GoCrew1996 - You guys have already heard through various releases what happened at the meeting. Alex thought that Don/AP would let them know what they could do to keep the team, AP/Don asked Alex what they were going to do to keep the team.
Alex/CP was offended that Don/AP were acting like Columbus owed them something. Meeting lasted 20 minutes.
This Crew team as we know it, is leaving Columbus. Even if Austin rejects the team (unlikely), AP is not keeping it here.
Next step for CP is going to be to try to find potential ownership for a new team. Even then, they still have to convince Garber that it is worth giving us a new franchise (unlikely imo based on how Garber has treated us through the process).
CrewV Man - Oh if that was all it was I would play all day. But it also boosts their "buzz" or "Q rating" social media metrics. And you know they love the metrics.
kgilbert78 - I'm not surprised. Especially given it was in NYC. Amazing they even had a meeting, frankly
Placid Casual - Surprised it lasted that long.
TRUJDUB - Hopefully that’s not what she said
Psycho_Derek - Ok you’ve got 10 mins.
Come on we are one of the original charter teams cities
Ok you’ve got 20 mins but make it a quick 20
Minnman - A few thoughts:
- Retaining this team with Precourt as owner is untenable.
- I never had the impression he would seriously consider selling to local ownership; this seems to have been a scam all along to get a team in Austin.
- I know that MLS seems intent on killing off any kind of a Columbus franchise. If so, we're dead in the water, no matter what local ownership may emerge. We'd also be dead if the team isn't allowed to re-launch w/o needing to pay a $150 million expansion fee. I'd be cool with retaining the club's history, name, colors, and re-launching in a couple of years.
- That said... there's just a whole level of corruption about this, a stink, that we're each going to have to address on personal terms. Is there a way of being in this league, being fans of an MLS team, and feeling proud of that fact? Bill's mantra of 'committed local ownership' seems to be a necessary step toward achieving that. But, even so, the crap we've heard seep out about KC helping to engineer this, the way in which the league, as a hole, is buying into this Austin bullshit. I mean, damn, is this a place where I want to spend my money?
coachchris - Without Garber, this might be possible, but a fish rots from its head. Garber is willing to be dishonest in his dealings with owners, cities, the media, etc. I doubt this will change, but it will be noticed. I figure the fix is in for this week (Columbus and Houston MUST GO!!!!), and that wouldn't surprise any of us. I think it's a wonder that we were in a fair game with Atlanta, and even more so against NYC. It's pretty clear that they are willing to sacrifice any given (small) city's results if they think it gives a bump to revenue, and TV viewership. This isn't the thinking of a competitive league, but rather of a business disguised as one.
I say "Up Yours, MLS". If we get a USL team, I'll support them, and hope that one day, that community based, grass-roots (for real) league can step up and become the UPL (US Premiere League) one day. I can watch Euro leagues until then.
I would so love to see Garber handing the trophy to Columbus, while boos and beer bottles crash around him. XD
SourCream&OnionUtd - IMV these are the questions that will have been waiting at the end of most of the best case outcomes, and they will need answering, even if only privately.
It seems like a best best-case scenario would be one in which the city of San Antonio, Bexar County, and SS&E do not go away meekly and keep Garber and the league embroiled in scandal. Pair that with hopefully a sustained broad-based backlash to what is being done to us, and, fingers crossed, our lifting the cup, and maybe it could be enough to generate calls for new leadership in MLS.
Hopefully, it wouldn't be a case of better the devil you know, but I know I would be thrilled at being part of an MLS without Garber. I'm just not sure I could stomach it anymore so long as he's in charge of Metrics League Soccer.
Jaybir - I witnessed something several years back (a number of you may have as well) it struck me as odd, but then I never gave it any more thought until recently -
Immediately after PSV acquired the Crew - AP made a brief appearance on the field. It was evidently one of his few visits to this city.
As he was walking off, there was a boisterous explosion of applause for him. And I swear, this is exactly what I saw and my impression -
He was initially startled. Had a frightened look on his face. Then he seemed to figure out the roar was positive and for him. Then he seemed legitimately puzzled for a moment, before sheepishly waving and walking off the field.
I thought to myself, "How odd. Wouldn't he expect us to welcome our new owner?"
He knew from the beginning. He's thinking, "Oh my gosh, these 'fly over' insects think I'm their friend."
And my apologies for the sheep reference.
coachchris - I dunno, Bill, I was thinking "Columbus Revenge" had a cool ring to it, a USL team dressed all in black (black/charcoal numbers as well), whose main purpose would be to eliminate MLS teams from the Open Cup.
Coupe - "This club, and any sports franchise for that matter, should be a sacred community asset. That is how we're going to treat the Crew," he said. "Our goal will be to take the Crew to be one of the standard bearers in the league." (Anthony Precourt)
TKyle - Technicality: Prec***t didn’t specify *for which* community the club is a sacred asset.
This whole thing makes me want to vomit.
Crew2112 - Precourt has never owned a business. He simply inherited a large trust fund. He has no clue how to sell anything or fill out paperwork, much less make relationships. I’m sure he does see it as personal. He waltzed into Columbus willing to give it a try (if only for a little while). He then realized the local community didn’t like him.
This whole episode seems more like he’s a spoiled kid that is taking the ball home because someone made fun of him. There are no “smart” business decisions being made. That is why so many people are confused about this.
jairadballerina - Do you think Austin is going to be able to meet his demands of a "Urban Core" stadium? Any chance Austin City Council tells him to take a hike or only offers him sites outside what he could call downtown?
crewfan-in-columus - They've already moved those goalposts from "Downtown" to "Urban Core" and now to "Potentially East Austin".
CrewV Man - And did anyone see Austin's most recent idea for a stadium site, Roy Guerrero Park. It is out of the downtown area and would destroy a lovely park. So much for downtown stadiums.
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