Channel 4 Blog on Bandits

[chuckster]

An interesting read by Paul Peck.

http://www.news4forum.com/sports/

Peck would rather cover the spoon fed PR of the Bills on some 7th round draft pick than do some real work on covering the most exciting team in town.

I put in a comment.....feel free to do the same.

[BanditsNewbie]

Originally Posted by chuckster

An interesting read by Paul Peck.

http://www.news4forum.com/sports/

Peck would rather cover the spoon fed PR of the Bills on some 7th round draft pick than do some real work on covering the most exciting team in town.

I put in a comment.....feel free to do the same.

That's why I was so pissed that we lost Dennis Williams... He actually gave a crap about the only team that even comes close to having a shot at a championship in Buffalo on a consistent basis!!! Well, I posted a comment as well... I UNinvited "Mr. Peck" from any festivities when we win the championship because we'd prefer a "REAL" sportscaster join us! I'm so mean! lol

[JohnnyT11827]

I actually wouldn't except any less from all the press but Tom Borrelli.

[BfloGeno]

he's got a lot of nerve writing a blog like that. I love how we are all blazing him though.

Go on there and write your hearts out about why you love this team and why a championship will mean something for this city!

[Fetter]

Here is the article then my response.

The Buffalo Bandits will play for the National Lacrosse League championship on Saturday night at the Arena. They will play Portland, a team with a losing record.
The Bandits have already won three titles, but none since 1996. If they win, will it be a "real" championship for Buffalo?
I don't think so. I enjoy the game, like covering the guys and appreciate the enthusiasm of the fans. But its not a traditional sport, and it shouldn't be considered a championship for this title-starved town. Only a hockey or football victory would count in my book. In the big picture of sports, lacrosse is a minor player. Bigger here than most places, but still minor. It has no national following, no national TV and no nationally regognized stars. Its a niche sport, big in the few regions of North America that follow lacrosse.
Now I know the Bandits fans will disagree, and I expect plenty of angry posts. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy the sport, and we will cover the title game as extensively as possible.
Convince me I'm wrong. Tell me why there should be a parade and a rally in Niagara Square, and why kids all over town should be wearing Mark Steenhuis (right) and John Tavares jerseys.

Are you serious? The reason they aren't "nationally covered" is because of local stations like you not giving them any respect. During the first round of the playoffs this year there happened to be under 10,000 people in the Arena. Guess what... it was louder than any Sabres game I've ever been to. Bandits fans are real fans and our sport is just as important to this area as the Bills or the Sabres. For you to sit here and say these things are rediculous.

"They will play Portland, a team with a losing record."

I felt that as a snub on the league because a losing record team from the west made it this far.

"If they win, will it be a "real" championship for Buffalo?"

Why wouldn't it be? Any real sports fan knows that if a local team wins a national championship it's a great thing. I don't care if it's high school basketball or elementary school checkers. IF we get a national championship... it needs to be celebrated and not looked down on fools like you.

"But its not a traditional sport, and it shouldn't be considered a championship for this title-starved town. Only a hockey or football victory would count in my book."

Not a traditional sport? I'm sure it's been around a heck of a lot longer than Hockey or Football. What else does this sport have to do? It's only one of the fastest growing sports out there. I think you need to attend a game before reporting stuff like this.

"In the big picture of sports, lacrosse is a minor player. Bigger here than most places, but still minor. It has no national following, no national TV and no nationally regognized stars. Its a niche sport, big in the few regions of North America that follow lacrosse."

And this would be your fault for not giving them the respect they deserve. The players, staff, trainers, fans... everyone puts their blood, sweat, and tears into this sport and you sports guys look down on us because there is no national coverage. Do something about it!

"Now I know the Bandits fans will disagree, and I expect plenty of angry posts. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy the sport and we will cover the title game as extensively as possible."

It sure seems like you don't enjoy it. A 5 second blurb doesn't count. They deserve the coverage the Sabres or Bills would if they were playing.

"Convince me I'm wrong."

I think all of Banditland can do that.

You call yourself a sports reporter... shame on you. This is yet another reason to not watch channel 4 news.

LET'S GO BANDITS!!

[Tavares is God]

every Bandit fan that goes to the game WANTS to be there and pays for their ticket, unlike Sabres games where there are some people (esp corporate) that get free tix and don't give a crap about the game. Every Bandit fan makes their presence known.

[RandomBanditFan]

I would love to see Peckerhead tell BDS, Speedy, Llord, or anyone one of the Bandits that they don't play in a real league, and winning the championship doesn't mean anything.

LETS GO BANDITS!

[BanditsNewbie]

Originally Posted by RandomBanditFan

I would love to see Peckerhead tell BDS, Speedy, Llord, or anyone one of the Bandits that they don't play in a real league, and winning the championship doesn't mean anything.

LETS GO BANDITS!

Yah... especially BDS!!!!!!

[Dr. A.]

Originally Posted by RandomBanditFan

I would love to see Peckerhead tell BDS, Speedy, Llord, or anyone one of the Bandits that they don't play in a real league, and winning the championship doesn't mean anything.

Better yet, I would like to see him try playing the game...

Funny how that didn't seem to be his attitude down at the arena last Tuesday. Quite frankly, I don't care what he thinks.

To the Buffalo sports fan that is championship starved, well, it is your loss.

As for the major sports...with some 30-odd teams in each league, realistically, what are the odds that your team is gonna win? Better to go and just enjoy the game for the entertainment value than to try and get wrapped up in championships. It is one of the reasons I hope the NLL stays small. With fewer teams you can have some high hopes going into a season.

[MILLwasbetter]

didnt even waste my time with that toolbox. you all covered it very well. some one post the link to wingszone so he can see our national following.

[thisredheadrox]

Whoever wrote The comment @ May 11, 2008 8:31 PM is my new hero. I can't believe Paul Peck is such a jerk!

[Fetter]

He wrote back...

May 12, 2008 12:30 PM
Blogger Paul Peck said...

Its my job as a sportscaster to have opinions. That's what I was expressing in my blog. I don't expect everyone to agree with me. But I also didn't expect the responses would get so nasty. I expected better out of Buffalo sports fans.
While my opinions are my own, they in no way effect the coverage decisions we make at Channel 4. The Bandits were our lead story in sports this weekend three times. We ran preview stories every day from Tuesday on. I doubt there are any TV stations in the country that cover the NLL more than the ones in Buffalo. I'm proud of the coverage we provide here at Channel 4, and I believe that actually helps expand the Bandits fan base.
My blog was not a criticism of the team, the players or the fans. I thought I made that clear.
My comment was meant to prompt a discussion about whether a Bandits championship should be considered on the same level as if it were won by the Bills or Sabres.
I want to thank everyone who posted. We welcome all of your opinions.

[MILLwasbetter]

this is why channel for signed murphy

[Fetter]

Originally Posted by MILLwasbetter

this is why channel for signed murphy

Haha... he'll bring things back around.

[Tavares is God]

If the game doesn'y get picked up nationally (in US) maybe Ch. 4 can pick it up locally. Come on, what else would be better on a Sat. night?

[Brosh]

what I wrote...


Mr. Peck,

I have season tickets for Bills, Sabres and Bandits games. I would want nothing more then have the Bills win the superbowl, or Sabres win the Stanley cup. And you are right, and many Bandits fans will disagree with me, but if they win it will not be a "real" championship for Buffalo. For now at least.

But, now look at it this way... The Leafs had all those championships in the 1960's. Were those "real" championships? There were only 6 teams in the league at that time. There is no doubt in my mind the National Lacrosse league will grow as big if not bigger then the NHL. The NLL is more exciting, higher scoring, and harder hits. The fans actually feel like they help control the game, just like at Ralph Wilson Stadium. When I started going to Bandits games there was only 4 of my buddies, now 7 years later there are 24 diehard fans I recruited that do not miss a game. I would do anything to have the game sell out on Saturday night and win the Championship.

Mr. Peck, I am just looking for more exposure to the sport. And I hope you can help the young league continue to grow.

[Tavares is God]

Hey sales people at Ch 4...SELL COMMERCIAL TIME TO THE BANDITS TO AIR TICKET COMMERCIALS!!

[Banditsfan11]

I totally agree with fetter. adding on to that though the bandits have the most loyal fans out there. you don't have a bunch of rich a - holes sitting there not giving two hoots about the game. you got a bunch of wound up, psychopathic, die hard fans that absolutely love the game. and what i love the most, you have a bunch of players who actually play for the love of the game. These guys barely make anything playing this game, but they love it, and play their hearts out every single game and give the fans the best show you could possibly ask for. no sport even compares to lacrosse in my mind, paul peck is an idiot and has no respect for the game or the fans.

[Fetter]

Originally Posted by Brosh

what I wrote...


Mr. Peck,

I have season tickets for Bills, Sabres and Bandits games. I would want nothing more then have the Bills win the superbowl, or Sabres win the Stanley cup. And you are right, and many Bandits fans will disagree with me, but if they win it will not be a "real" championship for Buffalo. For now at least.

But, now look at it this way... The Leafs had all those championships in the 1960's. Were those "real" championships? There were only 6 teams in the league at that time. There is no doubt in my mind the National Lacrosse league will grow as big if not bigger then the NHL. The NLL is more exciting, higher scoring, and harder hits. The fans actually feel like they help control the game, just like at Ralph Wilson Stadium. When I started going to Bandits games there was only 4 of my buddies, now 7 years later there are 24 diehard fans I recruited that do not miss a game. I would do anything to have the game sell out on Saturday night and win the Championship.

Mr. Peck, I am just looking for more exposure to the sport. And I hope you can help the young league continue to grow.

Very nice.

[BanditsNewbie]

My comment on the blog page:

"Wow... It's amazing to hear that after I was so excited because I saw our Bandits being followed on the newscast. I can't even believe what I just read. A championship is a championship. Implying that the championshiip would not be a real one is implying that the Bandits are "fake" athletes. I bet you've never even been to a game "Mr. Peck", because if you had, you would never even REMOTELY imply that the amazing athletes on the Bandits weren't "real" athletes.

In most "real" sports, the athletes, though mostly very talented, seem to have lost the passion and fire for the game. They are more focused on how much money they're going to pull in between their salaries, bonuses, advertising contracts, etc. than why they started playing the sport in the first place. Not only that, but they are usually far from approachable should you see them in public. Not only are the Bandits REAL athletes playing a REAL sport, but they're REAL people who don't shun anyone not "exceptional" enough to play at their level.

I was so disappointed when Dennis Williams left and now I am even more disappointed. Seems Dennis was the only one who kept an open mind with our Bandits. When we win that REAL championship on Saturday, please don't ceelbrate with us, I prefer a REAL sportscaster join the festivities."

[Goose4lax]

I am not going to defend the guy but he ask "Is this a real championship for Buffalo"

No need to get all over him, he just doesn't think it is "real". Channel 4 and the other newscasts have started showing Bandits more in the playoffs. Throughout the season they almost always have home game video and tell the score when they are away. We are lucky in Buffalo, NY gets a little from the Post that isn't even accurate. Philly gets a parapgraph or two in their papers and that is it.

To answer his question of a real championship. Hell yeah it is. These are the best lacrosse players in the world. And Buffalo has the best team.

Champion - a winner of first prize or first place in competition. (Webster's Dictionary)

After Saturday night a Champion will be crowned.

Will it get the same hype and coverage of the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup no. But I don't care. I don't need to cheer on some guy driving a BMW or Hummer. I will cheer on a team that puts everything they have on the floor. The players appreciate the fans in lacrosse more then hockey or football.

I am not going to have to $200 for a ticket but I know that HSBC will be sold out and loud. That should show you that this is a real championship when over 18,000 come out for the game.

Just because every game in not on TV doesn't mean it is not "real". The NLL has grown from a league in the northeastern United States to a North American league in its 20 years of existence. Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport at the youth, high school and college levels.

As for your national star, we don't have one because the players don't do stupid crap off the field. The biggest story featuring lacrosse was the Duke rape accusastion, and the case was dropped. But I am sure if you ask 100 people if in Buffalo who John Tavares is 75 of them would know he plays lacrosse. No it is not the 99 that would know Ryan Miller. But it is more then Jim Morrill, a harness racing driver.

Will the Bills or Sabres ever win a "real" Championship? I don't care.

Goose

[Tavares is God]

The Bandits Championship will be a real one. The real question is . . . When the Bisons won, was that real? that was minor leagues and the Bandits are Major leagues. Bandits=REAL! Go Bandits!!

[BanditsNewbie]

Originally Posted by Tavares is God

The Bandits Championship will be a real one. The real question is . . . When the Bisons won, was that real? that was minor leagues and the Bandits are Major leagues. Bandits=REAL! Go Bandits!!

Good question... maybe someone should ask Mr. Peck if he thinks the Bisons are "Real"!!

[Waborita]

Goose...*sniff*....you got me all choked up...LOL

But you sum it all up perfectly. I like other sports a lot but am fed up with the 'show me the money or I'm off the team' atitude.

For those who 'don't get it' out there...it's their loss.

Originally Posted by Goose4lax

Champion - a winner of first prize or first place in competition. (Webster's Dictionary)

After Saturday night a Champion will be crowned.

Will it get the same hype and coverage of the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup no. But I don't care. I don't need to cheer on some guy driving a BMW or Hummer. I will cheer on a team that puts everything they have on the floor. The players appreciate the fans in lacrosse more then hockey or football.

I am not going to have to $200 for a ticket but I know that HSBC will be sold out and loud. That should show you that this is a real championship when over 18,000 come out for the game.

Just because every game in not on TV doesn't mean it is not "real". The NLL has grown from a league in the northeastern United States to a North American league in its 20 years of existence. Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport at the youth, high school and college levels.

As for your national star, we don't have one because the players don't do stupid crap off the field. The biggest story featuring lacrosse was the Duke rape accusastion, and the case was dropped. But I am sure if you ask 100 people if in Buffalo who John Tavares is 75 of them would know he plays lacrosse. No it is not the 99 that would know Ryan Miller. But it is more then Jim Morrill, a harness racing driver.

Will the Bills or Sabres ever win a "real" Championship? I don't care.

Goose

[chuckster]

An interesting note......Channel 4 promotes their blog on every newscast telling people to go to it. As of right now, the "Bandits-Real Champions?" blog has 38 comments to it. The one below it "Bandits Fans Rock the House" has 7.

I can't find another story in their blog list that has more than 2 comments. Not a Bills story, a Sabres story, or a local college story.