Chief Arrowhead
12-05-2013, 02:19 PM
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/bernie -how-long-can-rams-fans-wait/article_bf860c36-f551-5497-a85c -f2ec467e42ac.html (http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/bernie-how-long-can-rams-fans-wait/article_bf860c36-f551-5497-a85c-f2ec467e42ac.html)
Owner Stan Kroenke remains aloof. No one knows what he’s thinking about his team. No one knows if he plans to make a commitment to stay in St. Louis.
Kroenke has certainly spent a lot of money on the Rams; his financial commitment to Fisher and free-agent signings is strong. And Kroenke isn’t obligated to be a chatterbox; he’s a low-key guy and that’s fine. But if Kroenke would at least try to connect with the public, he could generate a lot of goodwill for his franchise.
Fans — customers — just like to know that the big boss cares, and that he’s right there with them. Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. lives in Cincinnati, but he’s frequently on the ground in St. Louis, a visible presence. And the team’s fans know that DeWitt is fully engaged with his baseball team. Blues fans know that owner Tom Stillman is passionate about his team, and that he bleeds blue along with them.
As I’ve written before, I don’t blame any fan for holding back. Why should they make a full investment — finances and emotions — when they can’t be certain that Kroenke plans to keep his team here?
Owner Stan Kroenke remains aloof. No one knows what he’s thinking about his team. No one knows if he plans to make a commitment to stay in St. Louis.
Kroenke has certainly spent a lot of money on the Rams; his financial commitment to Fisher and free-agent signings is strong. And Kroenke isn’t obligated to be a chatterbox; he’s a low-key guy and that’s fine. But if Kroenke would at least try to connect with the public, he could generate a lot of goodwill for his franchise.
Fans — customers — just like to know that the big boss cares, and that he’s right there with them. Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. lives in Cincinnati, but he’s frequently on the ground in St. Louis, a visible presence. And the team’s fans know that DeWitt is fully engaged with his baseball team. Blues fans know that owner Tom Stillman is passionate about his team, and that he bleeds blue along with them.
As I’ve written before, I don’t blame any fan for holding back. Why should they make a full investment — finances and emotions — when they can’t be certain that Kroenke plans to keep his team here?