was sick and tired of Ford's bullshit buddy system and wanted to change the way Ford did business, so what did they do? Went on strike. Thats what we need to do- go on strike, refuse to watch or attend Lions games, and picket every home game.
Comment by Troy Smith to the Lions | 12/11/06 at 10:20 AM
Draft Troy Smith and ruin his career!
Comment by Lions4EverLose | 12/11/06 at 11:51 AM
I stand by my previous statements and say "Fire Millen".
Comment by NFL Fan | 12/11/06 at 12:17 PM
Please Mr. Ford - don't listen to these crazy, disrespectful, ungrateful people! You have it right - keep Matt Millen!!
-Every fan for every OTHER team in the NFL who wants an easy win
Comment by MIke | 12/11/06 at 12:26 PM
Firing Millen will change very little for the Lions. The reason is the Fords will hire his replacement. The arrogance of the Fords to keep Millen needs to be punished. A boycott of the last home game of the season is useless, the tickets are already paid for and the Fords have your money. But to those who are going to the last home game of the season, leave your Lions gear at home. Wear the championship gear of either the Tigers, Pistons or Red Wings. Instead of chanting Fire Millen, chant Sell the Team. The Fords are the cancer and the Lions are in serious need of chemo.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/11/06 at 8:17 PM
Millen won't do the honorable thing and fall on his sword, which he'd miss anyway and Ford won't fire him. If a 23-70 record isn't cause to send Moustache back to PA, preferably with his fat frame plugged in a cannon, and then sent eastbound with a resounding salvo then nothing is. And Billy Ford is not the answer nor does he broker much influence with his perpetually out of touch Dad. In fact, the media tries to play the younger Ford as the voice of reason. What a joke. If not for Ford Jr. this organization wouldn't be saddled with Millen. Junior conned Dad into hiring the harelipped no personality thug.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/11/06 at 8:21 PM
Oops. Millen just got a ringing endorsement for the job he's done. Unfortunately, I don't think the reassurances of fans from Chicago, Minnesota, and Green Bay mean much.
Comment by bobhuge | 12/12/06 at 9:23 AM
Are you actually complaining about complaining? If you don't like what the Freep has you doing...quit. Unless you're like Millen, if so, then you need to be.... FFFFFFFIIIIIIIIRRRRRRREEEEEEDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
Comment by dave | 12/12/06 at 11:16 AM
With all the layoffs and plant closings, and everyone's job in this town hanging by a thread, threatened to lose their job on the most minor of errors, it is a wonder to me that one with so spectacular a record of failed job performance still has his job. The Fords, in their misplaced loyalty to this failed management team, demonstrate that they have nothing but contempt for the working man in this city, nothing but contempt for their customers, and nothing but contempt for the NFL by continuing to field such a completely uncompetitive organization. And it reflects in their other business in Dearborn.
Comment by Jeff | 12/12/06 at 2:33 PM
The problems with the Detroit Lions begin and end with the Ford Family. Players, coaches and Presidents have come and gone and the one consistent (besides loosing records) is the owner. There will be no improvement in team performance until the Detroit Lions have an owner that is commited to winning.
Comment by Cheese | 12/12/06 at 2:54 PM
FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN FIRE MILLEN
Comment by brandon | 12/12/06 at 3:56 PM
change ownership.
hire mitch albom as GM.
bring in scotty bowman to coach.
Comment by Phineas | 12/12/06 at 4:49 PM
It's called a fad. It will continue until:
1. Millen is fired
2. People get bored with it
By writing articles and then going on a rant about how the fad is played out, you are only giving it new life. WELCOME TO THE INTERNET. Ignore it, and it will eventually go away. Either that or implement some gestapo to ban users who type 'Fire Millen'. You would only be confirming my suspicions that this paper has descended into the depths of liberalism, communism, and socialism from which there is no escape.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/12/06 at 8:33 PM
Dave, the Fords may have contempt for their customers (fans), but who keeps endorsing this crap presented on the field as a team and it's so called management year in and out? Why the loyal fan base, of course. Not only that, but there's a waiting list for season tickets to boot. Not to mention TV and other revenue sharing deals negotiated by the NFL. Ford makes money in spite of himself and as long as the guy has no shame, and apparently he hasn't, he couldn't care less about replacing/firing Loser Millen or placating the upset fan base. The peasants shall eat cake in this patriach's (Ford) of Sports Ineptitude view.
Comment by Mark | 12/12/06 at 9:00 PM
I was born and raised in Detroit, but moved away like so many
others.
I still follow the Detroit and Michigan teams.
Alex Spanos who owns the San Diego Chargers
is a very successful and stubborn businessman too.
I guess it goes with the territory.
Spanos had to clean house a few times.
He hired Bobby Beathard(successes with Redskins and Dolphins).
Beathard built the team that Bobby Ross took to the Superbowl
ten years ago. (Ross had the team playing over their heads
Pittsburgh was the better team that year).
Beathard received wide spread criticism for trading all his #1 and
#2 draft picks and relying on too many players from Weber State
and other unheard of Div II and Div III programs.
The draft picks he traded made frequent visits to the Pro Bowl
wearing other teams’ uniforms.
The fans, press and Ross feuded with Beathard.
The situation forced the loyal Spanoses (son Dean is team President)
to decide between the two Bobbys.
Dean Spanos retained Beathard and let Ross walk.
He apologized to the fans about a year later after
firing Beathard and stated “I fired the wrong Bobby”.
The Spanos Family redeemed themselves by conducting an
extensive search for the “best football minds” they could find.
They hired GM John Butler and his Assistant AJ Smith
who had built the Buffalo Bills into a decade long powerhouse
Superbowl contenders with QB Jim Kelley.
Butler died of a heart attack halfway thru the second Chargers rebuild.
But his assistant AJ Smith completed the total rebuild of
the Chargers who are favorites to return to the Super Bowl
this year. They built this team thru the draft and trades
for draft picks and younger players and a few under the radar
free agent signings.
Just two examples of why a great GM, front office and scouting
can make of break your NFL team:
1)Chargers were criticized for trading Michael Vick pick
for other picks, players and moving down a few
Slots in the first round
Result: two Pro Bowlers:
RB LaDanian Thomlinson
QB Drew Brees(left as free agent)
(too much depth at QB position/injured shoulder)
and they received other picks and players in the deal too!
2) Criticized for trading Eli Manning to NY Giants
2a Moved down a few spots in draft and picked future pro bowler
QB Phillip Rivers
And defensive standout Sean Merriman
And other picks and players who are helping the team win!
Chargers have stocked up on so many young draft players that they had millions in salary cap room last off season,
But no room on the roster for any veteran over priced players.
(no free agent signings).
Chargers have had injuries and suspended players,
But they have so much depth, they only worry about
getting some of their young talented players playing time.
Ford and the Lions can clean out the entire front officeand scouting and get a good football team going like The Chargers did (twice in the last ten years with
Two completely different front offices and completelynew rosters.(There is only one player left from the 1996 Super Bowl team that lost to the 49ers in Miami).
To find out that the Lions could have either picked USC QB Matt Leinert and kept him or traded him for 4-6 other high round picks and players
AND DID NOTHING OR DID NOT EVEN TRY
OR DID NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT
TELLS ME THAT MATT MILLEN
IS KILLING THE LIONS FRANCHISE AND NEEDS
TO GO.
Good Luck,
Mark P
San Diego, CA.
Comment by Mark | 12/12/06 at 9:06 PM
I was born and raised in Detroit, but moved away like so many
others.
I still follow the Detroit and Michigan teams.
Alex Spanos who owns the San Diego Chargers
is a very successful and stubborn businessman too.
I guess it goes with the territory.
Spanos had to clean house a few times.
He hired Bobby Beathard(successes with Redskins and Dolphins).
Beathard built the team that Bobby Ross took to the Superbowl
ten years ago. (Ross had the team playing over their heads
Pittsburgh was the better team that year).
Beathard received wide spread criticism for trading all his #1 and
#2 draft picks and relying on too many players from Weber State
and other unheard of Div II and Div III programs.
The draft picks he traded made frequent visits to the Pro Bowl
wearing other teams’ uniforms.
The fans, press and Ross feuded with Beathard.
The situation forced the loyal Spanoses (son Dean is team President)
to decide between the two Bobbys.
Dean Spanos retained Beathard and let Ross walk.
He apologized to the fans about a year later after
firing Beathard and stated “I fired the wrong Bobby”.
The Spanos Family redeemed themselves by conducting an
extensive search for the “best football minds” they could find.
They hired GM John Butler and his Assistant AJ Smith
who had built the Buffalo Bills into a decade long powerhouse
Superbowl contenders with QB Jim Kelley.
Butler died of a heart attack halfway thru the second Chargers rebuild.
But his assistant AJ Smith completed the total rebuild of
the Chargers who are favorites to return to the Super Bowl
this year. They built this team thru the draft and trades
for draft picks and younger players and a few under the radar
free agent signings.
Just two examples of why a great GM, front office and scouting
can make of break your NFL team:
1)Chargers were criticized for trading Michael Vick pick
for other picks, players and moving down a few
Slots in the first round
Result: two Pro Bowlers:
RB LaDanian Thomlinson
QB Drew Brees(left as free agent)
(too much depth at QB position/injured shoulder)
and they received other picks and players in the deal too!
2) Criticized for trading Eli Manning to NY Giants
2a Moved down a few spots in draft and picked future pro bowler
QB Phillip Rivers
And defensive standout Sean Merriman
And other picks and players who are helping the team win!
Chargers have stocked up on so many young draft players that they had millions in salary cap room last off season,
But no room on the roster for any veteran over priced players.
(no free agent signings).
Chargers have had injuries and suspended players,
But they have so much depth, they only worry about
getting some of their young talented players playing time.
Ford and the Lions can clean out the entire front officeand scouting and get a good football team going like The Chargers did (twice in the last ten years with
Two completely different front offices and completelynew rosters.(There is only one player left from the 1996 Super Bowl team that lost to the 49ers in Miami).
To find out that the Lions could have either picked USC QB Matt Leinert and kept him or traded him for 4-6 other high round picks and players
AND DID NOTHING OR DID NOT EVEN TRY
OR DID NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT
TELLS ME THAT MATT MILLEN
IS KILLING THE LIONS FRANCHISE AND NEEDS
TO GO.
Good Luck,
Mark P
San Diego, CA.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/12/06 at 9:17 PM
Mark P, nice assessment on how SD did a makeover. Unfortunately in Detroit, we rely on the tried and true method of management by incompetence with our Lions organization leading the NFL by example. At this point, if Millen should leave in loss mounting disgace (And God I hope that he does leave some way or somehow), I think Marinelli should go with him. This guy reminds me more each week of Marty, albeit with a simonized forehead that glows brighter each time he spins the truth about his 2 and something team.
Comment by Yeah Right | 12/12/06 at 11:11 PM
I agree with Rachael and Ben. The Fire Millen thing has gotten out of hand. It's on every message board on here even when it's uncalled for--like someone murdering a child!! Crazy and insensitive.
I'm pretty sure it's grown men on here posting those and that's pretty sad & pathetic. I mean grow up and get a life and do something else with your time. You don't see women on here doing that stuff. It's just immature to the rest of us who read this.
Comment by WC Ford | 12/13/06 at 8:10 AM
Why keep blaming Millen and not the players? Charles Rogers should have been a great pick but he turned out to be a loser pot head, same with Shawn Rogers. Who could have predicted Mike Williams would be such a bust after such a great college carreer? And don't even get me started on Joey. Millen has just been had a string of bad luck with his draft picks, give him more time. WC Ford
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/13/06 at 8:39 AM
WC Ford - Sorry, but your patter doesn't wash in defense of your boy. All the players you cited had issues before they were drafted. Lack of discipline heads the list. A GM and scouting department that knew what they were doing would have taken that into account under the head of performing due diligence. Further in terms of Joey, a scouting report mentioned his inability to see the majority of the field as a play unfolded and cast doubt on his ability to lead. Gee, like that wasn't shown a few times here in Detroit. Sorry WC, but don't worry. Matt will explain how Brady Quinn will be an immediate asset to the team if he doesn't first tell the Lions to pound sand in terms of selecting him.
Comment by Ben Buckland | 12/13/06 at 9:30 AM
Stay the course with Millen and now Marinelli, I'm sure they both can work their winning percentage back up over .500
Comment by Mike Sovey | 12/13/06 at 9:31 AM
Hire Fontes!!
Comment by Angelo | 12/13/06 at 5:32 PM
Hire Bill Cowher!
Comment by Bobby | 12/13/06 at 5:44 PM
I say we hire Michael Rosenberg, or how about Drew Sharp. These guys seem to have all the answers to correct the Lions Woes. I get sick of reading the same crap day in and day out from writers and fans who seem to think they know everything. Be nice if sports reporters today would just report the news instead of trying to create it.
Fans have a right to be angry but replacing Millen and starting over will just add to all the stupid complaining that these sports pages has turned into.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/13/06 at 10:13 PM
Does the FREEP have a prize for most stupid and ill informed viewpoint? If so, I'd like to enter this gem. "Fans have a right to be angry but replacing Millen and starting over will just add to all the stupid complaining that these sports pages has turned into."
Comment by Harry Taint | 12/14/06 at 12:19 AM
Christ. Who cares anymore? Until their senile owner breathes his last, booze-soaked breath, what difference does it make? Personally, I've started watching porn on Sunday afternoons.
Comment by Brownstone | 12/14/06 at 7:29 AM
Millen is to the Lions what Rumsfeld is to the Department of Defense. Rumsfeld is on his way out...does that make George Bush smarter than Ford?
Comment by Ave | 12/14/06 at 8:27 AM
F-ing A!!!!!!! FIRE MILLEN!!! FIRE MILLEN!!! FIRE MILLEN!!! FIRE MILLEN!!! This clown is a total joke and will never field a winner. He has had more than enough time. His hiring should be name "The Renewal of the Edsel". Ford + Millen = LOSER! One or both must go! LIONS SUCK!!!
Comment by Ave | 12/14/06 at 8:30 AM
Fire Millen!!! Hire Larry, Moe, or Curly. They are all dead but I bet they could manage the Lions better than this clown!
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/14/06 at 8:35 AM
I think Ford took his last drink in 1965, right around the time he bought the Lions. So much for sobriety helping a guy to make the right choices in terms of personnel selections and other matters in his life.
Comment by Robby | 12/14/06 at 11:00 AM
Maybe the Lions should hire Vic Ferrari too. He seems to have the answer to most everything. Once again just the same crap from someone who thinks they know it all.
Comment by Makes you say hummmm. | 12/14/06 at 2:11 PM
Has anyone ever noticed that Ford Motor Company has had the same number of CEO's since 2001 as the Lions have had head coaches in the same period? Jacques "Nasty" Nasser, "Little" Bill Ford and now..."what's his name"? Of course Morningdew, Mariachi, and Marinara (can't we get out of the M's?) haven't improved the Lions situation and Ford is still in the crapper. I'm just not sure why anyone is surprised by either company's lack of performance. Ford has the most bland, unimaginative line up of cars offered by any automaker...and the Lions have the blandest line up of players. Ford's leadership seems to be struggling to understand the market that they are selling to...and the Lions seem to not understand the objective of the game of football. Ford simply can't compete and will be a shell of it's former self in the future...the Lions haven't been able to seriously compete in years and are a shell of the former great teams. Mr. Ford won’t sell so all we can do is hope for his untimely death! In stead of chanting "fire millen" chant "lets go heart falure" or perhaps "Car-cin-oma". Anything lets just put the man down.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/14/06 at 10:38 PM
Astute reply R(B)obby. I'm always impressed by people such as you with such a breadth of knowledge of what ails this franchise. Please post on and I'll promise my undivided attention. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/14/06 at 11:10 PM
makes you say hummmmmm...I'm no fan of W.C Ford, but to try to hope for his death to help restore this franchise, even in joking fashion, is just plain stupid not to mention weird. And it wouldn't even be untimely, cretin. The guy's lived for 81 years so he's probably got a leg up on you by at least 75. You and R(B)obby should link up in terms of trying to get your heads out of where the sun doesn't shine. Misery loves company.
Comment by Robby | 12/15/06 at 3:36 AM
Sorry, Vic Not into having a war of wits with an unarmed opponent.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/15/06 at 8:58 AM
Robby - What a shame. I was looking forward to your thoughtful in depth analysis of how Millen's not the problem and that the 23-70 record was just conjured up by the media to sell copy.
Comment by juli | 12/17/06 at 12:23 AM
WHo's millen and why should he be fired ???
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/17/06 at 10:14 AM
Millen???? He's a former linebacker color commentator turned into a franchise albatross. Guy is about 47 or 48 and looks like a prison guard, but without the personality.
Comment by GMMOE | 12/17/06 at 10:43 AM
Hey Ben, how much did cry baby Bill Ford pay you to tell the people to stop. I don't think anyone should stop in fact we need more. Thats how the Lions organization gets away with this thing they call a football team. Without the fans there is no Lions. We need to all stand up and voice our discontent loud and clear. Detroit is known as a hard nosed town and you want us to back off... no way.
Fire Millen
Fire Ford
Millen BLOWS
Ford BLOWS
Comment by A-Man | 12/17/06 at 5:59 PM
The Lions must clean house. Everyone must go. Complete overhaul of coaches, management and staff... The Ford's also need a lock down on player personel ASAP.. I wouldn't let this current regime make any player personel decisions. Clearly they don't know what they are doing. Mike Williams is just getting a chance to make them look like idiots. They tried to play a QB at WR over M.Williams. What a laugh. Instead they need to get Kitna out of there. This regime is worse then the Marty Morninwheg era...... It's terrible.....
Comment by Dale Munson | 12/17/06 at 6:07 PM
Forget about firing Matt Millen. It is time for the Ford family to give up and sell the team. Who would have thought that the Red Wings, Tigers, and Pistons, would have more world championships than the Lions in the last 30 years. Hell even the now defunct Michigan Panthers, and the two arena football teams had more championships. Between Millen and Ford the Lions team on the field probably wouldn't quailify for the "STATE" playoffs. At least when the Tigers sucked the first few years Mike Illitch owned them, he did everything he could to improve them. That included hiring a GM with more than one active brain cell. Maybe Millen should do us all a favor and admit he is in over his head and quit. Matt there is nothing wrong with admitting your short comings ( drafting WR's in the first round in 3 straight drafts). So the time has come for me to make my Christmas wish. I wish for new ownership for the Lions and hopefully 8 wins next year.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/17/06 at 8:29 PM
I wish for new ownership too. Perhaps, in a hundred years from now and after one Ford passes on the keys to another Ford, the boredom and futility of trying to concoct a winner will end and the plaything called a team will be put up for auction by the snob Grosse Pointers. Let's hope so. Also, aside from the six years and counting of GM blundering, Millen should be fired for hiring Rod Marinelli. The guy reminds me of an Elmer Fudd verson of Mornhinweg.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/17/06 at 8:47 PM
What's forgotten among the many faithful who post here is that Ford still runs the show. He'll decide everything including whether to replace Millen and no one, including the "threatening" fan base, will change his ways. Nice set-up actually. The guy's a failure in most other endeavors. His own brother didn't give him a hand at running the family auto business probably because he recognized his incompetence. Yet, with $4 million of family money, he's managed to purchase an NFL franchise, now valued at $800 million and counting, and elevate himself to be regarded as one of the leading statesmen in the NFL without having his teams accomplish squat on the field. What a great country this is, even for an 81 year old imcompetent.
Comment by Mark J. Muylaert, Detroit, Mi. | 12/17/06 at 8:58 PM
FIRE MILLEN! Never posted it before, but what the heck, it felt good to get that off my chest!
And while we're at it, Hey Mr. FORD SELL THE TEAM!
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/17/06 at 10:05 PM
Fire Millen. Oh yeah, Matt just signed Kitna to a three year perks laden deal while saying that the 2006 season couldn't have happened without him. At this point, I don't think Millen could manage a one car funeral.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/17/06 at 10:15 PM
Note to Michael Rosenberg. Careful with the anit-Millen slants. Otherwise Robby will weigh in while saying the negative media takes are disrupting the delicate balance of incompetence that Millen and company are continuing to perpetuate.
Comment by Matt's Conscience | 12/18/06 at 9:04 AM
Hey Matt - this is your conscience...can you hear me Matt? Better yet, can you hear the calls for our head? Well I can. And you know what, you rock dude. I think you'll agree for every slam we take we just get even more amused! Where else in Detroit can we be so ineffective, so pathetic and still keep our job? Just think, those poor auto workers, you know, the ones who work their tails off year in and year out, always doing a good job putting in an honest day's work; they're getting layed off! And we don't do our job, never have; are unqualified in every aspect of the postition, and we keep our job! Heck, last year we even got an extention to our contract - and we still lose games and botch draft picks! Are we great or what? Now as your conscience I do have to tell you one more thing: make sure no one ever finds that picture of WCF and us in that uncompromising "position"; that would not be good. Merry Christmas self!!
Comment by Fred | 12/18/06 at 9:07 AM
You know, you do have to give Matt Millen credit for one thing - he has assembled an offensive line that he would have loved to have played against in his so-called playing days. Obviously we are seeing his interpretation of a Dream Offensive Line.
Comment by gjdodger | 12/18/06 at 11:22 AM
If Mr. Ford does not act quickly and remove the intolerable Millen from his front office, the NFL will decide enough is enough, and take his precious Thanksgiving Day game away from him. Mr. Ford, you decide.
Comment by Bob | 12/18/06 at 2:35 PM
Yeah, it must be a real bitch to keep hearing that, Fire Millen thing, huh? It might even bother you as much as it bothers me to know that that grinning jackass is still in Michigan! But think about it a minute ... we ( the Michigan taxpayers) have given Mr. Ford two (2) stadiums. The NFL, has given Mr. Ford two (2) Superbowl games. I never understood why the public should be involved in buying stadiums for some of the richest people in America but, I am sure some "rich folk" could explain it so that it would sound like the "smart" thing to do. Hey, maybe Mr. Ford could explain it at the news conference he uses to fire Millen!!!
Comment by brandon | 12/18/06 at 3:16 PM
hire ken jennings (that former contestant that won like $2 million on jeopardy) to be GM. he's already proven HE knows EVERYTHING!!
Comment by GMMOE | 12/18/06 at 3:52 PM
"Grinning jaskass still in Michigan....."
Ford and Millen do not live in Michigan. They only come in for meeting and games. I worked for a guy like that and he was a useless ass too.
The Lions are 100 million dollars in debt from bad trades and paying for contracts. If I had to pay Mariuci (sorry for the misspelling) which the Lions have to for two more years, I would have put him to work. What a lame ass thing that was Millen. Signing bonus to a first round draft and than cut him....jackass.
Millen BLOWS
Ford BLOWS
Comment by Troy | 12/18/06 at 7:58 PM
Enough with the "Fire Millen" comments. Fire William Clay Ford Sr.! 40+ years, one playoff victory, one constant: ownership.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/18/06 at 9:33 PM
No luck firing Ford (He's the owner, remember?) or forcing him to fire Millen or for Millen to resign. Both these clowns have no pride, or talent. They deserve each other. Frankly, it'll be amusing to see what depths they plumb in joint disharmony. We ain't seen the end of the misery, kids.
Comment by Millen Sux | 12/18/06 at 9:51 PM
Quit being so hard on the Lions. They'll get it. My grandkids have faith that eventually this team will find the promised land of .500 football.
Comment by Phil McCracken | 12/19/06 at 10:06 AM
Cry me a river. Hey, if you ass hats in the sports media would do your job maybe this idiot wouldn't be here. You need to call Millen and Ford to the carpet each and every day on your sports page. The Lions, William Clay Ford and Matt Millen are an embarrassment to this city and this state. Don't complain about the fans, complain about the idiot running the show who force the fans to use these boards as an outlet to express their frustration. Since the media won't do it, we will! Do you jobs so we don't have to. FIRE MILLEN!
Comment by Judge Smails | 12/19/06 at 12:22 PM
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
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FIRE MILLEN!
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FIRE MILLEN!
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FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
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FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
FIRE MILLEN!
Comment by Sell the Lions | 12/19/06 at 12:47 PM
I can't wait until Next week against the Chicago Bears.The Bears are going to destroy the Lions.I really hope that Jon Kitna Gets sacked 50 times.I can't stand him.He plays like a rookie.We need a Whole New Team.Next year Fire all the team and rehire a new team.This is the way the Lions will find a New an approved Winning Team!!!!!! GO Bears!!!!!!!
Comment by John Testaberger | 12/19/06 at 1:04 PM
THANK YOU BEN! I have been reading these comments all over the Freep website and I could not agree more! It takes such small minds to wreck an entire news website with irrelevant comments like that. I'm really ashamed of some of you goofballs. Let's get back on track and treat this site with a little more maturity and respFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLENFIRE MILLEN
Comment by Enough is Enough | 12/19/06 at 2:14 PM
F ree agent signings that don't pan out
I rate fans
R etreads at QB who failed on other teams
E xtreme incompetence
M arty, Mooch and now Marinelli
I ll-advised draft picks
L osingest GM presently in the NFL
L aughingstock of the NFL
E mbarassment to the city of Detroit
N ever won more than 2 games back to back
Comment by Jon | 12/19/06 at 4:40 PM
I've got news for all you looser Lie Down fans, they were terrible long before Millen arrived and will continue to be terrible long after he's gone.
Detroit Lie Down football has such a long a hallowed tradition of players and coaches, let's see there's Barry "I'm quitting because I can't take loosing any more" Sanders and ??????????.
What a pathetic list of hall of famers! Now I'm sure some yahoo will post a list of Lie Down players from the 40's and 50's further prooving my point!
Comment by M.M | 12/19/06 at 7:03 PM
Fire Schmitt!
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/19/06 at 9:15 PM
I don't know what's worse, the fact Millen's still the GM or wading through some of this mind muck in search of a constructive post, aside from my own.
Comment by Jack D | 12/20/06 at 12:53 PM
The Lions are the only team in Detroit NOT to give back to their fans. Ford runs his football team like he runs his car company- Half-ass.
DONT PUT A GUY IN CHARGE THAT DOESNT DESERVE IT-HE'S A PLAY-BY-PLAY JOCKEY WHO COULDNT RUN A HIGH SCHOOL TEAM.
We are the joke of the NFL because of Matt Millen. He's a joke, and if you see him in public, let him know it!!!!!
FIRE MILLEN
FIRE MILLEN
FIRE MILLEN
FIRE MILLEN
FIRE MILLEN
FIRE MILLEN
FIRE FORD
FIRE MILLEN
hey matt-who are we drafting this year? Brady Quinn? I bet we do. What a joke.
Comment by Mark | 12/20/06 at 3:33 PM
Hey Matt Millen:
How many of your great draft picks of the last
six years are in the Pro Bowl this year?
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000.
In the same span and drafting higher because
of better overall NFL records on wins/losses,
the rebuilding Chargers have 8 picks who
made the Pro Bowl this year plus 1 pick
(Drew Brees Purdue QB) who left as a free
agent and will start for the NFC and New Orleans
this year--for a total of 9 Pro Bowl
drafted players this year.
It is time for Matt Millen to pack his bags
and look for another cushy broadcast booth job
since he burns more draft picks than Eddie
Murphy's old Chevy Nova burns oil in Beverly Hills
Cop.
Comment by Chicago Bears Fan | 12/20/06 at 3:37 PM
When Brady Quinn refuses to show up for spring training because he would rather sit out then play for a bunch of shameless losers, maybe then the Lions' front office will realize it is time to revamp!
Comment by LionsIdiot | 12/20/06 at 8:39 PM
Just want to say Lansing has your back Detroit...Fire that sad sack of crap called Millen!!
And also let's pass a law that forbids anyone with any connection to FOMOCO to own another pro franchise team. 45+ years is enough for Ford too!!
Peace
Ginny Granholm
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/20/06 at 8:52 PM
Ginny, you might to remind hubby Dan "Whats-his-name" to empty the dishwasher while penning your next State of the Disaster (State) address, come January 2007. I'm resigned to the fact that Millen will remain as GM in spite of a lamed planned protest for this Sunday. Ford is not going to change. In fact, he probably thinks the fan base is overeacting and that if he ever fired Millen some Pop Warner team would readily scoop him up and capitalize on his know how and experience in order to notch losses. Ford could never live with the shame, knowing someone might be worse off than him.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/20/06 at 9:24 PM
Mark, no surprise that Millen's draft picks haven't worked out or his free agent signings or his coaches for that matter. The guy came to the job without an iota of experience and hasn't learned a thing nor is he apparently capable of learning. Yet, I remember Lions fans rejoicing at the time of his hiring..."Thank God, Ford realized a change is necessary. God speed Matt. You da man." Great forecast Lions fans. You folks must do a bang up job in the stock market as well.
Comment by Ave | 12/21/06 at 8:31 AM
Maybe Millen has dyslexia. You know when he sits his fat ass down and reads the win/loss column he actually sees it as a loss/win column. So basically he is seeing the Lions (aka LOSERS) as 70-23 and he thinks he has a .752 record. This is just a thought. Same would be true for Mr. Turd, I mean Ford. FIRE CLOWNBOY MILLEN!!! FORD, PLEASE SELL THE TEAM TO ANYONE!!!
Comment by John Jones | 12/21/06 at 9:02 AM
When William Clay Ford Jr. finally dies I'm having a party. Free at last, free at last! Thank the lord we'll be free at last!
Comment by Steve Bowen | 12/21/06 at 9:55 AM
just in case you were wondering...
Fire Millen!!!!!!!
Oh, and have a nice holiday freep readers...
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/21/06 at 10:05 AM
Fire Millen and also his hand picked, in over his head coach, Marinelli. Nice to see that Rod had one of the main qualifications in landing the job with a last name beginning with M. Anyone bother to listen to this guy's pressers? I wish someone would really challenge him instead of the sheepish press buying off on his pound the rock, coach em up drivel.
Comment by Detroit Lions WHO? | 12/22/06 at 9:34 AM
I think the Lions are heading in the right diretion.They cant's win and they rather lose and win.Matt Millen draft picks will be High School Candidites.Brady Quinn or Troy Smith Please dont go to the Lions.If you want to be a winner.The Lions are Losers and always will be.
It's a shame you have a very nice stadium but same old Lions LOSERS!!!!!!
Matt Millen should be fired!!!!!
Comment by Wolfger | 12/22/06 at 10:33 AM
I think you may be right about FIRE MILLEN. We see FIRE MILLEN a lot, and I'm sure a lot of people are tired of FIRE MILLEN. Unfortunately, the people who need to FIRE MILLEN don't appear to read the articles (or the comments), because they don't FIRE MILLEN. If they would just FIRE MILLEN, then all this FIRE MILLEN nonsense would stop. Maybe it's presumptuous of the FIRE MILLEN crowd to think that they can control the Fords and make them FIRE MILLEN, but that's just typical Lions fan optimism. If we didn't have faith in our collective ability to FIRE MILLEN, how could we possibly have enough faith in the Lions to tune in one more Sunday afternoon?
I might also add that my CafePress store ( http://www.cafepress.com/randomsynapse ) is seeing a nice bit of business thanks to the popular FIRE MILLEN sentiment. So, in closing, I'd like to say, "FIRE MILLEN!"
Comment by J. Brent | 12/22/06 at 12:08 PM
One post I haven't seen yet... Ford and Millen are COWARDS. Were they winning, you'd see their mugs on camera every day. Hence I'm not buying the idea that Ford is this senile old man who hasn't a clue what's going on. He knows. But as long as money keeps rolling in (via slush funds, surprisingly not so much from ticket sales), he'll change not a thing. So old man Ford is a coward AND disprectful of Lions faithful.
Comment by Charlie Gies | 12/22/06 at 1:44 PM
I agree that the "fire Millen" posts are irritating. What's more, I disagree with those posts. The Lions should keep Millen. With him in charge, they are performing a valuable service for the NFL. Think how boring the season would be if there were no losing teams. Every team would finish 8-8, and they'd have to use tiebreakers to select all the division champs and the wild card teams. How much credibility would the playoffs have then? How meaningful would a Super Bowl victory be?
Without losing teams like the Lions, there couldn't be winning teams like the Bears and Saints. So I say keep Millen!
Charlie Gies
Sterling, VA
MSU Class of 1968 (Math Major, of course)
Comment by Action | 12/22/06 at 3:49 PM
Merry Christmas!
FIRE MILLEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Action | 12/22/06 at 3:51 PM
I bought Millen a Christmas gift...
My ___ in a box.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/22/06 at 10:01 PM
Action, you must have seen the SNL skit. Sure Ford knows that the fans are upset, but the 81 year old inheritance beneficiary doesn't give a damn. He knows people will still come to see his team. Even this planned walkout this Sunday probaly amuses more than annoys him. That's if he even pays attention. Think about it protesters. You've already bought your tickets. So you'll drive down and incur the cost of gas, parking, and whatever souvenirs or food/drink you treat yourselves to while watching almost two quarters of anticipated crummy Lions play. Then, on a timed cue, you protesters, and there won't be many in spite of the radio bluster, will file out in dutiful fashion at least a $100 poorer per person, but with the thought that you've stuck it to the man. Think again, clowns. FOX is not going to pan the stands to show you filing out and Old Man Ford is probably not even going to bother with this game other than to phone in and inquire whether the gate receipts are still there, and they will be including yours, while his team absorbs another beating, courtesy of the Bears. Then, he'll board a trusty private plane to retreat south to be reunited with a palm tree and a glass of vodka.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/22/06 at 10:08 PM
Ben Schmitt: Any way to reposition these posts so that the most current appear on top and then run in reverse chronological order? Saves a few seconds in scrolling and allows me to more readily enjoy the beauty of my work.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/22/06 at 10:24 PM
J. Brent - I agree. Millen and Ford are cowards, but so what. Neither the local media nor the fan base, and they don't carry as much weight as they think, are holding these two fully accountable. There's still a waiting list for Lions season tix so this so called unruly and upset base has yet to throw in the sock and Ford and Millen, as stupid as they are in terms of all things related to a competitive football team, have to know that so they can bank on the continued patience of the public. And the media in this town sucks. They should be hounding these two relentlessly for their crap record and disregard for the crap product on the field. However, they don't. If this was New York, these two clowns wouldn't last two minutes with the beating they'd take with their media.
Comment by GMMOE | 12/23/06 at 10:09 AM
Hey Clay Ford you like being in Florida so much please move you loser team there and take that defective blue oval with you.
Hey Millen, take the money and run. I'm sure there is a girls team you can try to manage.
Comment by ironmike | 12/23/06 at 12:18 PM
Let me get this straight. It was deemed illegal to display frustration at Ford Field, to the point that legislators considered bills to the contrary, since it is taxpayer bought building. Now, is is somehow wrong to voice anti-Millen opinions period?
I won't go on about the hypocrisy in media.
Just Fire Millen and his 72 losses. What is so
difficult to understand?
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/23/06 at 1:41 PM
The warped world of Millen. In it, a 9-7 team in 2000 is deemed to be overrated and a prime candidate to be dismantled. Yet, a soon to be 2-14 team in 2006 is only "a few players away" from being a contender. The guy is a walking contradiction not to mention a dufus.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/23/06 at 5:08 PM
Ford was seen at practice the other day. Before being ushered away, WC implored his troops to "just have fun", expressed renewed faith in Matt Mellonhead with a "He's still learning. Give him time. I have." and said that he's confident that Coach "Rob Marinara" is the right man to lead this team and that a 3-13 record next year is within reach.
Comment by billyhatchet | 12/23/06 at 6:16 PM
The problem with the Lions is the same as with the Cardinals. As long as the owners make millions and have the value of their franchises balloon there is no real incentive to put a winning team on the field.
If people keep supporting the teams by buying tickets, logoed items and letting the multi-millionaire owners build expensive stadiums, nothing will change. It's all about the bottom line not winning on the field.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/23/06 at 9:01 PM
I disagree. I think Ford cares about winning. I can't believe he enjoys being thought of a laughingstock as an owner for the team's won/loss record. He just doesn't care enough to cut his losses when something (Millen) doesn't work toward that end. The guy seems to value loyalty and syncophants (Millen) more than a common sense approach to doing business. Probably that has to do with his being born with a silver spoon in his mouth and not having to really strive for anything in life and still live comfortably. That while holding his narrow minded course and not trying to fire another mistake (Yep, Millen again) in spite of the world telling him to do otherwise. Ford country indeed, and a stubborn shame really. However, if Millen had the testicles he accused another player of lacking, he'd gladly take one for Ford and the team and resign while making it official in writing. Anyone have some manilla paper and a few crayolas for Millen to write a goodbye note complete with stick figures?
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/23/06 at 9:27 PM
BTW, I'll be at the game tomorrow. When one of the protesters leaves in the second quarter, I'll take his/her seat to get a better view of the carnage. By that time, Kitna should be tasting turf for the eighth go around while Moronelli will be laying the groundwork for the swansong finish with Dallas and telling the press later that "this game is our Super Bowl, men." In a way,I feel for the guy. He has to explain his trainwreck of a team on a weekly basis while the owner and his GM are huddled hiding under their beds letting him be the buffer.
Comment by Mark | 12/23/06 at 10:28 PM
SEASON TICKER HOLDERS LISTEN UP!
You are attending Lions games in a
taxpayer subsidized stadium called Ford Field.
You and all those taxpayers may be considered
"stakeholders" in this bad excuse for a football
team(if any of that bond money that is paying for that new stadium is coming out of city, ocunty
or state taxpayer funds),
Then you
may want to find yourself a sympathetic law
firm to file a lawsuit in federal or state
court against the Lions and the NFL to seek
"a full accounting" of how all your taxpayer
dollars are being wasted on the Lions.
Based on the uproar(no pun intended) I am
reading and hearing in multiple places against Lions management incompetence, you may even find
a top local law firm to give a discount or
donated legal services or assess the Lions
and/or NFL for legal fees in the case.
Also, as part of any settlement with the Lions
and NFL, you can demand a complete house cleaning
of the Lions front office and scouting departments
including Matt Millen. If your case is a very good one based on the facts and law, then
you may want to force a change of ownership
negotiated through the NFL.
This is not meant or intended to be legal advice,
but merely my own sports opinion.
Please consult legal specialists in the
multiple areas of the law that such an action
would require.
Comment by Mike | 12/23/06 at 10:51 PM
Oh yeah, I'm sure you'll find a lawfirm to take on a multi-billionaire at a discount, bring a frivolous lawsuit and make adversaries out of the NFL, five major networks, and 31 other owners with an interest in mitigating the possibility of any liability or accountability upon resulting case law.
Al Davis is rolling in his grave, and he's not even dead yet.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/24/06 at 9:20 AM
If Ford ever felt threatened by the fan base in terms of dissaproval of his many dopey moves, I haven't seen it. In fact, the way he probably thinks, it's just further motivation for him to stay the course and retain a guy like Matt Mellonhead. "Let the masses eat cake, I'm WC Ford, Lord of All I Survey, including a marvelous 23-71 record."
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/24/06 at 10:09 AM
That lawsuit stuff is a pipedream. I can see one of the "people's" appointed attorneys approaching Ford's Legal Brass and getting slapped in the face with a glove before being ushered out. Further, Ford, in spite all his inpetitude, is thought of highly in league circles as a charitable owner of long standing. Guess, who the other owners will circle the wagons around?
Comment by ironmike | 12/24/06 at 10:25 AM
Like it or not he is what is left of the "Old Guard", and if we still have a Thanksgiving game it is soley because he does have the support of the other owners. Unlike alot of people I really dont have a problem with the Ford family. Millen is an unmistakable disaster, but it's quite a challenge to think of someone I'd rather have as an NFL owner. And to those that keep throwing Cuban's name out there- you mean the same clown that said the Pistons sucked and won by default because of other team's injuries? No thanks.
Comment by Duane Cobb | 12/25/06 at 8:19 AM
Where is Russ Thomas when you need him?
Remember the fire Russ Thomas agenda?
Have we EVER had a good GM?
Comment by dennis guastella | 12/25/06 at 11:37 AM
Merry Christmas!!!
I think the greatest gift Lions football supporters could receive would be the announcement that the Lions were sold. Mr. Ford- put them on Ebay. Take whatever you can get. You can still meet with Millen every week for your martini lunch and talk about old times. You've made enough money already from the fans. It baffles me to think that this endeavor has been so profitable for someone considering your minimal skills. Please, I beg of you to sell this team and rid the fans of this terrible legacy of yours. dg
Comment by Mark | 12/25/06 at 5:47 PM
AL DAVIS SUCCESSFULLY SUED THE NFL AND THE COMMISSIONER (Pete Rozelle) numerous times.
Al Davis won each and every law suit against the NFL. He also got muti millions in damages
each time.
The only way these billionaire NFL owners
will listen and make changes is if you
hit them hard in the wallet.
It is the only thing they care about
(more than winning, more than civic pride,
more than anything).
Remember all the Raider players taking snapshots of Rozelle presenting the Lombardi trophy to Davis
and the Raiders while Davis was suing the NFL and winning for about the third time.
It is a better idea than watching losing football
for another couple of decades.
These online rants will not change the Lions
or anything close to it.
And, if you wait for WC Ford Senior to go to
that great Ford Dealership in the sky,
Ford Junior will inherit the Lions with
virtually no hope of any better success
(if you look at the performance of the FOMOCO
as your baenchmark clue as to what is in
store for the Lions when the baton is passed between Ford Sr. and Ford Jr.)
So Blog all you want and I will check back
with you in say the year 2020
amd the Lions will still be fighting to stay
out of last place and the topic will be:
Maybe if WC Ford IV gets ownership to the
Lions, then things will change.
DREAM ON!!!!!
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/25/06 at 6:20 PM
Mark:
Merry Xmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Winter, or whatever passes for PC these days. As much as I think that legal means to generate a change in ownership are a futile effort, I do agree that as long as this franchise stays in Ford family hands, it doesn't bode well for the fans. When Senior goes to that upholstered bar in the sky, he'll pass the keys to his toy on to Junior, who, in spite of the rolled up shirtsleeves, supposed lack of pretense, "I'm one of you folks" persona was an absolute flop as CEO of Ford Motor and who is also not competent to run a football team. This guy is responsible for planting Millen's name in Pa's ear as an example. Then Junior will pass it on to his son and so on and the whole sorry cesspool will continue to flourish with sub .500 seasons being the main staple. It does invoke a new slogan though...."Has your football team been driven into the ground by a Ford.....lately?"
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/25/06 at 6:44 PM
Hmmm.....Before leaving for West Palm Beach on another "well deserved" vacation, WC Ford took a few moments out to dictate a note to Lions fans. My peeps in the organization came across a rough draft and faxed it to me. Let's see..."Dear common folk: As we almost conclude another season for our Lions organization, we can boast of a healthy P&L, sellout crowds with regularity, and a well engendered business relationship with NFL Management. I understand that aside from this good news, there has been some distant concern about the future of my diversion, I mean team, and that somehow my hand pick loyalist, Matt Millen, is not the person to properly pilot this vessel through competitive waters. Something about the won loss record being a little below average and Millen's responsibility for it. I categorically dispute this contention and after further thought, along with a few scotch and waters, I'm firmly convinced that I made the right move in not only hiring Millen, but extending his contract. In fact, it seems only fitting now that I tack on an additional five years to his deal at this juncture owing to the holiday season and my reputation for generosity, having paid out over $100 million to coaches and players no longer within my team family. Rest assured, little people. Matt will one day master the nuances of this job, under the Ford sponsored Lions GM Internship Program, and will display that my idea to bring him on board was not ill conceived. However, it's time for me to sign off. So, enjoy your meager lifestyles and keep the team coffers ever filled as we journey forward together, owner and peasants. Actually, in terms of journeying, I typically fly first class while you probably hitchhike."
Comment by GMMOE | 12/26/06 at 3:58 PM
Millen and WCF are not fools, the fans are. Why fire a guy when he's making you millions every week. Remember that Millen is only a GM, there is alot of positions between that and owner. Guess who's getting a promotion?
Guess what the fans get, another losing season and higher ticket prices. You attendees get to make Millen and WCF even happier cause you still will buy and show up to watch losers. Losers watching losers equals losers. If yopu want a winning team in the Lions don't support them. Are the stupid Lions fans ever going to understand that? I don't think so.
WCF only understands one thing.....money and you guys just hand it over to him for a bad job.
May I come to your house and kick your dog and you pay me 100 bucks?
Lets see.....a Lions fan white, drunk, fat, low IQ, bad teeth and most likely an over compensated automotive worker, probily Ford (the most unproductive by records).
This blog is now wasting my time. Walk out my ass. WHIMPS!!
Comment by Lorri | 12/26/06 at 4:59 PM
Here's an idea for all that want new ownership of the Lions...the Ford's should sell the team to someone who knows how to run a winning team and divide the money between the people Ford is putting out of work. Just a thought.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/26/06 at 6:23 PM
Flattering picture of Millen on today's Freep front page. Clueless and defiant as ever. For all the praise this guy earned as a player and a broadcaster, and he was overrated in both vocations, he impresses me now as a reclusive wimp, hiding behind his coach who has to explain why each week that the roster, that his boss Millen compiled, continues to suck wind. Watch your back though, Rod. This clown will come with the knife like he did with your predecessors. He has no scruples, just the ear of the owner, WC Farce.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/26/06 at 8:36 PM
This just in. Lions sign Millen to indefinite extension. Tom Lewand, acting on advice from Ford's bartender, made the announcement since Ford was unavailable, by choice. Salary and incentives of the comp package were not announced, but Millen's agent, wife Millie, said that "this puts Matt in the top tier with other GM's who are totally lost, but benefitting from the goodwill of equally lost owner. However, Matt is no doubt tops, via his six year record in Dee-troit." Can't argue with ya, Millie. Your hubby certainly is one for the books although I'd be more impressed if he didn't also drag his knuckles on the ground when he walks. It's not becoming at those great semi-annual press conferences he hosts.
Comment by lynn f | 12/27/06 at 8:09 AM
i will be waiting to buy my season tickets to see if the idiots will be running this laughing joke of the nfl next year. ford does not care about the public he is high and mighty and a small man when it comes to other people.he is sitting back and laughing at all us pee ons and getting rich.we are the dumb ones not him. please someone out their bring a another pro nfl team to detroit and the fans will follow that team and ford and millen and watch this crap by them selfs and they lions will fold that's how we do it
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/27/06 at 8:10 PM
News reports out of Allen Park indicate that Millen is committed to getting 2007's draft right, including the handling of the probable first pick. In fact, Matt said that although the WR position has been a focus of effort in recent years, "you can't have enough guys who can go down field and miss the ball the thrown at them with precision." "We'll be working on that", Matt professed, before being led away by Ford Field Security, otherwise known as the Harry Bennett Fan Club.
Comment by Vic Ferrari | 12/27/06 at 8:11 PM
News reports out of Allen Park indicate that Millen is committed to getting 2007's draft right, including the handling of the probable first pick. In fact, Matt said that although the WR position has
