In early posts I talked about the strong us vs. them dynamic within tribes. The one post which demonstrated this was when I talked about Bills fans vs. CFL fans.
Here is why some Canadian Football League fans hate Rogers Communications…
Background: For those of you who don’t know, Rogers Communications Inc (RCI) is one of Canada’s largest providers of cable, high-speed internet and cellular phones. In addition, they own other properties such as the Toronto Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre.
Here are a few reasons why many CFL fans hate RCI:
- For many years Ted Rogers (its late founder) was a strong proponent of bringing and NFL team (possibly relocating the Buffalo Bills) to Toronto.
- RCI is no longer a CFL sponsor. RCI was paying the CFL approximately $250,000 per year to sponsor their weekly/monthly/annual awards. However, in June 2008, the CFL and RCI could not come to an agreement to renew their contract. According to some reports, the CFL was looking at getting $750,000 per year while Rogers was only willing to pay $350,000.
- Rogers also signed a significant deal to bring the Buffalo Bills to Toronto for their Bills In Toronto series.
- The Toronto Argonauts play in the Rogers Centre - which many CFL fans detest as being a poor facility.
- Rogers also owns the Toronto Blue Jays - some CFL fans also view them as a threat (i.e. people will spend their entertainment dollar on the Jays instead of the Argonauts).
This ‘hate’ has resulted in some potentially real and economically damaging (for RCI) activities. I stumbled upon some posts at the popular CFL fan site 13thman.com. Here is a sample of some of the anti-RCI comments from a few people.
In support of the CFL, I’ve switched carriers from Rogers to Telus and have taken a hammer to my old phone.
I no longer pay for any Rogers services. Bell is no great hell either, but at least they’re not trying to harm the CFL. Hit Rogers where it hurts!
I guess it’s at times like this I wish I was with Rogers to I could dump them.
would everyone still be ok with the fact I want to name my son Roger though, as long as its not connected with the company.
too bad though, Rogers was a big supporter of the CFL back when I started watching in 03, what happened???
There you have it!
