Organized protest last game of season?

#1
The Maloofs have crossed the line for the last time and the good people of Sacramento should stand up and flex their collective muscles in protest. We must begin to discuss how us die hard Kings' fans can demonstrate against the Maloof's highly suspect decisions, but in a way that is peaceful, effective, and can attract local and even national attention.

The last home game of this season, April 26th, is against the LA Lakers. Media coverage and fan involvement is always greater when the Lakers are involved. People are likelier to be watching and, the fact that it would also the last game of the season, gives us time to organize something special.

My suggestions are as follows. We could meet 2 hours before the game, at about 5:30, in an agreed upon location--like just outside the PBP parking lot. Protesting in a highly visible location but outside the reach of Maloof security would probably be wisest. Our message should be consistent and clear. One or two fans should be designated speakers to ensure that we are on point and not easily dismissed. We can develop rally cries, t-shirts, signs, fliers, etc. Local media would be called beforehand to ensure proper media coverage. Use of social media should also be utilized, not only to organize the event, but to update those who cannot make it and spread the word even further than the reach of local media.

We may not have any direct way of impacting what will occur, but we can sure make things very uncomfortable for the Maloofs. As of tonight, this game is only 13 days away, so a swift, coordinated effort is required. It is also on a Thursday evening, which may not be convenient for some. But just think, this may be our real last chance for meaningful protest before the news cycle moves on to something else. How should we be remembered?
 
#2
Portland started protesting games during the Jailblazers era. In a way that succeeded in establishing change in the team culture, but the issue here goes beyond mismanagement and is about dishonesty and the unspoken social contracts that allow sports to be big business. With some familiarity with the protest culture, I fear that any protest that doesn't involve arrests will struggle to get attention or be understood.
 
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#4
If you are familiar with protest culture, what recommendations do you have to help ensure that our message is understood? Why not pool our resources and rally together? I feel that we have to do everything we can at this point. I've already signed the petition for the Maloofs to sell the Kings and I have called them. I am boycotting the Kings. What else can I do? I am not willing to just lay down and the world needs to hear our plea.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#5
The Maloofs have crossed the line for the last time and the good people of Sacramento should stand up and flex their collective muscles in protest. We must begin to discuss how us die hard Kings' fans can demonstrate against the Maloof's highly suspect decisions, but in a way that is peaceful, effective, and can attract local and even national attention.

The last home game of this season, April 26th, is against the LA Lakers. Media coverage and fan involvement is always greater when the Lakers are involved. People are likelier to be watching and, the fact that it would also the last game of the season, gives us time to organize something special.

My suggestions are as follows. We could meet 2 hours before the game, at about 5:30, in an agreed upon location--like just outside the PBP parking lot. Protesting in a highly visible location but outside the reach of Maloof security would probably be wisest. Our message should be consistent and clear. One or two fans should be designated speakers to ensure that we are on point and not easily dismissed. We can develop rally cries, t-shirts, signs, fliers, etc. Local media would be called beforehand to ensure proper media coverage. Use of social media should also be utilized, not only to organize the event, but to update those who cannot make it and spread the word even further than the reach of local media.

We may not have any direct way of impacting what will occur, but we can sure make things very uncomfortable for the Maloofs. As of tonight, this game is only 13 days away, so a swift, coordinated effort is required. It is also on a Thursday evening, which may not be convenient for some. But just think, this may be our real last chance for meaningful protest before the news cycle moves on to something else. How should we be remembered?
I'd be very careful about organizing this kind of protest at a Kings-Lakers game. The emotions always run high at those games anyway, and the added presence of numerous loud and boisterous Laker fans could easily turn into something very ugly. That is exactly how we Sacramento fans do NOT want to be remembered.
 

Tetsujin

The Game Thread Dude
#6
I'd be very careful about organizing this kind of protest at a Kings-Lakers game. The emotions always run high at those games anyway, and the added presence of numerous loud and boisterous Laker fans could easily turn into something very ugly. That is exactly how we Sacramento fans do NOT want to be remembered.
This. I'd advise either the game before it or the opener to next season (unless the NBA decides to have us start the season vs LA again).
 
#7
I already regret saying that. I'm not an expert.

I would say that a protest that is visible in-game is perhaps more effective than some people gathered outside the arena. A lot of protests seek to disrupt the flow of the everyday, because you are fighting against protest apathy. The populace doesn't always separate say a PETA protest against Tom and Jerry cartoons depicting animal violence from protests about localized police brutality. It gets lumped together under the idea that protests are dumb things for other people.

It would be effective to have something that disrupts the game, but it is tricky to find a safe way to do that. You risk offending the players, and if you go overboard, you risk creating a dangerous situation.

You also have to consider your message and point. I think that the press and NBA fans pretty much understand the fans feelings about the situation. You want to take advantage of that and give them something to talk about that's bigger than the game. If you could have the entire crowd walk out of the arena like five minutes into the game it would get a lot of attention, but it's really hard to organize that many people. Never ending chants might work better, since they work better with spontaneous group participation.
 
#8
Fair enough, but the "game before" is on the 20th--which is 7 days from now. Probably not enough time to get something together.

And the point is that emotions WOULD be running high. As long as it's organized and those attending are on board, what exactly are we afraid of happening? Waiting until next season is like an eternity and the media will have forgetten our plight by then. Lets not come up with "what ifs" like the Maloofs have with the new arena, lets make a solid plan and peacefully protest. Laker fans are simply an opportunity to demonstrate restraint and show off our class. And I'm sure many of them actually feel sorry for us and would rather the Kings stay, so that they can actually attend Laker games in the Sacramento area ...
 
#9
The problem with in game protesting is that you cannot convince all that attend games to participate. Many are there with their kids, etc. An event that people choose to attend outside the arena for the sole purpose of protest means that ALL that attend have already chosen to participate.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#12
Fair enough, but the "game before" is on the 20th--which is 7 days from now. Probably not enough time to get something together.

And the point is that emotions WOULD be running high. As long as it's organized and those attending are on board, what exactly are we afraid of happening? Waiting until next season is like an eternity and the media will have forgetten our plight by then. Lets not come up with "what ifs" like the Maloofs have with the new arena, lets make a solid plan and peacefully protest. Laker fans are simply an opportunity to demonstrate restraint and show off our class. And I'm sure many of them actually feel sorry for us and would rather the Kings stay, so that they can actually attend Laker games in the Sacramento area ...
Are you kidding? Seriously? I have been spit upon at Kings-Lakers games by rowdy Lakers fans. A very dear friend of mine had the back window in her car smashed out because it had a large Kings logo on it at a Kings-Lakers game. I have seen numerous fights, I have heard language that would have made a sailor blush and I have actually quit going to Kings-Lakers games because of the total lack of anything resembling respect by a large number of Laker fans. You can "be sure many of them actually feel sorry for us" but I think you're delusional. Yes, there are good Laker fans - a couple of whom actually post once in a while here - but the number of rude and rowdy Laker fans who actually go to Kings-Laker games is easily much higher.

Emotions will be sky-high already, as they always are at Laker games. If you add in the frustration of a large number of Kings fans to the mix, you're pretty much begging for something that will end up on the national news. But it will be something more like a riot than a peaceful demonstration. And you want to add families with kids to the mix? Dude, you are not thinking straight. I pray this does not come to pass because it will not end well.
 
#13
The problem with in game protesting is that you cannot convince all that attend games to participate. Many are there with their kids, etc. An event that people choose to attend outside the arena for the sole purpose of protest means that ALL that attend have already chosen to participate.
And to be honest, the home games against the Lakers are usually half filled with Lakers fans who couldn't care less about the cause.
 
#14
And yet you still attend Kings/Lakers games? Ironic that you are willing to be spit on as a fan (and worse so it sounds), but you are worried about a 1) controlled protest 2) outside of the parking lot 3) before the game 4) with media present ... Are Lakers fans going to exit their cars and charge you for voicing displeasure 5) over the Maloofs and not their team? You would not be rooted against the Lakers, ergo, what beef would they have exactly?

You go ahead and let fear dictate your decisions, although if your argument was consistent you wouldn't attend Kings/Lakers games at all because something bad might happen. And dropping "delusional" was unnecessary. If you want reasonable discourse than try using appropriate terms.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#15
And yet you still attend Kings/Lakers games? Ironic that you are willing to be spit on as a fan (and worse so it sounds), but you are worried about a 1) controlled protest 2) outside of the parking lot 3) before the game 4) with media present ... Are Lakers fans going to exit their cars and charge you for voicing displeasure 5) over the Maloofs and not their team? You would not be rooted against the Lakers, ergo, what beef would they have exactly?

You go ahead and let fear dictate your decisions, although if your argument was consistent you wouldn't attend Kings/Lakers games at all because something bad might happen. And dropping "delusional" was unnecessary. If you want reasonable discourse than try using appropriate terms.
You can get your panties in a bunch all you like. If you look at my post again, you'll see that I said I have QUIT GOING TO Kings-Lakers games because of all the problems. I do talk to people who still go, however, and there are still problems.

We're all emotional and frustrated right now. I'm presenting a very real problem with your proposal. Can I stop you from doing whatever you choose to do? Nope. But I can make sure anyone who thinks about doing the same is at least aware of the potential for it to end very differently than what you're hoping for.
 
#16
I agree in that I don't think the Laker fans would be a problem. I'm sure they would be on board with it.
I'm not so sure how "on board" they'd be. I think they were a scosh more civil last year, but even that's not saying much and certainly nowhere near supporting some Kings Fans cause. Far too many Lakers fans reveling in a Kings move to Anaheim as further proof of SoCal's general supperiorty to appreciate let alone participate in a movement against corrupt owners.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#19
How about a silent protest? Would that decrease the chance of anything antagonistic from occurring?
I think Mike and the #FANS folks might be coming up with something. Let's give them a chance to weigh in.

Believe me, I know emotions are running very high and people are feeling very angry at the Maloofs. It was even mentioned on the Ch. 3 news tonight that it would be very unwise of the Maloofs to attend any more Kings games, especially right now.

Personally, I'd wait and see what KJ has to say when he gets back home. He's been the guiding light through all of this so far and I suspect he's not done yet. Of course, I am the eternal optimist. It even says so right there on the left. ;)
 
#20
Are you kidding? Seriously? I have been spit upon at Kings-Lakers games by rowdy Lakers fans. A very dear friend of mine had the back window in her car smashed out because it had a large Kings logo on it at a Kings-Lakers game. I have seen numerous fights, I have heard language that would have made a sailor blush and I have actually quit going to Kings-Lakers games because of the total lack of anything resembling respect by a large number of Laker fans. You can "be sure many of them actually feel sorry for us" but I think you're delusional. Yes, there are good Laker fans - a couple of whom actually post once in a while here - but the number of rude and rowdy Laker fans who actually go to Kings-Laker games is easily much higher.

Emotions will be sky-high already, as they always are at Laker games. If you add in the frustration of a large number of Kings fans to the mix, you're pretty much begging for something that will end up on the national news. But it will be something more like a riot than a peaceful demonstration. And you want to add families with kids to the mix? Dude, you are not thinking straight. I pray this does not come to pass because it will not end well.
Crazy.. Other than friendly trash talk (which some of the language gets a bit foul, but all in good fun) I have never had those types of experiences, and I have never seen a fist fight at a game against the Lakers in Sacramento. I have seen a bit of shoving a couple times but it never came to blows. Probably been to about 40-50 King/Laker games if not more (including the playoffs).


EDIT: Take that back.. A long time ago (in the mid 90s) I did see a fight in the parking lot but I wasn't sure if it was between a Laker and King fan or if it was two King fans. It happened after the game when the Kings won.. During the Brian Grant, Mitch Richmond playoff push when I believe the Lakers were sporting Cedric Ceballos as their leading scorer, and they weren't very good.

2nd EDIT: no Ceballos in the game.. This was the 94-95 season, but the Lakers were terrible at the time, and this is the year the Kings played that last game in Denver for the playoff spot (but lost). We won the game 89-81
 
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#21
How about a silent protest? Would that decrease the chance of anything antagonistic from occurring?
Yeah but I think the last game of the year is a bad idea. I think(and I'm stealing this from another poster but I don't remember who) if we all left in like the 4th quarter of a game, or didn't take our seats in the entire 1st quarter of a game, that would be a better idea. Not the Laker game either because that'll be half filled with laker fans anyway and we want to show we're protesting.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#23
Crazy.. Other than friendly trash talk (which some of the language gets a bit foul, but all in good fun) I have never had those types of experience, and I have never seen a fist fight at a game against the Lakers in Sacramento. I have seen a bit of shoving a couple times but it never came to blows. Probably been to about 40-50 King/Laker games if not more (including the playoffs).
I'm not talking about Palace Hill-type fights, but there have been numerous altercations, most of which have been stopped quickly by the security staff. I'm glad your experiences have been better than mine.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#24
How long should we wait? The last game is on the 26th. Mike posts on this site, right? What does he go by on here? Perhaps I can talk to him directly?
It's after midnight. I'm sure Mike will be around tomorrow. And KJ is due home some time Sunday night. I'm sure Mike will post something. His name here is Mike0476.
 
#26
Hi flamecrow,

I proposed the idea but have to admit I'm no expert regarding social media. If anyone wants to make a facebook page then they should go for it. I've basically pasted my proposal on this site and on another popular site (under kingofthejungle) as well. It sounds like Mike 0476 is the guy to talk to as he already has a network in place. Sounds like you might be in also?
 
#27
Well, it's bedtime for me but hope to wake up and see more interested folks tomorrow. There have been a lot of very good ideas thrown around the forums today and I hope we can all contribute! Night all.
 

Tetsujin

The Game Thread Dude
#28
It's after midnight. I'm sure Mike will be around tomorrow. And KJ is due home some time Sunday night. I'm sure Mike will post something. His name here is Mike0476.
Pft. Mike never sleeps. I've had many a twitter conversation with him at 4 in the morning.
 

Tetsujin

The Game Thread Dude
#30
Probably should have posted my previous post in this thread as it might be more relevant

http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/sho...e-Wide-Boycott&p=896954&viewfull=1#post896954

Having said that, I don't think the game against the Lakers would be a smart one because there would be a lot of Lakers fan at the game and Maloofs might give their seats to their Laker friend that sat in their seats at last year's final game.
I don't think the Maloofs are dumb enough to show their faces around these parts anymore. Than again, we're talking about the Maloofs. They probably think the fans understand their "logic" and have their backs.