As an Albany resident and long time lover of all jokes related to Michael "Ron Mexico" Vick, I am deeply disappointed that I am just now learning about the fact that AFL 2's Albany Firebirds botched a publicity stunt that apparently involved offering Vick a contract to play minor league arena football for $200 a week. Today, the team's owner called the offer a joke and said the marketing department issued the release without his knowledge.
Call me a little crazy, but as someone that works in the PR and marketing field in this area (sadly not for the Firebirds however), that's the stuff firings are made of. What will happen to the unnamed employee remains to be seen, but it's clear they aren't running a real tight ship over there.
The Firebirds actually won the 1999 AFL title, before the team moved in Indianapolis and was replaced by the lower level AFL 2 franchise. This year the team is 0-5 and desperately in need of more publicity as I had no idea the season was even underway - and this town isn't that big.
Just thinking out loud here, if the marketing department could slip offering Mike Vick a contract past the owner, I wonder if they considered any of these promotions:
- Donte Stallworth bobblehead give away night.
- The first 5,000 people wearing an OJ mask get in for half price.
- Rae Carruth jersey night.
- Offering Art Schlicter a contract in conjunction with Foxwoods Casino signing on as a corporate sponsor.
- Ray Lewis signature steak knife give-away.
- Disco Demolintion night.
2 comments:
There's no way that release went out without his knowledge, he's just covering his ass.
That was the whole point, that the team would get national publicity. And it worked brilliantly. He shouldn't be upset at all...look at how many people are talking about the Albany Firebirds.
brilliant analysis as always rush, a few more promos from the capt:
raffle for a round of golf and beers with John Daly and Charles Barkley.
or perhaps .....
free tax prep with Helio Castroneves
how about.....
a contest where 3 lucky fans have to take a loner bong hit than Mike Phelps.
lastly.....
a personal training / "chemical management" session with Barry Bonds.
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