The Flash folly
At first, this whole Michael Jordan-Bryon Russell showdown was a fun idea. At first. Then it became annoying. VERY annoying. And that was way back in October.
Before delving into this a bit, I have a suggestion:
Flash owner Brandt Andersen should write a check for $100,000 and give it to a charity at the next home game. He should also allow Bryon Russell, who came out looking desperate for attention and foolish in the prank, to pick a charity to benefit from the uber-rich Flash owner’s poorly executed idea.
The Utah Flash have been carefully deceptive the entire time, hoping to lure thousands into their arena for a charade. Can’t blame them for wanting to fill seats. Can blame them for trying to deceive people for profit, even if intentions of money going to a needed cause were good.
I have no doubt that Flash owner Brandt Andersen desperately wanted the real match-up to happen. I even believe that he tried to make it happen. But the Flash have been less than forthcoming about the actuality of it happening for months now.
Take this dancing-around-the-real-truth press release that came out on Oct. 10, for just one glaring example:
“Salt Lake City, Oct. 10, 2009 – Bryon Russell announced today that he will be ready with his shorts on at the Utah Flash home opener Dec. 7. The announcement came when Russell traveled to Utah to speak along with Flash owner Brandt Andersen at the first Maakoa company conference.
“MJ started it and I’m going to finish it,” Russell said referring to the rematch. “No offense to any of your 46 year-olds out there, but I am not losing to a 46 year old,” said Russell.
“The rematch is scheduled to take place Dec. 7 at the McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah. Russell and Jordan are slated for a one-on-one game at the halftime of the first Flash home game of the season.
“This is a great opportunity for charity, and the money will make a big difference for either of the winner’s charities,” said Flash owner Brandt Andersen.
“Season Tickets, Group Tickets, and Mini-Game Plans can be purchased by calling 801-434-4667 or by visiting www.utahflash.com.”
The whole part about B-Russ was factually correct. What irked me was that no confirmation was made on Jordan’s part yet the Flash wrote this press release as if it were really going to happen. On top of that, they tried to use that deception to get fans to order tickets.
Kudos to the Flash for refunding money for tickets that were bought under false pretenses. But the Flash even botched that one, if you ask me. On his blog, Andersen sorta-kinda apologized (one of those sorry if you’re offended, not sorry that I actually did it) apologies.
But the Flash didn’t publicly start offering refunds, to my knowledge, until D-League president Dan Reed offered this harsh reprimand on the hoax:
“On behalf of the NBA Development League, I apologize to our fans for a Utah Flash promotion that never should have happened. This promotion was clearly ill-conceived. Brandt Andersen, the Utah Flash owner, has apologized to the Flash fans and has reached out to Michael Jordan to apologize to him as well.
The Flash will refund the price of the tickets and has also offered free tickets to an upcoming Flash game to everyone who was in attendance at Monday night’s game.”
That’s a good start. The $100,000 check to a charity would be an even better one.
Last thing: Does anybody really think Michael Jordan would eat at Mimi’s of all places!?