The woes of a small market franchise

[ckad79]

The thing is, I always pull for the underdog and small market teams – even at the top of their game – just feel like underdogs. A big city, on the flipside, even when they suck still get a bunch of press on network TV, SportsCenter, major newspapers, etc. Everybody is all up in their business. Small market teams always take a back seat to the big boys.

It’s like John Clayton on ESPN! The guy covered Julius’s signing with Chicago today. I can’t remember the last time John Clayton discussed anything involving the Panthers… He does a 2 minute piece on SportsCenter and it’s Dallas this, Washington that, etc. Unless it involves one of our players going somewhere else, like Peppers to Chicago, ESPN couldn’t give two s***s about mentioning the words “Carolina Panthers”.

I know a lot of folks believe there are positives with a club staying “low key” and “out of the limelight”, but it comes with a lot of negativity and a lack of respect from the press too. It’s like star players are encouraged to stay away from us… like we’re less of a place to be.

Like when Michael Vick went on the radio last week, saying the he wanted to play for the Panthers. That night, I watched ESPN’s “Around the Horn” and nobody really talked about how the Panthers have a ton of great weapons for him (two outstanding running backs, one of the best wide receivers in the game today, a decent line, etc) and how it wasn’t an AWFUL thought. Instead, the talk was all about, “why would Vick waste his time going to a SMALL MARKET CITY like Charlotte?” It hurt.

It’s frustrating how it always comes down to that, but it’s true, it’s the way of pro sports! There are just major benefits to playing in larger markets (contract benefits, endorsements, etc). In fact, I don’t think we realize how lucky we are to have Steve Smith, one of the greats who generally accepts Charlotte for what it is. That’s really cool (IMO).

And it’s not that we haven’t tried to hang with the big boys either. Remember when Richardson went on that signing spree in ’98 and throw big city money at Sean Gilbert & Doug Evans. It almost bankrupted us. haha Every since then… I think the Big Cat accepted the limitations of a small market franchise. You can throw big money but it isn’t a wise financial move.

It’s just how it works… Julius Peppers wanted to go. It wasn’t about the defense or the money, it was about the market. And believe me, Beason will jet too (when his time comes). It’s just the way it is. We aren’t set to throw money around like Washington, Dallas, or even Chicago, and without the money, it’s all about, what can one city offer a star player that another can’t? With us, it isn’t much! haha

Instead, we can dream about having disgraced athletes like Vick because nobody else wants to touch them or aging superstars like Will Witherspoon but that’s all we’ll ever have. Athletes toy with us, especially guys who are here and say stuff like, “I want to be a Panther for life” Few mean it.

It’s the life of a small market fan. You have to love it for what it is and hope we somehow make great decisions, stay competition, and maybe our dreams will come true… one day.

[Guest]

it is what it is

[XClown1986]

I understand what you are saying, that the small market teams sometimes get shoved into a locker and forgot about. However, a lot of players love that they can play professional sports and have a home life away from the spotlight. The small market teams are perfect for that. Maybe rookies and young guys dream of the big cities and endorsement deals, but those are few and far between anyway. Most players would like to come in and play the game they love for a substantial pay, and be able to shy away from the spotlight when they go home to their families. Its a trade off albeit a good one I think. I think any of the guys that tend to drift to larger markets purposely are in it for the money and self indulgence anyway, nobody I would personally want on my team.

P.S. Beason isn't going anywhere. Period.

[Sam Mills Fan]

It's not really about it being a "small market". It's all about there being zero tradition in Charlotte sports-wise except for NASCAR. There are no culturally significant things about Charlotte. Nightlife is INCREDIBLY lackluster when compared to other cities with NFL teams. All things being equal, why WOULD an incredibly rich athlete choose to come to Charlotte over another NFL city other than the truly awful ones like Buffalo and Detroit?

Charlotte is a great place to raise a family. That's why we're able to go out and sign veteran guys with kids. It's not a great place to be a high-rolling, balling, rich athlete. And that's why no Charlotte-based pro team has EVER been able to lure a single superstar free agent here. Think about it: Who was the highest-profile guy the Hornets ever signed? Derrick Coleman? What about the Panthers? They've signed some big-time players before, but they've all been over 35. And then there's the Bobcats and we don't even need to go there.

[pantherj]

Anytime I see the word 'Bobcats' I just start laughing. We only have 1 superstar now, Steve Smith. Williams and Beason are both very good players, but our stars were Peppers and Smith. We'll have to make due with the good players we have, and hope that some of our youngers guys step up.

It doesn't bother me when the media ignores the Panthers. But I can't stand it when we play a large market team, and the media pumps that team up, and dumps on us. Before we totally destroyed the Vikings last season, an ESPN analyst was asked if we stood a chance against them. The 'analyst' started to chuckle, and make an ass face, and he said something like "No way, no chance... hehe... It's gonna be ugly." That was moment #1000000 of ESPN taking a dump on the Panthers and our fan base. When we won, assface and the other members of the media would do nothing but talk about what might be wrong with the Vikings. I think what happened was that we had our foot up their collective ass, but not ESPN. No, it must have been a fluke brought on by hillbilly magic.

[pstall]

Utah Jazz seem to do well.

But yeah, South Beach vs South Blvd.....ehhhh

[ncguy2184]

I agree with everything you said but for 1 thing i dont think jon beason will leave he knows this team is his and he wants to be the face of the franchise.

[ckad79]

Charlotte is a great place to raise a family. That's why we're able to go out and sign veteran guys with kids. It's not a great place to be a high-rolling, balling, rich athlete. And that's why no Charlotte-based pro team has EVER been able to lure a single superstar free agent here.

Fair enough. Then why are the Panthers trying to get younger these days? If we can only attract veterans, why try to build a team of young and unhappy players... ? :confused:

[Saint J]

i heard the saints did well this year but that may have just been a rumor or something

[Bobby]

Utah Jazz seem to do well.

But yeah, South Beach vs South Blvd.....ehhhh

We have a beach too!

Okay, it's just some sand by a lake

Stephen Jackson is a pretty big star.

[Wither]

i heard the saints did well this year but that may have just been a rumor or something

Small market? Everyone was in love with the Saints at the beginning and throughout the season.

[ckad79]

i heard the saints did well this year but that may have just been a rumor or something

New Orleans also has Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras, French Quarter. It's a little more attractive to athletes, especially promising younger athletes who still want to live in happening town.

Yes, the "Big Easy" is technical a smaller market but some smaller markets have exceptions to the rules like New Orleans and like Tampa Bay (because of the beaches). What is Charlotte offering young guys? A boring nightlife and CVS?

I agree Charlotte is a great place to raise a family and there is no doubt that we attract older athletes but that was my whole point... why go "younger" if that's the case. You're just going to have a squad of unhappy players.

BUT at least small market NFL clubs don't suffer like they do in baseball!!! At least in the NFL, we can stay competitive.

[Phil Dees]

What???? Nothing to do in Charlotte????

A rich young f-baller could go out to the race track and stand on one of the high banked turns.

Or for a really fun day, go out and visit the old PTL property !!!!

[Delhommey]

Y'all have never been to Pittsburgh, have you?