178 replies to this topic

[Wetcoaster]

Poor baby.

Hey Francesco it comes with territory. Man up and quit kvetching.

Quote

Vancouver columnists take sides in Nonis firing
WILLIAM HOUSTON

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

E-mail William Houston | Read Bio | Latest Columns
April 30, 2008 at 7:58 PM EDT

The Vancouver sports scene has been full of surprises this spring.

In mid-April, the Vancouver Canucks suddenly fired general manager Dave Nonis and quickly replaced him with hockey agent Mike Gillis.

Almost overnight, Vancouver Province hockey columnist Tony Gallagher, a long-time critic of Canucks management, threw his support behind the Gillis appointment.

Then, last week, Ed Willes, another Province sports columnist, took holidays, and speculation, denied by The Province and Willes, quickly arose whether he had been pressed to stop criticizing Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini over his decision to dismiss Nonis.

The fact this speculation arose so quickly again raises questions about the relationship between sports journalists and the people they cover.

Wayne Moriarty, the editor-in-chief of The Province, confirmed Aquilini called the newspaper to complain about Willes.

On April 15, the day the Canucks announced Nonis's dismissal, Willes wrote that Aquilini's ownership of the NHL club was a farce and the firing of Nonis a fiasco. He felt the Aquilini family was “as qualified to run a hockey team as they are to perform open-heart surgery.”

Willes wasn't alone. Vancouver Sun hockey writer Iain MacIntyre wrote that Nonis's dismissal raised “troubling questions” about Aquilini's style of management – a style likely to inhibit top candidates from applying for Nonis's job.

Aquilini responded by complaining to the Sun as well as The Province. At The Province, his call was taken by Jamie Pitbado, the newspaper's vice-president of promotions and community investment.

“He voiced his displeasure,” Pitbado said. “I think he contacted the newsroom as well. There were some parts [in the column] that might have been a little close, a little personal, but Ed has the freedom to write his point of view.”

Willes was apprised of Aquilini's complaint, but Province management insists the columnist was not pressed to lay off. “I'm fully supportive of Ed's position,” Moriarty said.

http://www.globespor...ortsHockey/home

Francesco should have learned his lesson from the Canucks last abortive attempt to try to control the media (in that case it was trying to get Tony Gallagher deep-sixed). At the time the Griffiths family basically controlled the media and most printed or said what the canucks press releases told them to say. If a reporter took the team to task the full-on attack mode was initiated.

The funniest episode was when the Canucks tried to prevent the Province from hiring Tony Gallagher as its chief NHL hockey columnist and threatened to make access difficult for the Province. The editor, Brian Butters, ran the letter from the Canucks on the front page and published his open letter response basically telling the Canucks to go fly a kite.

Here was the always entertaining Jim Taylor on this episode:

Quote

Canucks stoop to new low
JIM TAYLOR. The Province. Vancouver, B.C.: Aug 7, 1991. pg. 39

You may have noticed on the front sports page that the Vancouver Canucks do not like Tony Gallagher.

The mere suggestion that he might be coming back on the hockey beat has kicked VP Glen Ringdal's bile glands into overdrive.

Why . . . why . . . Canuck management is upset with Tony. Pat Quinn and Brian Burke have no intention of speaking to him.

Should The Province choose to hire him, he will be issued appropriate media credentials (You bet your butt he would. Can you spell Charter of Rights and Freedoms?), but "he will not be accorded the access to club personnel generally given other reporters."

Gosh!

There is more. The complete letter from Ringdal, the club's vice- president, toeditor-in-chief Brian Butters is there on the first page. I'd retype it here, but I can't stop laughing.

I mean, how can we get serious over a snotty letter from the team whose idea of big-league promotion was the Canuck Duck?

This is the team, lest we forget, that ran the infamous Chuck and Bobby ad campaign featuring two guys in Canuck uniforms who looked like road show McKenzie Brothers and sounded like they'd been repeatedly hit on the head with hammers. Or did time on the Canuck blue line.

This is a letter from the man in charge of marketing and communications who, in a previous incarnation with the B.C. Lions, helped launch Jerome, the Gnome Who Lives Under the Dome.

These are the people whose answer to critical coverage last season by hockey writer Mike Beamish of The Sun was to bar him from the team bus - and seemed to think that was punishment. (Beamish is now a columnist. I wonder, did The Sun get a letter, too?)

This is the team that spent thousands of dollars searching for just the right uniforms, and came up with Halloween suits that look like every helmet should have a candle burning under it.

This is the team that wants to help The Province decide who should cover hockey and who shouldn't - the team that traded away Cam Neely and hired Bill LaForge? I'd sooner let Al Capone pick bank guards.

The Canucks feel that Gallagher has been guilty of "scurrilous editorial attacks." They don't like his reporting style. I suspect they'd prefer hard-hitting stuff like:

"The Vancouver Canucks lost 8-0 last night, but if it hadn't been for those first seven goals it would have been 1-0 and with a chance to pull the goalie in the final minute they might well have gotten a tie."

Maybe not. Maybe they truly feel Tony G. has done them wrong. What I don't understand is how they could be silly enough to bleat to The Province about it.

Tony G. needs no letter of reference from Ringdal or Quinn or Burke. When it comes to hockey performance in this town, he can stand on his record a hell of a lot more steadily than they on theirs. The irony of it is, in writing this letter to Butters, they couldn't have given him better support.

Dumb, gentlemen. Really dumb.

That one had all the fingerprints of Burkie all over it - "scurrilous editorial attacks" indeed.

Allow me to second Jim Taylor on this one:

Dumb, Francesco. Really dumb.

[anderz]

Holly crap do i really have to read all that

[bobbyluongo1]

Another clue that Aquilini cannot handle being an NHL owner. Have you ever heard of an owner calling in a local newspaper and complaining about a writer?? As much as I'd like to say that Willies and Gallagher are wrong, I think they've done no wrong criticizing the canucks, because they're paid to do that.


Wake up Francesco.

[donutz0r]

anderz, on Apr 30 2008, 07:40 PM, said:

Holly crap do i really have to read all that

No, you don't. You also don't really have to post here, either.

[MikeGillis58]

This is not communism. Nobody can control the media in Vancouver.

[Wetcoaster]

anderz, on Apr 30 2008, 07:40 PM, said:

Holly crap do i really have to read all that

Only if you actually want to learn something.

[ENuck]

Like a fish outta water. Wah wah wah, Aquilini is the kind of mindless tard that has to be coached every step of the way, (see link in my sig) and then expects he can coach everyone on how he will allow them to respond. Go back to being a silent partner you dumwad.

[Wetcoaster]

bobbyluongo1, on Apr 30 2008, 07:40 PM, said:

Another clue that Aquilini cannot handle being an NHL owner. Have you ever heard of an owner calling in a local newspaper and complaining about a writer?? As much as I'd like to say that Willies and Gallagher are wrong, I think they've done no wrong criticizing the canucks, because they're paid to do that.

Wake up Francesco.

The ironic part here is that Gallagher is on Francesco's side and was pushing for his friend Mike Gillis to be hired.

[shuswapnuck]

Tony Gallagher's columns during the Burke-Quinn years were pathetic. He turned a lot of people off with his continuous negativity and he carried a black cloud around with him everywhere (which is fitting for all you Vancouverites). Thankfully, I can say I no longer live in the Lower Mainland. I'll take the BC Interior anyday where we look at things in a more positive light. His continuous support of high unrealistic player salaries was also pathetic. If it wasn't for the current CBA, half the players would be out of work because of all the teams folding. If Gallagher is a big supporter of the Aquilinis, then I really have to question their judgement. The nucks could be heading for a downward spiral.

Edited by shuswapnuck, 30 April 2008 - 08:49 PM.

[Rob Louie]

Wetcoaster, on May 1 2008, 11:30 AM, said:

Poor baby.

Hey Francesco it comes with territory. Man up and quit kvetching.


http://www.globespor...ortsHockey/home

Francesco should have learned his lesson from the Canucks last abortive attempt to try to control the media (in that case it was trying to get Tony Gallagher deep-sixed). At the time the Griffiths family basically controlled the media and most printed or said what the canucks press releases told them to say. If a reporter took the team to task the full-on attack mode was initiated.

The funniest episode was when the Canucks tried to prevent the Province from hiring Tony Gallagher as its chief NHL hockey columnist and threatened to make access difficult for the Province. The editor, Brian Butters, ran the letter from the Canucks on the front page and published his open letter response basically telling the Canucks to go fly a kite.

Here was the always entertaining Jim Taylor on this episode:


That one had all the fingerprints of Burkie all over it - "scurrilous editorial attacks" indeed.

Allow me to second Jim Taylor on this one:

Dumb, Francesco. Really dumb.

This title looks like another topic of newspaper

[awalk]

bad...bad move by Aquillini, this will only fuel the fire

[racerjoe]

Wetcoaster, on Apr 30 2008, 06:30 PM, said:

Poor baby.

Hey Francesco it comes with territory. Man up and quit kvetching.


http://www.globespor...ortsHockey/home

Francesco should have learned his lesson from the Canucks last abortive attempt to try to control the media (in that case it was trying to get Tony Gallagher deep-sixed). At the time the Griffiths family basically controlled the media and most printed or said what the canucks press releases told them to say. If a reporter took the team to task the full-on attack mode was initiated.

The funniest episode was when the Canucks tried to prevent the Province from hiring Tony Gallagher as its chief NHL hockey columnist and threatened to make access difficult for the Province. The editor, Brian Butters, ran the letter from the Canucks on the front page and published his open letter response basically telling the Canucks to go fly a kite.

Here was the always entertaining Jim Taylor on this episode:


That one had all the fingerprints of Burkie all over it - "scurrilous editorial attacks" indeed.

Allow me to second Jim Taylor on this one:

Dumb, Francesco. Really dumb.

Good read, I vaguely remember that, anyway, Two points, if you can't take the heat for what you are doing you chose the wrong team to buy. With every move you do, there will be those that agree and those that don't. Deal with it, get a good spin doctor.

Tony Gallagher, is one of the worst sports reporters of all time. I really hope he and gillis do not agree on much, besides movies and good TV shows. The province is terrible.

[Vertikal]

You know why you haven't heard of other owners taking offense to what's written, it's fairly simple, 1. It's not really breaking news. 2. Not all cities are as hockey obessed with as much cut throat media.

[Sweet 16]

Wetcoaster, on Apr 30 2008, 07:30 PM, said:

Francesco should have learned his lesson from the Canucks last abortive attempt to try to control the media (in that case it was trying to get Tony Gallagher deep-sixed). At the time the Griffiths family basically controlled the media and most printed or said what the canucks press releases told them to say. If a reporter took the team to task the full-on attack mode was initiated.

I thought the last attempt was when Burke wouldn't let anybody from the Canucks talk to anybody at Team1040.

The Vancouver sports media does seem to be particularly obnoxious, and the Aquilini's, or whoever, have the right to complain about it.

If the media allows that to dictate the mood of their coverage, for good or ill, that's their own damned fault.

[racerjoe]

Sweet 16, on Apr 30 2008, 07:56 PM, said:

I thought the last attempt was when Burke wouldn't let anybody from the Canucks talk to anybody at Team1040.

The Vancouver sports media does seem to be particularly obnoxious, and the Aquilini's, or whoever, have the right to complain about it.

If the media allows that to dictate the mood of their coverage, for good or ill, that's their own damned fault.

But is there not a difference between trying to control, and complain? Not that this was a case of Control, just we saw it happened in the past.

[Grey Owl 2]

anderz, on Apr 30 2008, 07:40 PM, said:

Holly crap do i really have to read all that

You have the attention span of a gnat. Reading will make you smart, and there is no difference between those who can't read and those who can, but don't.

[Millerdraft]

Interesting. I'm convinjced Aquilini has his sights set on becoming Prime Minister. One day you own the Texas Rangers, the next day you own US foreign policy.

[Wetcoaster]

Sweet 16, on Apr 30 2008, 07:56 PM, said:

I thought the last attempt was when Burke wouldn't let anybody from the Canucks talk to anybody at Team1040.

The Vancouver sports media does seem to be particularly obnoxious, and the Aquilini's, or whoever, have the right to complain about it.

If the media allows that to dictate the mood of their coverage, for good or ill, that's their own damned fault.

If you cannot stand the heat do not buy a hockey team.

This criticsm is mild - think how Prince Hal Ballard and Dollar Bill Wirtz were savaged by the media. In New York tearing apart owners in the media is a time honoured tradition.

Aquilini better put on bullet proof vest or he will be sleeping with the fishes.

[Wetcoaster]

racerjoe, on Apr 30 2008, 07:51 PM, said:

Good read, I vaguely remember that, anyway, Two points, if you can't take the heat for what you are doing you chose the wrong team to buy. With every move you do, there will be those that agree and those that don't. Deal with it, get a good spin doctor.

Tony Gallagher, is one of the worst sports reporters of all time. I really hope he and gillis do not agree on much, besides movies and good TV shows. The province is terrible.

He also appears close to Aquilini as he has had several one on ones.

[Gaborik_Fan#1]

He should sell his blueberry farms and buy every media outlet in town!

[104% Body Fat]

To me it adds to the evidence that the Nonis firing was knee-jerk from the public pressure caused by missing the playoffs.

[ilduce39]

man im surprised he hasn't lowered the boom on this message board.. geez.

[racerjoe]

Wetcoaster, on Apr 30 2008, 09:32 PM, said:

He also appears close to Aquilini as he has had several one on ones.

Maybe they like talking about stuff other than hockey. Hopefully they either argue over hockey stuff and like to, or have decided to just never bring up the topic.

[gruia]

bobbyluongo1, on Apr 30 2008, 07:40 PM, said:

Another clue that Aquilini cannot handle being an NHL owner. Have you ever heard of an owner calling in a local newspaper and complaining about a writer?? As much as I'd like to say that Willies and Gallagher are wrong, I think they've done no wrong criticizing the canucks, because they're paid to do that.


Wake up Francesco.

Another clue that the only career you got is selling newspapers. One by one. Go Luongo! Go Canucks! Go!

[nucks&bombers]

wittle baby wanna bottle?

what a show of immaturity.

[ENuck]

Sweet 16, on Apr 30 2008, 07:56 PM, said:

I thought the last attempt was when Burke wouldn't let anybody from the Canucks talk to anybody at Team1040.

The Vancouver sports media does seem to be particularly obnoxious, and the Aquilini's, or whoever, have the right to complain about it.

If the media allows that to dictate the mood of their coverage, for good or ill, that's their own damned fault.

I just can`t find the tears to shed for a man that not only threw people out on their asses and raised their rents by 400% so he could develop under their asses he has sent poor immigrant berry pickers packing back to Mexico when they complained of the squalor they were being forced to live in - poor Frankie, the press is picking on the poor defenseless lamb.

[Flinch]

Wetcoaster, on Apr 30 2008, 04:31 PM, said:

If you cannot stand the heat do not buy a hockey team.

This criticsm is mild - think how Prince Hal Ballard and Dollar Bill Wirtz were savaged by the media. In New York tearing apart owners in the media is a time honoured tradition.

Aquilini better put on bullet proof vest or he will be sleeping with the fishes.

I have to ask, Coaster, what IS your take on this whole fiasco? You have been in the agent business and, presumably, have rubbed shoulders with Gillis.

Also, your thoughts on Aquillini.

As for this article? This is what springs to mind for me:



The more and more that comes out, the more and more this is looking b-a-d.

[Flinch]

Sweet 16, on Apr 30 2008, 03:56 PM, said:

I thought the last attempt was when Burke wouldn't let anybody from the Canucks talk to anybody at Team1040.

The Vancouver sports media does seem to be particularly obnoxious, and the Aquilini's, or whoever, have the right to complain about it.

If the media allows that to dictate the mood of their coverage, for good or ill, that's their own damned fault.

No, that's not quite right.

Burke wouldn't talk to certain members of the Team 1040 because of crap they said to him and about his wife. Pratt was one of them. No one else was a part of Burke's personal decision. I can respect that, he is a grown man and can make his own decisions. Burke and the Canucks were not trying to 'control' anything.

This is different...writing in to complain about what the newspapers are writing about your public hockey team in a city is something else entirely, and yes, he has a right to complain about it, but it is in REALLY poor form: Franny should realize that he can't please everyone all the time and that there will ALWAYS be critics. Hell, even when Nonis traded for Luongo people were upset with that trade.

The problem is that Aquillini owns the freaking team. He is also (more than likely) an advertiser for the papers, which means he pays money to them. Aquillini can decide who he wants and does not want in the press box. If he was threatening or promising to restrict access...yikes.

[The-Impersonator]

bobbyluongo1, on Apr 30 2008, 07:40 PM, said:

Another clue that Aquilini cannot handle being an NHL owner. Have you ever heard of an owner calling in a local newspaper and complaining about a writer?? As much as I'd like to say that Willies and Gallagher are wrong, I think they've done no wrong criticizing the canucks, because they're paid to do that.


Wake up Francesco.

Willes is the biggest idiot in this city. He deserves a kick in the jollies. ....might help him cough up what's stuck im his throat. He should go write for Teen Beat.

[JonnyBCYa]

Any bad attention gained by this is certainly a benefit to the Province AND Willes.

Now any blah, blah, blah naysayer story by the clown will be deemed newsworthy, when in fact he's reporting NOTHING.

Oh wait. Nothing has changed.