Another good long one.

[Art]

Snyder is da devil. Or not. Some of that good old fashioned stuff about seven months into the Snyder era.<br /><br />Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has become the poster boy for a meddlesome, too involved, sports owner. Media outlets across the country continually chastise Snyder for some perceived impropriety. And yet the teams on the field success, and off season moves have given energy to the grass roots--the fans.<br /><br />In a war of words, the press has either been with Snyder or dead set against him. Of late, some pundits have moderated their anti-Snyder rhetoric, jumping behind a series of seemingly brilliant off-season moves. But the Washington Times, for one, has continued to chastise the team for various events.<br /><br />According to the Times, when the Redskins trade their disgruntled Punter, they are throwing tantrums. When they sign a veteran player, he is too old. When they sign a second veteran, they are trashing the teams future salary cap. When the move up in the Draft, they are reaching for players they will not be able to afford.<br /><br />On and on it goes.<br /><br />When a close analysis of the teams actual moves is conducted, there is little cause to worry about Snyder (himself) making football decisions, or even being too involved. Further, most of the other reported "incidents" were little more than smoke.<br /><br />In short, there is no fire at Redskins Park.<br /><br />Despite an increase in the teams success on the field, in barely seven months of ownership Daniel Snyder has developed an undeserved reputation.<br /><br />Here, worldwide Redskins will attempt to cast some light of the reasons why an acrimonious relationship has developed between the new Redskins and some of local and national press corps.<br /><br />Rough beginning:<br />The process that was used to sell the Washington Redskins was very acrimonious. By the time Daniel Snyder emerged as the team's owner it was the middle of July ('99) and the team was about to take the field. Almost all of the personnel decisions had been completed, and it was time to see how the 10th Charley Casserly team would stack up.<br /><br />Despite the late start, Snyder conducted an immediate team wide assessment which began in the front office. Expectations were set for everyone in the organization, with most of the staff placed on a one season tryout. And Head Coach Norv Turner was given an ultimatum--make the playoffs or clear out of town (6 seasons is plenty to prove yourself).<br /><br />Snyder then made room for his own football man by shifting long time General Manager Charley Casserly to a consultants roll, essentially taking away all of his responsibilities. The new owner said that he felt too much conflict between the GM and Head Coach, and made a pragmatic decision.<br /><br />In truth, Casserly was dismissed for a lack luster draft record. Despite his outstanding 1999 off season, when no ownership controlled the team, it was long expected that Snyder would place his own people in charge of both the administrative and football sides of the business. Some question the haste Casserlys dismissal, but the timing was truly dictated by the NFL's calendar.<br /><br />In July, a teams football business is complete, and a new calendar of player personnel evaluation begins. It was essential to made any transition quickly so that one set of eyes could evaluate the coming draft class.<br /><br />Simply, Snyder tried to light a fire under the situation he inherited. Some have said the new owners expectations were unfair, and too heavy-handed. But the reality was that everyone in the organization knew where they stood. Those that remained were given a fair shake.<br /><br />Since 1996 the Redskins were an underachieving football team. Head Coach Norv Turner had received an unprecedented fifth season without making the playoffs. And the only reason he was back for a sixth chance was a series of circumstances that left the Redskins without an owner for the entire 1999 off season.<br /><br />If Turner did not met the goals laid out for him then he would have no reason to complain.<br /><br />The Money<br />After two years in a new stadium, the team had not sold the last 1500 luxury club seats. Having paid $801 million for the team and stadium, maximization of every possible revenue source was critical -- the new owners had to sell those seats.<br /><br />Knowing that fan sentiment for retaining Turner was low, Snyder gave a candid answer when the press asked him about the coaches future. The new owner said Turner needed to make the playoffs in order return for the 2000 season.<br /><br />Some called it an unfair ultimatum, considering the turmoil during the previous months. But Snyder was sending a message to those who had already purchased expensive club seats -- the Redskins were committed to winning. In addition, it set a tone for the teams efforts to sell the remaining luxury tickets.<br /><br />Snyder also needed to let the long time ticket holders know that the Redskins were going to be competitive. In 1998, many of these tickets had gone unused. The teams tickets were worth nothing to scalpers, and interest in the team waned all over town.<br /><br />Why care?<br /><br />The answer is simple: with every parking space unused, hot dog uneaten, ATM fee uncollected, and beer left in the keg the team was lost revenue.<br /><br />The Cooke family did not need every single source of income to be maximized. Sure, they wanted to make money, but they did not need to exploit every possible source. The family could afford to take a more staid approach. But Daniel Snyder and his partners have a large debt to service, and need the fans to be engaged, interested and in attendance.<br /><br />In addition to the club seats, Snyder needed more advertising revenue from the stadium. In short order the team formed marketing partnerships with a variety of local and national businesses to increase the teams profitability.<br /><br />But to have these associations achieve maximum potential the Redskins needed to look focused, and committed to winning. After all, advertising in half empty stadium is not a very lucrative situation.<br /><br />Fired:<br />Meanwhile the new owner set about changing the things that could be changed.<br /><br />The coaching staff was set, and there were few football decisions to be made. But there are many other aspects to running the team, and the time table to deal with these other problems is far more flexible.<br /><br />Dissatisfied with much of the team's marketing and public-relations staff, Snyder decided to wipe the slate clean and fired 25 employees. Many were longtime staffers from the Ashburn staff, but most were employees from Jack Kent Cooke Stadium.<br /><br />With the PR staff changes, all of the team's press contacts were severed. These long time employees were the people responsible for disseminating information to the media--some of it on the record, some of the off the record. The ripple effect was that those fired seemed like victims of a greedy, pushy new owner.<br /><br />Many were popular among the local and national press corps. After the dismissals, the parade of articles and editorials was decidedly negative. The team had summarily dismissed friends of the press, and there was no way this could not effect the media outlook.<br /><br />At the center of the storm was longtime PR secretary Phyllis Hayes. Through a long career at Redskins Park, she was the main contact for the beat reporters who chronicled the teams day to day activities. Her dismissal sent out a shock wave that continues to reverberate.<br /><br />Most of those on the marketing/PR staff were not sturdy professionals who compared to people Snyder had employed in his other businesses. Moreover, they were used to working for an ownership that had a different agenda and outlook. Change was inevitable.<br /><br />But the results, after such a purge, were predictable. Snyder instantly became known as the boy owner--a man bent on total control. The overall impression of Snyder went from an enthusiastic hard worker to meddlesome tyrant practically overnight.<br /><br />The reality of Snyder's decisions were, in actuality, benign.<br /><br />If Snyder was hell bent a completely changing the Washington Redskins he would have fired Turner without any regard for the consequences or practicality. He could have promoted one of the assistant coaches, or hired someone from the coaching unemployment ranks who was willing to command under such a situation.<br /><br />Considering Turner's record, the howl from the press would have been lighter then firing Phylis Hayes.<br /><br />In other words, change for the sake of change could have taken place.<br /><br />But Snyder didn't make such a foolish blunder, and when the teams other moves of the preseason are reviewed in hindsight there was little cause for any of the negative press.<br /><br />Put it Out There:<br />At the same time Snyder was making changes to the Redskins the administrative staff he was trying to sell those 1500 club seats, many of which had less than desirable vantage points. Two open houses were held, allowing fans to come to the stadium and pick seats.<br /><br />But before these events, word began to leak out that the team was interested in trading at least one of three 1st round selections in the 2000 draft. In a clumsy fashion, the names of marquee players began to slip out as possible acquisitions. Jamal Anderson, Barry Sanders, Joey Galloway, and Carl Pickens were all supposed targets of the Snyder fantasy football machine.<br /><br />Amazingly the press ate it up. Even though the Redskins made no real overtures for any of these players there was a constant flood of reported dealmaking. The flurry of excitement helped Snyder sell the remaining seats.<br /><br />Unfortunately there was a backlash in the mainstream national media. All the name dropping and false excitement, coupled with the staff changeovers gave pundits like CNNSI's Peter King, and USA Today's Gordon Forbes a reason to editorialize against the new owners tactics.<br /><br />There was criticism of the ultimatum to make the playoffs, and the dismissal of Charley Casserly.<br /><br />Much of the ire was displaced anger at the firing of Phyllis Hayes and her coworkers. But in this new climate, almost any move the team made was twisted into anti-Snyder venom.<br /><br />Changing of the Guard<br />Further complicating the situation was the Washington Times.<br /><br />Jack Kent Cooke had a running feud with the Washington Post. When the team wanted to leak information the story went to the Washington Times. When GM Charley Casserly wanted to think out loud, David Elfin (the Times lead reporter) was the man who got to listen.<br /><br />Example--In 1997 speculation about the Redskins first round draft pick was rampant. Only the Washington Times predicted Kenard Lang would be taken with the 17th overall selection. In fact, the Times outlined a strategy focused on Defense well before the Redskins used 4 of their first 5 picks on Defensive players.<br /><br />The Post had no access to Casserly, and had no real insight into that Draft.<br /><br />But with a new public-relations staff and owner the Washington Post had a big chance to get back on the inside.<br /><br />The Post has business and national news sections that are read by decision makers around the globe and therefore they wield considerable influence. So, an area resident still trying to make his fortune can't afford to alienate one of the nations most important news organizations.<br /><br />It has been no shock that Daniel Snyder and the Post have formed a good relationship. Snyder needs the Washington Post as a friend. They have a much larger readership, and therefore are in a better position to give his ventures favorable influence.<br /><br />With a narrow political focus, the Times is not the friend of many outside of those who hold right wing politics. They don't command a national influence, and their stories are not picked up by papers across the country.<br /><br />When the Washington Times attacked Snyder for some of his "fantasy football" moves, they became the outsiders.<br /><br />Since the initial fireworks surrounding Snyder's aggressive first month, the Times has become more and more slanted in its coverage. Unfortunately for Snyder, both of the correspondents who cover the Redskins for the Times are well respected. Both are published authors on the Redskins, and both write for national publications.<br /><br />In essence, that means the unfounded criticism of Daniel Snyder has a national voice. Much of their anti-Snyder rhetoric has leaked its way into national stories on the Redskins.<br /><br />First Season<br />The Redskins had a strong preseason good training camp and entered the opening game with the Dallas Cowboys on high note. But after a good start the Redskins lost in overtime, having blown a 21 point lead.<br /><br />Instead of any dramatics, the new owner told his players that this was one game of 16, and he knew they would do better next week.<br /><br />If Daniel Snyder was the tyrant portrayed in the press he would have tried to fire someone after the Redskins disappointing and heartbreaking loss. He could have demanded that the team cut a player, or made some other symbolic move. In short, he could have asked for a scapegoat<br /><br />Instead he asked his players to hold their heads high.<br /><br />The following week the Redskins absolutely destroyed the New York Giants.<br /><br />The next controversial episode occurred after the Redskins came back to beat the Carolina Panthers in overtime. After falling behind 21 points, the Redskins engaged in a shootout, finally winning the contest in the closing seconds. But this was a game the Redskins were supposed to dominate.<br /><br />Through this point in the season, the Redskins Defense had continually bleed yardage. Their efforts at holding the score down were abysmal, as well. The team had a bye weak to make changes, but there was nothing in the team's first four performances that gave anyone much hope.<br /><br />Snyder reportedly told Turner to fire defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. The defensive unit had not performed to expectations in 1998, and its 1999 performance (after 1/4th of the games) was getting worse, not better.<br /><br />However Snyder never insisted that Turner fire his coordinator. He suggested the coach consider making a change-- a far cry from orchestrating a coup. Turner, by contract, has complete and total control over his coaching staff. So the assertion that the new owner was demanding changes doesn't hold water.<br /><br />True, Daniel Snyder could have fired Turner and the entire staff, or threatened Turner's tenure. But that would have been counterproductive, and it never happened.<br /><br />During the off week, the coaching staff came up with a productive solution. The Redskins hired Bill Arnsparger as a defensive specialist. Nolan had worked with Arnsparger in the past, and their partnership through the 1999 season was a success. And while the results were not fantastic, there was a marked improvement in the teams performance during the remaining 12 games.<br /><br />The press howled at this move. Snyder was accused of meddling, and interfering in the teams business. The hiring was called everything from window dressing to making Nolan train his replacement. But history tells us that the team improved during the next 12 weeks. In short, hindsight tells us that the team did the right thing.<br /><br />Texas Shootout<br />The incident that came to define Daniel Snyder as "a mettlesome owner " occurred after the Redskins were spanked by the Dallas Cowboys, in Irving Texas. The Redskins stayed with Dallas though most of the game, only to fall apart in the 4th quarter. It became the most deflating loss of the season.<br /><br />Following the game, Snyder gathered with the coaches, including Mike Nolan, in the training room at Texas Stadium. None of those actually involved in the discussion have ever recounted what was said, but the discussion was clearly a frank and honest exchange.<br /><br />The only thing Norv Turner ever said concerning this meeting was that Dan Snyder had not yelled at the coaches, or demanded changes during the discussion.<br /><br />After the meeting, Daniel Snyder emerged from the training room to a hallway full of press, and he commented that he was going to get focused, and needed to "get his voice back." The Washington Times took that to mean that Snyder had been yelling at the coaches. But the reality was that Snyder lost his voice cheering and shouting during the game.<br /><br />The meeting kept the press waiting, and the delay left the reporters closer to their deadlines. In other words, the press was cranky.<br /><br />Many chided Snyder for even meeting with his coaches after a difficult loss. Ravens owner Art Modell said that Snyder was out of line. However it should be noted that after one year of ownership, Snyder has as many Lombardi Trophies as Modell--zero. And Modell has been an NFL owner for all of the leagues Super Bowls.<br /><br />Also of note is that the Ravens and Redskins both finished 6-10 in 1998. The Redskins improved to 10-6, making the playoffs. The Ravens added two wins, and finished at .500 (for the very first time in their history).<br /><br />Snyder and Turner had such meetings throughout the entire season, and even preseason games. True, this discussion was especially cantankerous, and considerably longer. But it was not the ominous, doomsday event portrayed by FOX and the Washington Times.<br /><br />During the week leading to the Redskins next game, every major news organization did a story on the post-Cowboy meeting. It became the major subject of debate throughout the sports world.<br /><br />However there was nothing sinister or even meddling about the post-game meeting. In fact, the team refocused, and won their next game. If the meeting and its aftermath was a distraction, it never showed up in the Redskins performance.<br /><br />Talking to Five<br />The next controversy stemmed from a late season skid that made the Redskins home game against Arizona a critical match-up. Early in the team preparations, Snyder asked Norv Turner if he should address the players.<br /><br />Turner thought it would be beneficial for Snyder to meet one on one with a few of the teams veterans, and the coach sent five players to the owner. Those chats were short, sweet, and to the point.<br /><br />Snyder told the players to play for themselves -- just relax and win. Despite what was reported, he never told the players to ignore the coaches, or anything close.<br /><br />Each of the veteran players confirmed, on the record, that there were no hidden agendas pushed in these meetings. And none of the players involved ever gave a negative impression about the meetings.<br /><br />In fact, the veteran players held an emotional players-only meeting the night before the Cardinals game that seemed to solidify and focus the team. The Redskins were competitive in every game after this players meeting, and their performance was intense.<br /><br />However there were several media reports saying Snyder had told the five players to ignore the coaches, and do whatever was necessary (at the moment) to win the game. Not only were these reports untrue, they made no sense.<br /><br />Terry Bradshaw, on the FOX NFL Today broadcast, went further, saying that Dan Snyder had no business owning an NFL team if these things were going to continue. Despite denials by Snyder, and all the players involved, FOX never retracted their story.<br /><br />It should be noted that Bradshaw has had an ax to grind with the Redskins for years.<br /><br />What purpose would be served by Tre' Johnson or Marco Coleman freelancing while their teammates ran the coaches play? Despite this illogical scenario, it was more grist for the Snyder mill. CNNSI picked up on the FOX angle, and the Washington Times (of course) went full bore, chastising the "boy owner".<br /><br />The utter disrespect in these editorials is truly amazing, and not just because they were based on false accusations. Whatever anyone thinks of Dan Snyder, the press should maintain some level of neutrality and objectivity.<br /><br />Oh, and the Redskins beat Arizona in convincing fashion.<br /><br />Aftermath<br />Throughout a roller-coaster 1999 season, the Redskins looked as good as the best teams. They also had moments where they were awful. But every time the team had a setback, lost a difficult game, or fell behind, they responded.<br /><br />Every stinging defeat was followed with a good performance.<br /><br />And for that Daniel Snyder needs to be given some credit. He held the Redskins to a high standard of accountability. If he is to be chastised for candid meetings after difficult games then he needs to be given credit for the teams successes. Fairness demands this.<br /><br />Yes, the owner had meetings with players. Yes, the owner met with his coaches. But he didn't make any unreasonable demands. He did not try to coach the team. And he didn't undermine any of the staff at Redskins Park.<br /><br />The media impression of Daniel Snyder is wrong. Yes, Snyder cares deeply about his new venture. But instead of judging Daniel Snyder on innuendo, judge him on what he does (not what others say he did).<br /><br />If the Redskins had traded away draft picks foolishly in August, then everyone would have cause to question Daniel Snyder. If he had fired coaches midway through the season, and undermined his head coach, then he could be called stupid and meddling. But none of that happened.<br /><br />When Norv Turner made the playoffs, even before the team had clinched the NFC East, Snyder kept his word and told the coach he was wanted for the 2000 season. In fact, there was absolutely no discussion. According to Snyder, a goal was established, the goal was met, and the consequence was a forgone conclusion.<br /><br />Daniel Snyder in essence, is committed to making the Redskins better. He's not making football decisions. He's making business decisions to try to inspire and lead his organization.<br /><br />The media, and the fans, need to pay close attention to what the team is actually doing. In time, everyone will learn how Daniel Snyder intends to run the Washington Redskins. He will build up a record of wins and losses and over the course of many seasons the new owner will be judged on his record.<br /><br />Jack Kent Cooke was beloved for all his eccentricity because he put winners on the field. During his association with the Redskins, they went to five Super Bowls. For that reason, and that alone, he will always have a warm place in the hearts of all Redskins fans.<br /><br />Thus far, Snyder has set about a plan to rebuild the organization to reflect the modern reality of a 21st century NFL franchise.<br /><br />If the Redskins win championships then Snyder will become a media darling. But if the Redskins toil in mediocrity and failure then Snyder will be judged harshly and he may never be able to climb out from underneath an image that is already tarnished.<br /><br />It is way too early to make pronouncements about Daniel Snyder. He has just begun a long journey, and over time his place will be written into Redskins history. Anyone who tells you different is just blowing hot air.

[mardi gras skin]

I just wanted to see if Art's post managed to take an entire page in a thread.<br /><br />Not quite, there was enough room for this one. <img border="0" title="" alt="[smile]" src="smile.gif" /><br /> <br /> [ January 24, 2002: Message edited by: mardi ]

[Om]

I guess we'd have to add another few paragraphs crushing Snyder for the Marty Saga now, as well as the GM Moonwalk, but the piece still resonates. Among the faithful, anyway. <br /><br />To the critics, I suspect it doesn't persuade. I'm not sure what would ...

[Kilmer17]

(sniff, sniff) that was beautiful man.<br /><br />Eff Bradshaw.

[RF4L]

You know, I can't think of any owner for whom winning the SB would be sweeter than Dan Snyder.<br /><br />And I'll be most pleased to go along for the ride as one of the faithful. <img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /><br /> <br /> [ January 24, 2002: Message edited by: RedskinFan4Life ]

[NavyDave]

If Danny's latest Coaching acquisition ends my least favorite long running TV Series "home for the playoffs" I'll be Happy.<br /><br />We've endured 7 years of What we do Works,the Era of Norv and the Short lived Frankly, The Marty Saga.<br /><br />Hopefully 2k2 newest Show will be action packed like 24 but called "14", Victory Smirks of S Double