News broke a couple days ago with this crazy story. Tony Seminary, an Oregon graduate made the trip to the week 1 Boise State Game. And unless you live under a rock or just hate sports (then why are you reading my blog!) you know all about what happened at the end of that game. Well, Seminary felt like he deserved his money back for the team's poor performance. So, he asked for it. He invoiced Chip Kelly. Shockingly enough, he got an email back looking for his address. A few days later, a $439 check was in the mail from coach Kelly. Reasons to Like this move:
Coach Kelly knew his team did horribly, and ultimately that falls on the shoulders of the head coach. If I were an Oregon fan, I would have been pretty upset to have made that trip too. You can't forget this was Kelly's first game as head coach so he needs to win over the fans. Mike Bellotti (Head Coach 1995-2008), now the Athletic Director, is the most beloved coach in Ducks history, and still has an active role and was on the sidelines for the game. Before Bellotti, Jim Aiken (1947-1950) was the last Oregon coach to have a career winning record. Its tough to be the guy that follows the legend, and that falls on Kelly. This gesture shows his commitment to the fans, commitment to the program, and commitment to success.Reasons to dislike this move:
Where has our society gone to these days? Football teams lose games all the time! In fact, every week if all 120 teams play, 60 of them are going to lose! Am I to believe I can just ask for my money back for witnessing those losses? REALLY?!?!?!?! I realize Seminary did this as a joke. And I know after a few bad Bama losses, especially road losses, I have wanted my money back too. But no one actually ASKS for it, much less GETS it. This fits the same mold as all the frivolous lawsuits that happen everyday. Its the reason all of us have to be so careful about what we say and do all the time. Because someone out there is looking for a cheap buck and will take whatever chance he has to get it at your expense. Its the same culture that sues the electric company when some kid sticks his finger in a socket and gets electrocuted......its not MY fault, its SOMEONE ELSE'S fault. And what kind of precedent does this set? Oregon had better not lose a game the rest of the year, at least not a road game they are supposed to win at least. Athletic departments across the country are about to be inundated with refund requests. At the end of the day, I don't like this move because it is an indication of more global problems that our country faces But on a micro level, I really like what this show about the quality of Chip Kelly's character. I'm sure he won some major cool points with the Duck faithful for this move.
I will be going to the Alabama/Kentucky game next weekend. You can be sure I'm going to be keeping track of my expenses for that trip now, just in case!
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