Joseph Raya-Ward
Not enough freebies
The LA Clippers’ organization is currently in the middle of the largest marketing push in franchise history. They have catchy slogans on billboards all over the city. They have refurbished hundreds of basketball courts, with Clipper logos abound. They have partnered with sponsors and Pat Beverley to sell discounted tickets to fans in team colors, making sure everyone has an opportunity to afford seeing the team in person. They have donated backpacks to entire schools. They have even sent free jerseys to media members.
It’s awesome, quite frankly, to finally have an owner who cares about growing the Clipper brand. While it may not change the fanbase overnight, the team is banking on its grassroots campaign paying dividends in the next few years.
But the team has erred in leaving behind a critical member of its fanbase: me.
I have not received a free jersey. I have not received a free backpack. I have not, and this is just insane, even received a discounted ticket!
I have had to pay full price to support my team all season! How is that fair???
Where is the love for your most devoted fan, Ballmer? I was there when the team was the laughingstock of the league! I yelled Darius when others yelled Kobe EVEN THOUGH HE WASN’T A GOOD SHOOTER!
Look, I get it, you think you need to reach people who aren’t fans yet, but how about focusing on me for a change? I know the holiday season is about giving, but I’m going to need to start receiving right about now.
If I don’t get one of those really dope City Edition jerseys, size XL, with Zubac on the back for Christmas the team better expect a very strongly worded letter. And not this one. Another one. Even more strongly worded.
I will continue to support the team, buy its merch, and go to games, but I’m fired up this Festivus because I shouldn’t be paying for any of it. Throw me a bone, Ballmer.