How we as a fanbase can be more Seattle inclusive.

Just like he does when calling national games for ESPN???? I'm sure obscure colloquial references aren't going to land anyone a job calling Finals games for a national network.

BNM

 

I already ran a poll, here are the results:

 

That's actually not a poll. It's a Facebook post with 935 likes and 406 comments, both for and against the hire.

Go head, post a poll in the forum and make the results public so we can both see that there is no sock puppet voting going on.

BNM

 

Top comments (in order):

The results of a nationwide search expected to last until next month. New direction? Portland Trail Blazers lost part of their character and uniqueness. Really sad. Still angry about Mike and Mike, had too many laughs as they brought levity to the game on the court. We don't need a ton of play by play on TV, we can see the game, but the character and humor brought by the announcers was something special. Bad move Blazers!

Unlike · Reply · 300 · 7 hrs

Booooooooooooooooooo. Way to show how little you understand Portland folk. We HATE getting hand-me-downs from Seattle. This is the worst... oust locals beloved announcers for Seattle's old announcer in an attempt to bring in fans from Washington... way yo take care of your current fans... Booooooooooooooooooo

Unlike · Reply · 146 · 7 hrs

Derek Nelson Anytime our games would be broadcasted on local tv and a national channel I would always choose to watch the national channel just so I didn't have to hear Mike Rice talk. About time he got canned.

Like · Reply · 58 · 7 hrs

So the plan was to fire our guys to bring in the voice of our I5 rivals?? Are you that out of touch? And do you think for a second that he won't bolt as soon as Seattle gets a team? No offense to Calabro, who is a great play by play announcer, but he's the Sonics, not Rip City.. Next you're gonna tell me Mike Parker is gonna start calling Duck games..

Like · Reply · 43 · 7 hrs

I have often talked to people about the Blazers having the best announcers. I don't understand the move. I love listening to Mike and Mike and Antonio too. I think this is awful move.

Like · Reply · 37 · 7 hrs

While I liked MB a lot and still think he could have been treated better with this news, Calabro is an excellent announcer. I know some people are bothered by the whole "he's a Seattle!" guy thing, but honestly, he's been a national guy for the past couple of years. He could have gone to OKC when the Sonics left, but he stayed behind, which I thought was a classy move. I'm sure the travel schedule of national broadcasts was grueling and this will help lessen that a bit. MB I know will bounce back and get a new gig somewhere quickly. Also, who knows how long Calabro will stay. If/when Seattle gets a new team, he might leave, but who knows at this point. Still think the Blazers could have handled this better, but at least they got someone relatively strong.

Like · Reply · 20 · 7 hrs

Welcome to Portland Kevin Calabro but you have some big shoes to fill. And Chris McGowan your still a bum and you need to get the boot. #firechrismcgowan

Unlike · Reply · 26 · 7 hrs

As much as I had a soft spot for Barrett, Calabro is one of the best in the business, Blazers are lucky they could get him. This is a huge upgrade.

Like · Reply · 27 · 7 hrs

Horrible, Bring back Mike Barrett

Like · Reply · 33 · 7 hrs · Edited

 

Thank goodness Blazer fans accepted a guy from Seattle.

~Bill Schonely....Rip City!

 

Terry Stotts was an assistant coach in Seattle...

 

Thanks. This is one way to put it to bed. Anyone can cherry pick comments from Facebook to make their case. It's like the the highlight reel that makes Joel Przybilla look like an offensive stud.

BNM

 

The dismissal of Mike and Mike, and the hiring of Calabro and whoever, are two separate things. Just want to point out that it's possible to be disappointed or even mad about the dismissal, and at the same time be happy with the new hire (so far).

 

HE'S TAINTED!!!!! GET HIM THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!!! We true Blazer fans don't want any Seattle hand me downs!

BNM

 

Those were the most engaged posts on facebook.

 

Guess we should fire him immediately, banish any mention of Brandon Roy from the archives and deport any Seahawk or Mariners fans.

 

Yep, I wish the Mike's well. I enjoyed them while they were here, but am excited to hear the new guy and eager to learn who his partner will be.

BNM

 

I don't mind Calabro, like I said, he's a good announcer. The Mikes were fired. It sucks but I'll still complain forever.

 

As is your PRIVILEGE!

FAMS

 

BFD, you didn't post the responses to those comments. Her'e s few to the first one:

Aaron Schnacky I couldnt stand the broadcasters. Only The Schonz was great and he was forced to retire

Like · Reply · 7 · 7 hrs

Eric Torres It appears this has been in the works for several years. It only manifested itself when Seattle couldn't get a stadium so the Blazers figured the area will not get an NBA franchise for a long time. There's loyalty and family for you, Portland Trailblazers, fire the Mikes so you can impress Seattle.

Like · Reply · 7 · 7 hrs · Edited

Mario A Aburto More like u got used to hearing them for years. ..yes they were part of the team...but it was time for Mike rice to go...to many years...let him relax...on the other hand Mike barret was good but not excellent....you guys act like we lost lillard...chi...See More

Like · Reply · 6 · 6 hrs · Edited

Gene Prein Like they didn't know who they would hire next ! Huh

Like · Reply · 4 · 6 hrs

Kip Johnson Mike Rice got old quick. He said the same thing over and over again. Great move. Have you thought this maybe a way to increase our popularity in Seattle, in turn making us a bigger market. which could help us land a big free agent that we all have been wanting for years.

Like · Reply · 7 · 6 hrs

Doug Manley Mike and Mike couldn't hold Calabro's jockstrap.. He is one of the Best in the game today.. He has more charactor and humor then both Mikes put together!!!

Like · Reply · 2 · 6 hrs

Eric Torres It actually doesn't matter how good Calabro is (he is good, I admit that), he was hired because he was well known and comfortable in Seattle and the Blazers could use him to have people in Seattle watch. Wasn't hired for his talent, he was hired because of the audience that will follow him.

Like · Reply · 7 · 6 hrs · Edited

Krista Kelly I so agree

Like · Reply · 2 · 4 hrs

Bruce Harrison Exactly

Like · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs

Matt Moody Are you kidding me? Mike Rice was horrible. Just a notch above Bill Walton.

Like · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs

Bob Barrett That's just your opinion Matt. And we don't really care

 

Yes, apparently you will.

BNM

 

The comments were the ones sorted by the most "likes". Its the best indicator.

 

No, an actual poll that tabulates the results is the best indicator.

BNM

 

Polls taken after the fact have confirmation bias.