Reader comments
Dick Harmon: Versus takes Goldie over Utah-BYU game
103 comments | Read story
RSH | 1:09 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Thank you. This story says it all. The mtn. will go down as the demise of the
conference and one of the biggest disasters in collegiate athletic media
history. This television contract is costing the Mountain West Conference
national exposure, was awfully designed and is still horrendously managed to
this day.
Cougar Fan | 1:17 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
KSL, KUTV and KBYU did better than the mountain.
ESPN for select games and local TV for the rest is still much better than the sorry camera work and meager broadcast reach of the mountain
ESPN for select games and local TV for the rest is still much better than the sorry camera work and meager broadcast reach of the mountain
Comments continue below
no tv fan | 1:43 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Craig Thompson should be fired, what a joke. Also the AD's threw out the
MWC should also be fired for basically killing the conference. MWC and the
Sunbelt Conf. what's the difference? Nothing!! I also now could care less
about any Mtn. West team.
Aggie Fan | 1:38 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
It wasn't a USU game, so who cares? Go Aggies!
Aggie Fan | 1:50 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
It wasn't like it was a USU game, so who cares? Everyone knows there are
only two basketball teams in the state of Utah, the Aggies and the Jazz. Go
Aggies!
lezoave | 1:51 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
ah, the aggies. when was the last time any of their teams garnered any national
attention? i guess their tailspin in the WAC is generating some publicity. How
many teams with losing records have they lost to in a row now? And for more
kicks and giggles shall we mention football?
Back on track, I agree. Craig Thompson should be fired.
Back on track, I agree. Craig Thompson should be fired.
Aggies? | 2:16 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Yeah they sure are great. It's just a shame they got beat by Utah... oh
what was the score? Oh yeah 72-48. So close too, they must have just had a bad
day.
But really though, the mtn.? When will the nightmare end?
But really though, the mtn.? When will the nightmare end?
Nyron | 3:19 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
The Mtn West Conf is a media disaster. There is no positive leadership of any
kind that I can see! So the mental giants chose a 1986 film over a top rivalry
sports game! Will this TV exposure issue get any worse?
Belgie | 3:24 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
FIRE THOMPSON!
Not so much a Couger | 3:25 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
The fact of the matter is BYU basketball is irrelevent on a national or even
regional level--don't blame VS., they probably had more viewers watching
'Wildcats' than would have watched this game.
Me | 3:32 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Yep==even here in Colorado CSTV did not show it. How pathetic is that?
rvalens2 | 3:40 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
This contract is just killing the Mountain West. I used to be a BIG Utah fan and
would often watch BYU and New Mexico. But I rarely get the chance to watch a
game any more. I'm only 2 hours away from Salt Lake and I know more about
Boise State's football and basketball teams than I do Utah's. And
I'm a Utah alumnus.
Utah and BYU need to bolt the Mountain West and find greener pastures. It's pretty hard to recruit players when you tell them their family and friends are only going to be able to watch them once or twice a year.
Whoever negotiated this contract should be fired. Any chance we can sue to get out it? I'd rather see BYU and Utah play all their games on Tuesdays and Thursdays (on ESPN2) than to continue with the current situation.
Utah and BYU need to bolt the Mountain West and find greener pastures. It's pretty hard to recruit players when you tell them their family and friends are only going to be able to watch them once or twice a year.
Whoever negotiated this contract should be fired. Any chance we can sue to get out it? I'd rather see BYU and Utah play all their games on Tuesdays and Thursdays (on ESPN2) than to continue with the current situation.
Bob | 4:11 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Dick,
Why do you keep taunting us with these articles?
Obviously nothing is going to change. The MWC athletic departments get there money and clearly they are happy with it since their behavior has not changed.
Why do you keep taunting us with these articles?
Obviously nothing is going to change. The MWC athletic departments get there money and clearly they are happy with it since their behavior has not changed.
Toad | 4:47 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Since I have been following the Y sports program for 48+ years I am glad that I
don't have to sit in my dads car as I did years ago in the dead of winter
listening to Paul James do the game. Now at least I can listen to KSL radio on
my computer in the comforts of my home. Too bad we that can't get MTN
because we either have Direct or Dish. Its amazing in this day and time that I
still can't see a Y-Utah game on TV. Lots of progress has been made over
the years hasn't it. I am sooo sick of this contract-do something-breach
the contract, pay the penalty, get a new contract and lets get on with enjoying
the great sports the Mountain West. I am 2 1/2 hours away so travel on a
Wednesday night in winter after the game is not always an option.
Wiley Old School | 5:15 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Two words for any Ute or Cougar fans living outside of the (narrow) mtn
footprint: Sling. Box.
(And a cooperating friend or family member with the mtn. A sorry substitute for real TV but better than nothing!)
(And a cooperating friend or family member with the mtn. A sorry substitute for real TV but better than nothing!)
Ute Fan | 5:30 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
We should not have been surprised, but my husband and I were shocked that this
game would not be televised here in St. George on Dish Network. It makes me
angry. The Mtn. is the Evil Empire!
mtn cstv versus | 5:43 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Is for little kids and women that don't know sports. ESPN is for BIG BOYS.
Nebraska Aggie | 6:07 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Lezoave, the Aggies have been on national TV (ESPN2)a couple of times this year
and with ESPN Game Plan I can see up to 8-9 more plus the WAC Tourny. My zoobie
friends out here don't have the same options.
There is a parable about a foolish man building his house upon the sand; you may have heard of it? The MWC was build on a foundation of greed. The "big boys" couldn't stand to share the revenue so they pillaged the WAC and created the MWC. Greed got the best of the MWC big boys again with this "great" tv deal. Now as the "rain" of no "national exposure" comes the rest of us can only hope the MWC "washes away". And for all you byu fans that think you should go independent; do us a favor and go for it, that is even a better idea than the mtn.
There is a parable about a foolish man building his house upon the sand; you may have heard of it? The MWC was build on a foundation of greed. The "big boys" couldn't stand to share the revenue so they pillaged the WAC and created the MWC. Greed got the best of the MWC big boys again with this "great" tv deal. Now as the "rain" of no "national exposure" comes the rest of us can only hope the MWC "washes away". And for all you byu fans that think you should go independent; do us a favor and go for it, that is even a better idea than the mtn.
Any hope... | 6:45 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
I agree with everything Dick said in this article. Is there any hope here? As
a BYU fan who lives in an area where the mtn is not available (which is pretty
much everywhere), it's almost impossible to follow BYU sports any more.
The lack of exposure for last night's BYU-Utah game is clearly appalling
and indefensible for the MWC and its TV "partners." Everyone can see
that. But, is there any chance of change in this situation anytime in the near
future? I wish there was, but I gave up hope about half way through last
fall's football season. Someone...anyone...Tom Holmoe...the lawyer hired
by Utah and BYU...Chris Hill...anyone...Senator Hatch...anyone out there
listening...please give us some hope that this disaster of a TV deal can be
fixed...please...even a tiny sliver of hope...
1984 | 6:54 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
I can't believe things have not improved for Utah and BYU since 1984 -
BYU's win over Notre Dame, Football championship, Utah's appearance in
the Final Four. The exposure is no greater and these teams will still choke
against major competition. Forget the size of the market...there is always some
small market team in either football or basketball that will make it to the top
without a large media market.
Fact is, most people in Utah and the administrations of these two schools are happy with where they are and have no ambition. The only option to improve all this is get into a better conference where you play better competition, recruit better players, play in the BCS, and get on TV once in a while.
So if you want change, write the AD's and not the MWC.
Fact is, most people in Utah and the administrations of these two schools are happy with where they are and have no ambition. The only option to improve all this is get into a better conference where you play better competition, recruit better players, play in the BCS, and get on TV once in a while.
So if you want change, write the AD's and not the MWC.
Robert | 6:54 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
A plea to the Mountain West Conference. Get out of your television contract as
soon as you can and lets go with something that has is tried and true. From a
fan point of view it appears that the Mountain West is being snubbed by its own
television partner. Breach of contract? YES!
ESPN | 7:02 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Sorry but as bad as the mtn. is the thought that the team was going to have to
continue to play 10pm games on a Monday or Tuesday or play anytime of the week
at any hour to appease the ESPN gods is too much to trade our souls for.
The regular schedule for the team is a consistency that they need to be successful and although we didn't see this game I have niether cable or dish and have still seen some games this year.
Good news is it can only get better. Hopefully something will change but please don't throw us back to ESPN where we will be the ugly step sister that has to do whatever the evil step mother says.
The regular schedule for the team is a consistency that they need to be successful and although we didn't see this game I have niether cable or dish and have still seen some games this year.
Good news is it can only get better. Hopefully something will change but please don't throw us back to ESPN where we will be the ugly step sister that has to do whatever the evil step mother says.
Go cougars | 7:02 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Your putting blame entirely on Goldie Hawn and Versus, and then CSTV, seems out
of place, a little. Even with this contract, the schools still should have
something to say. Versus has picked up several games. Why not this one? They
are playing the Tour of California this week -- highlights of the day at 9. But
they could have had BYU play at seven and get both.
Even with an obligation to the MTN, CSTV, VS compact, the school should not abdicate it's own obligation to see big games aired nationally. The blame should not fall totally on Versus. Blame the schools for being asleep on this one.
Even with an obligation to the MTN, CSTV, VS compact, the school should not abdicate it's own obligation to see big games aired nationally. The blame should not fall totally on Versus. Blame the schools for being asleep on this one.
who cares? | 7:10 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
I split season tickets with a few friends. I have 6 games. Because of the TV
debacle, which is a complete joke, I haven't used, and won't use, my
season tickets. I'm not going to pretend to be a fan of a team I
can't follow consistently. I should be able to see every game so I can get
to know the team, the season's ups and downs, the players, etc. Having to
drive to Provo to see them a few times a year isn't worth it. I most
likely will not buy football tickets this year either. President Samuelson, you
need to start yelling at someone.
ESPN was no better | 7:20 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Why does everyone thing BYU and Utah would have gotten more national coverage on
ESPN? They still would have only been given the luxury of a national broadcast
a few times a year and a handful more on ESPN's regional coverage and the
games would have started at like 10:00 at night. Now that's a great time
to try and sell out a game and bring your kids to. Get a grip people, the MWC
was getting snubbed long before they jumped the ESPN ship. I agree the
mtn.'s personnel and broadcast quality is amateur at best, but they're
still growing and I've enjoyed far more football and basketball games among
many other sports than I was ever able to with ESPN.
Adam | 7:23 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Amen.
mtn.less in Virginia
mtn.less in Virginia
Thank you | 7:20 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Thank you, Dick, for keeping this problem in the media. For further offerings
please let us know the current state of the legal proceedings surrounding this
fiasco. What are the attorneys doing? Are there any ACTUAL loopholes in the
contract? Can the MWC buy their way out? Does the contract use the words
'national exposure' or was that merely bait the ADs threw to the media
when making the switch? Please produce actual quotes from ADs, University
Presidents, satellite program managers, etc. We know the problem...what are the
powers that be doing to SOLVE IT? I know calling Dish network everyday for the
last 20 months has been nothing but frustrating...
Re: Nebraska Aggie | 7:27 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
You silly Aggie fan, don't you realize that if USU were still in the same
conference as BYU and Utah, the Aggie's would REALLY be a worn out doormat
by now. Hey, you ought to be thanking us for leaving your beloved conference and
making room for a subpar team appear as though they've risen from the
depths of athletic dispair! Boy, I sure do have to admit though, being able to
see the cougs on tv reeeeaaaaalllllly would be nice.
comac | 7:29 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Hear that sound coming out of Bristol, CT?
Bwaaa..haaaa...haaaaa
Bwaaa..haaaa...haaaaa
Breach of contract | 7:26 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
How much more blackout do we have to endure before the schools take the mtn to
court for breach of contract?
zoobie | 7:34 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
I think the BCS owns The Mountain
Chicago Coug | 7:38 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Live in Chicago. No game:(...not even an option! Hate it! Well, at least the
Cougs won!
What is Craig Thompsons response | 7:38 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
A leader would be at the forefront fighting for his league, at which point he
could of made a comment on the situation and at least let us know what he is
doing to try to rectify the situation.
The only thing worse than the lack of progress would be his lack of communication to the fans.
Other profesional sports seem to be able to at least communicate with the fans.
The only thing worse than the lack of progress would be his lack of communication to the fans.
Other profesional sports seem to be able to at least communicate with the fans.
To: Not so much a Couger | 7:41 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
You nailed it brother. The second real problem with this is the author of this
article and his co-horts. They refuse to lead. If they would simply publish
the phone numbers, home, cell, and office, of every President, Athletic
Director, and particularly Craig Thompson and his hench-women, {pun-intended},
this would be over within the hour. But alas their response is you [fans] do
it.
Thirdly, BYU will lose to UNLV in the MWC tournament. Since only one MWC team is getting it to the NCAA's can you say "first round NIT loss" anybody?
Thirdly, BYU will lose to UNLV in the MWC tournament. Since only one MWC team is getting it to the NCAA's can you say "first round NIT loss" anybody?
coastguy | 7:57 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Oh did BYU play Utah?
gordon | 7:58 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
With a TV package like the Mnt. has....who needs enemies? Craig Thompson is a
Commisioner? Of what? Lon Kruger of UNLV indicated there is hope and future
possibilities for The Mnt., but sounded very political...just seems like the
entire conference was led by a blind-man into the ditch..! I guess seeing
re-runs of the bottom teir teams is supposed to be exciting....?
Tom K. | 8:12 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
The Mountain (if I have to listen to Marius Payton's dribble one more time
I'm going to puke! He was anti-BYU the whole time he was at channel 4 -
fortunately nobody watches that lame station) is TERRIBLE IN EVERY SENSE!
The greed of money and ignorance seems to have conned the presidents into this deal - now its up to you people to get us OUT of it - FAST!
The greed of money and ignorance seems to have conned the presidents into this deal - now its up to you people to get us OUT of it - FAST!
Cajunzoobie | 8:14 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Even here in Zion on the Bayou, Lake Charles Louisiana, we were compelled to
check Versus and CSTV just in case some TV engineer somewhere had flipped the
wrong switches to air BYU-Utah, but it was not to be.
At least, we can wait for next football season, when BYU-Virginia (er--the Southern Virgina University Knights) come to town to play the McNeese University Cowboys!
At least, we can wait for next football season, when BYU-Virginia (er--the Southern Virgina University Knights) come to town to play the McNeese University Cowboys!
Monopoly | 8:26 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Either a political monopoly has been set up against the Mountain West teams or
The Mtn. , Vs. and CSTV are the stupidest marketing networks ever formed. (maybe
both situations are true) Thanks for selling our sports souls for a few coins of
silver Mr. Commissioner and University presidents. P.S. Aggie fans- How did you
do against Utah and Weber? Your team isn't that great this year.
Not Thompsons Fault | 8:21 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Sure he is the President of the MWC but he is a toothless clawless Tiger. This
deal was done by the Presidents of the Schools. Who destroy many things in
there 3-6 year reigns then move on to collect their lavish pensions. Thank
Bateman and who knows the rest. I feel for Thompson he is in an impossible
situation.
Anonymous | 8:25 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Get back on ESPN.
Even if BYU football or basketball's games are picked up by CSTV, Versus, or a satellite deal of the MTN is obtained, the casual fan will still never see the cougars.
Of course national coverage is still better than the current situation, especially for the fan base that MWC schools are gradually losing.
But don't kid yourself, if BYU football wants national exposure, they need to get on ESPN. Even if that means playing some Thursday night games like Boise St.
Even if BYU football or basketball's games are picked up by CSTV, Versus, or a satellite deal of the MTN is obtained, the casual fan will still never see the cougars.
Of course national coverage is still better than the current situation, especially for the fan base that MWC schools are gradually losing.
But don't kid yourself, if BYU football wants national exposure, they need to get on ESPN. Even if that means playing some Thursday night games like Boise St.
It's bad enough... | 8:35 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
... that no one can get the Mtn. But it is even worse that the Mtn doesn't
even cover all of BYU's games. At least KSL would cover the majority of
games. This is the biggest mistake in the history of sports media.
MWC fan in AZ | 8:41 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
I do hope the MWC and accompanying schools are enjoying the money from the TV
contract, because my donations to my alma mater have dried up. Perhaps
it's wrong of me to link sports with donations, but it seems the only way I
have to catch their eye that this is unacceptable. Is this year 3 of this
debacle? In year 1 I spent far too much time calling cable/satellite companies
at the league's request ("It's up to you fans to let them know
you want this...") What a joke. Did no good whatsoever, and never will.
In year 2 I listened to assurances that this would "be fixed soon".
In year 3 I'm simply mad and done with it. I hear there are some teams in
the MWC having exciting years in several sports. But it's just too much
work to follow it all, and I'm one of the truest fans out there.
More from MWC fan in AZ | 8:42 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
The sad thing is that I make a good living, and would gladly pay for a premium
package in order to get the coverage, if only one were offered. It amazes me
that in 2008, when everything anyone could ever desire is up for sale, that
coverage of the MWC is not. I simply have no option, and that is utterly
disgraceful. Shame on you Thompson for your pathetic leadership, and shame on
MWC schools for letting this drag on as long as they have.
SD Cougar | 8:52 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
I for one love the MTN. It was a smart move. Playing late at night and on
Sunday's is wrong.
Mtn | 9:03 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
I like the mountain and the ability to see all the teams in the conference
including BYU. What I don't like is not being able to get VS and CSTV and
the MTN all on satellite or cable either one. ESPN would never cover as many
mountain west conference games as the MTN has for either basketball or football.
I like the mtn I just hate the distribution, the mtn needs grater distribution
over 70 million homes like CSTV or VS. Please no ESPN they already showed what
they thought of the MWC when they only offered us 40 million and bad TV times!
and yes Craig Thompson needs fired for very poor leadership!!!
LV Cougarfan | 8:59 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
I am one of the unlucky few BYU fans that actually gets all three of our
"flagship" networks. Last night I watched the game with the sound
muted because if I had to listen to any more of the idiotic comments by that
former Yewt coach color commentator and James Bates the bafoon, I would have
probably blown a hole in my expensive flat-pannel TV. I also enjoy the camera
shots of the crowd and random players while missing the game action. That's
quality programming at its best. Yes, at least I get to watch a lot of the games
most Cougar fans don't, but in the long run it will destroy the conference.
I would gladly trade our pathetic "flagship" networks for ESPN Plus
coverage and one or two nationally broadcasted ESPN games any day. More money
does not equal and is not greater than national exposure (or in the MWC's
case...even regional exposure). I give the conference 2 years max before it
implodes if things don't change.
A fan | 9:01 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Sorry, but if I'm in charge of CSTV, I'd choose Wildcats over any
Mountain West Conference game. ESPN News didn't even run the score on
their scoreboard at the bottom of the screen, but they sure had plenty of
updates on games in the West Coast Conference.
PA fan | 9:05 a.m. Feb. 21, 2008
Right on Dick! As soon as it was 10 pm EST, I ran to my TV to check both VS and
CSTV for the game. I was furious when I saw what was on. It is ridiculous that
I had to crowd around my internet stream from KSL to listen to this game.
Meanwhile the WAC is getting games on ESPN. Utah State is getting more air time
than the Cougars and Utes combined. The WAC is loving us right now.
Maybe we should leave the MWC, create another new conference, taking the best from the WAC and MWC, taking WAC comish Benson, and calling it the M-WAC (Mountain West Athletic Conference). Just a thought.
Maybe we should leave the MWC, create another new conference, taking the best from the WAC and MWC, taking WAC comish Benson, and calling it the M-WAC (Mountain West Athletic Conference). Just a thought.
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