Fan ejected for heckling Roy Williams at practice (1 Viewer)

[Dexter Manley]

Odds that this guy is an unhappy Roy Williams dynasty owner?

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/nfl?page=2

 

[amphibianbri]

Just another reason for me not to draft him. If your skin is that thin that you have to acknowledge some 40 year guy in the stands, you don't have the focus to be elite. It's different if Williams starts the stuff (AKA T.O.), but this is just dumb. Also, nice job Lions security on kicking out one of the few fans your team actually has.

 

[T Bell]

I was sooooooooooo hoping this was a report from Oxnard.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Why does this shock anyone?

 

[Tom in Albany]

This is so sad on so many levels.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Jene was asking if he was lining up over the TE and he thought Jene said he RAN like a TE.

 

[Incogneto]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

 

[Pickle Rody]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

 

[Bankerguy]

I was sooooooooooo hoping this was a report from Oxnard.

They are in Denver. Come on Red.

 

[pacman_fl]

Jene was asking if he was lining up over the TE and he thought Jene said he RAN like a TE.

I guess Jene should have tried this on Chad Ocho Cinco at Bengals practice I know many on these boards would be tempted to say the same thing to players though.

 

[Brock Middlebrook]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

He was being a disruptive tool. Just because practice is open to the public doesn't mean some 40-plus yo tool of a man can come and disrupt it.

 

[tombonneau]

I was sooooooooooo hoping this was a report from Oxnard.

I was thinking the same thing. I was at Oxnard though, and anyone heckling would have gotten a beatdown. Some guy had on a Polamalu jersey and almost got lynched. (Poor guy was probably just a USC fan ...)

 

[Pickle Rody]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

He was being a disruptive tool. Just because practice is open to the public doesn't mean some 40-plus yo tool of a man can come and disrupt it.

How is that any different from game day? If, as a player, you don't have thick skin, maybe you should not be in this business. Williams becoming upset due to a disgruntled fan who has a ligitimate complaint, that he chose to vocalize while attending practice, is hilarious. "Ooh, ooh....hey coach - can you get rid of that fan? He is really starting to get to me." Fans have every right to vocalize their displeasure - even at practice. Maybe the Lions should close camp again so their players don't have to put up with the folks that actually pay their salary?

 

[Tom in Albany]

How is that any different from game day? If, as a player, you don't have thick skin, maybe you should not be in this business. Williams becoming upset due to a disgruntled fan who has a ligitimate complaint, that he chose to vocalize while attending practice, is hilarious. "Ooh, ooh....hey coach - can you get rid of that fan? He is really starting to get to me." Fans have every right to vocalize their displeasure - even at practice. Maybe the Lions should close camp again so their players don't have to put up with the folks that actually pay their salary?

How much did he pay to get in? Does the team market its "practice" sessions as a product for sale?

 

[skillz]

How is that any different from game day? If, as a player, you don't have thick skin, maybe you should not be in this business. Williams becoming upset due to a disgruntled fan who has a ligitimate complaint, that he chose to vocalize while attending practice, is hilarious. "Ooh, ooh....hey coach - can you get rid of that fan? He is really starting to get to me." Fans have every right to vocalize their displeasure - even at practice. Maybe the Lions should close camp again so their players don't have to put up with the folks that actually pay their salary?

How much did he pay to get in? Does the team market its "practice" sessions as a product for sale?

Lions don't charge for practice. Ironically, they opened up more of their practices for the public to attend this year. My guess is they may choose to scale that back again. Williams was extremely lazy and goofing off at the practice I went to about two weeks ago, so I could see how the guy got upset about it and said something.

 

[Pickle Rody]

How is that any different from game day? If, as a player, you don't have thick skin, maybe you should not be in this business. Williams becoming upset due to a disgruntled fan who has a ligitimate complaint, that he chose to vocalize while attending practice, is hilarious. "Ooh, ooh....hey coach - can you get rid of that fan? He is really starting to get to me." Fans have every right to vocalize their displeasure - even at practice. Maybe the Lions should close camp again so their players don't have to put up with the folks that actually pay their salary?

How much did he pay to get in? Does the team market its "practice" sessions as a product for sale?

Eagles practices are free to the public. As an Eagles fan who has attended these training camp practices, I know there are plenty of fans who voice their displeasure with players who aren't giving it their all. They do not get ejected. And as a fan, I support my team through purchasing game day tickets and all the other things the team markets......ie: shirts, hats, you name it. I do not care if the practices are free - as a fan who supports his team financially, I have every right to voice my displeasure with a players lazy attitude.....even at camp. And yes, I am sure the Lions market its training camp, whether it's free or not. The Eagles do. Relentlessly.

 

[Christo]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

He was being a disruptive tool. Just because practice is open to the public doesn't mean some 40-plus yo tool of a man can come and disrupt it.

How is yelling from the bleachers being "disruptive?"

 

[Pickle Rody]

Lions don't charge for practice. Ironically, they opened up more of their practices for the public to attend this year. My guess is they may choose to scale that back again. Williams was extremely lazy and goofing off at the practice I went to about two weeks ago, so I could see how the guy got upset about it and said something.

I would say this is almost a given now. Can't have Lions players getting upset with vocal fans during training camp now can we? Might as well shut it down again. Besides, who really cares? The Lions are the worst run team in the league. They don't deserve the fans they actually still have.

 

[T Bell]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

He was being a disruptive tool. Just because practice is open to the public doesn't mean some 40-plus yo tool of a man can come and disrupt it.

How is yelling from the bleachers being "disruptive?"

Dude. This guy was hurting Roy's feelings.

 

[T Bell]

Who else would love to hear Art Donovan's take on this right about now?

 

[ScoobyDoo]

How is this any different than the way he played Sunday last year?

If anything Roy should have been ejected.

 

[Wildcat]

Complete article. The above is only a snippet.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...033/1048/sports

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year.

Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off.

“I didn’t use any profanity to him,” Lazzara said. “I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, ‘You know, I’m not making $20 million a season.’ The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape.”

Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

“It just came out of nowhere, and I was like, ‘Huh?’ ” Williams said. “And he said it again, and I was just like, ‘What?’ And he said it again.”

Asked why he confronted Lazzara instead of ignoring him, Williams said: “I just wanted to know, ‘Where is he getting that from?’ And he said, ‘You take plays off in the season.’ And I said, ‘Well, why don’t you come and do my job and I’ll do your job and let’s see how it works.’ He said it again, and I said, ‘Yes, sir. All right.’ And I walked off.”

Surrounding fans shouted down Lazzara and cheered Williams. Security brought Lazzara down from the stands and after a lengthy conversation escorted him off the property.

“There’s no signs that say you’ve got to stay positive,” Lazzara said. “I wasn’t yelling and screaming and using profanity and all this at Roy. I was just being constructive, and they boot me out. I mean, what in the world? Don’t even open it.’

Lazzara said he also yelled at rookie fullback Jerome Felton to pick up his feet during a drill earlier. He said the Lions booted him even though he would have kept quiet to stay, but the Lions had a different version.

The Lions released a statement that said in part: “Following complaints from fans in the immediate area, members of our security team discussed the situation with the gentleman and explained the appropriate expected fan code of conduct, as set forth by our organization and the NFL. The gentleman declined to modify his behavior and was asked to leave the morning session.”

Williams has been the most fan friendly Lion during training camp. He has often pulled kids out of the stands wearing his No. 11 jersey and made them his personal assistant for practice.

“Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion,” Williams said. “He voiced his opinion, I voiced my opinion and that was that. …

“I would have climbed over the fence and climbed up in the stands, if I had a problem. I didn’t have a problem with the dude. I like to interact with the fans. He had a little problem with me. I had no problem with him. I just wanted to hear his opinion.

“So it wasn’t a big deal to me. I’m sorry the guy got kicked out. But he did that. Not me.”

 

[Pickle Rody]

Complete article. The above is only a snippet.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...033/1048/sports

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year.

Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off.

“I didn’t use any profanity to him,” Lazzara said. “I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, ‘You know, I’m not making $20 million a season.’ The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape.”

Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

“It just came out of nowhere, and I was like, ‘Huh?’ ” Williams said. “And he said it again, and I was just like, ‘What?’ And he said it again.”

Asked why he confronted Lazzara instead of ignoring him, Williams said: “I just wanted to know, ‘Where is he getting that from?’ And he said, ‘You take plays off in the season.’ And I said, ‘Well, why don’t you come and do my job and I’ll do your job and let’s see how it works.’ He said it again, and I said, ‘Yes, sir. All right.’ And I walked off.”

Surrounding fans shouted down Lazzara and cheered Williams. Security brought Lazzara down from the stands and after a lengthy conversation escorted him off the property.

“There’s no signs that say you’ve got to stay positive,” Lazzara said. “I wasn’t yelling and screaming and using profanity and all this at Roy. I was just being constructive, and they boot me out. I mean, what in the world? Don’t even open it.’

Lazzara said he also yelled at rookie fullback Jerome Felton to pick up his feet during a drill earlier. He said the Lions booted him even though he would have kept quiet to stay, but the Lions had a different version.

The Lions released a statement that said in part: “Following complaints from fans in the immediate area, members of our security team discussed the situation with the gentleman and explained the appropriate expected fan code of conduct, as set forth by our organization and the NFL. The gentleman declined to modify his behavior and was asked to leave the morning session.”

Williams has been the most fan friendly Lion during training camp. He has often pulled kids out of the stands wearing his No. 11 jersey and made them his personal assistant for practice.

“Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion,” Williams said. “He voiced his opinion, I voiced my opinion and that was that. …

“I would have climbed over the fence and climbed up in the stands, if I had a problem. I didn’t have a problem with the dude. I like to interact with the fans. He had a little problem with me. I had no problem with him. I just wanted to hear his opinion.

“So it wasn’t a big deal to me. I’m sorry the guy got kicked out. But he did that. Not me.”

Yeah, this would have settled it. Smart guy. To publicly claim he would have gone over the fence after the guy if he actually had a problem with the fan is the dumbest thing he could have said in this instance. Williams = not too bright. Glad he is on only one of my many FF teams. Too bad I cannot get rid of him.

 

[T Bell]

Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. . .

* * *

He said the Lions booted him even though he would have kept quiet to stay, but the Lions had a different version.

The Lions released a statement that said in part: “Following complaints from fans in the immediate area,

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

I have never understood what people think they will accomplish by booing players/teams. I consider myself a fan of several teams, but not once have I ever thought my opinion mattered one bit. I do not think that financially supporting any team entitles me to anything. Going off like this guy did does nothing except make himself look like a jerk. What did he think he was going to accomplish?

I guess if a team had 20K jerk fans like that guy then they might have to change something....i.e. when season ticket sales dwindle, etc.

Fans like this guy can speak louder by simply not spending any money on the team....berating players does nothing but bring embarrassment on oneself.

As for Roy, why should he have have thicker skin than any other human being?

 

[T Bell]

I have never understood what people think they will accomplish by booing players/teams. I consider myself a fan of several teams, but not once have I ever thought my opinion mattered one bit. I do not think that financially supporting any team entitles me to anything. Going off like this guy did does nothing except make himself look like a jerk. What did he think he was going to accomplish?

I guess if a team had 20K jerk fans like that guy then they might have to change something....i.e. when season ticket sales dwindle, etc.

Fans like this guy can speak louder by simply not spending any money on the team....berating players does nothing but bring embarrassment on oneself.

As for Roy, why should he have have thicker skin than any other human being?

Seriously? First of all, Roy's an idiot for engaging this guy.

Second, obviously this guy had some effect because it got some attention, and clearly Roy heard him.

Third, if this particular heckle was directed at a guy known on this team as a hard worker, what do you suppose that their reaction would have been?

 

[Pickle Rody]

I have never understood what people think they will accomplish by booing players/teams. I consider myself a fan of several teams, but not once have I ever thought my opinion mattered one bit. I do not think that financially supporting any team entitles me to anything. Going off like this guy did does nothing except make himself look like a jerk. What did he think he was going to accomplish?

I guess if a team had 20K jerk fans like that guy then they might have to change something....i.e. when season ticket sales dwindle, etc.

Fans like this guy can speak louder by simply not spending any money on the team....berating players does nothing but bring embarrassment on oneself.

As for Roy, why should he have have thicker skin than any other human being?

Too bad. Your purchases of tickets and apparel is used to pay the players salaries. To think otherwise is naive. If a team had no paying fan base they could not support a team. It is why teams raise their ticket prices on occasion. The current revenue is not enough to satisfy all the teams debts, including salaries. Every paying fan has every right to voice their displeasure. You do see it happen every single Sunday, do you not? If you choose to not voice your displeasure, that is your choice.As far as Williams having thicker skin.......he makes millions of dollars to play a game, which we as fans pay to see. He is in the spotlight of the public eye. He chose this profession. If he cannot handle it, he should not be there, and because he is in this position of his choosing he should grow thicker skin.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

he should grow thicker skin.

and maybe fans should grow some self-discipline and perspective.

 

[Pickle Rody]

he should grow thicker skin.

and maybe fans should grow some self-discipline and perspective.

Are you serious? Look, the guy was on the top of the bleachers. He did not use any profanity. Exactly what did he do wrong here? He told Williams he thought he was a slacker. As it turns out, that fan was absolutely right. The article even states Williams has been a clown most of camp. As far as I'm concerned the fan was disciplined and loud. From his perspective, Williams was not earning the money he, as a fan, is paying him in salary.From this point on Kevin, I'll agree to disagree with you on this matter.

 

[red]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

He was being a disruptive tool. Just because practice is open to the public doesn't mean some 40-plus yo tool of a man can come and disrupt it.

How is yelling from the bleachers being "disruptive?"

Dude. This guy was hurting Roy's feelings.

this whole incident reminds me of a Simpsons episode where homer is coach of an allstar softball team and the fans are heckling daryl strawberry and a tear comes to his eye while he's standing out there in right field. Roy = strawberry

 

[Tom in Albany]

Lions eject fan heckling WilliamsPosted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET.. Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape."...

Does he think the coach is going to hear this and say, "you know what, I never noticed it but I checked the tapes and he's right".

 

[fatness]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...033/1048/sports

The Lions released a statement that said in part: “Following complaints from fans in the immediate area, members of our security team discussed the situation with the gentleman and explained the appropriate expected fan code of conduct, as set forth by our organization and the NFL. The gentleman declined to modify his behavior and was asked to leave the morning session.”

Are there any reports from other fans in the immediate area of what this guy was doing?

 

[amphibianbri]

he should grow thicker skin.

and maybe fans should grow some self-discipline and perspective.

Perspective? I understand that football is just a game, but these guys are paid millions, they take plays off, and we as fans should just sit back and cheer that? I personally think the fan saying it once would be enough, but I don't have a problem with him saying it. Or is the perspective understanding that they make millions and I don't so it's ok just to go hard when you feel like it? The reason some athletes feel they are so entitiled to everything is that people tell them all the time they are the greatest. Most of us take crap all the time at work even when we are busting our butts. I don't know, maybe I just don't understand this world anymore where only being rah rah to everyone all of the time is a good thing. Bottom Line: Say your piece and be done (and I guess keep one's opinion to him/herself unless it is rah rah).

 

[amphibianbri]

he should grow thicker skin.

and maybe fans should grow some self-discipline and perspective.

Are you serious? Look, the guy was on the top of the bleachers. He did not use any profanity. Exactly what did he do wrong here? He told Williams he thought he was a slacker. As it turns out, that fan was absolutely right. The article even states Williams has been a clown most of camp. As far as I'm concerned the fan was disciplined and loud. From his perspective, Williams was not earning the money he, as a fan, is paying him in salary.From this point on Kevin, I'll agree to disagree with you on this matter.

 

[fatness]

One fan's report (in the comments)

I was at the practice and the fan was very loud and disruptive. Everyone was getting annoyed.

 

[Pickle Rody]

One fan's report (in the comments)

I was at the practice and the fan was very loud and disruptive. Everyone was getting annoyed.

Whoever wrote that blog piece (didn't catch his/her name) called Williams "Mike" in the piece. Some fan, huh? Anyway, was "EVERYONE" the 10 - 15 other fans scattered throughout the bleachers? Poor Lions fans. They can't even catch a decent break at training camp practices, what with all the loud and disruptive behavior going on. What a joke.I wish I was there. I would have joined in the fracas.

 

[Hawk]

After reading the whole article, why get on Roy's case? Why would you want to get rid of him off your fantasy team? Roy didn't really do anything other than engage in a little banter with the guy and then walk off. Plus the article talked about how friendly he has been to the fans throughout camp, and it sounds like Roy had nothing to do with the guy getting tossed. I can understand if you don't agree with tossing the guy, but what does that have to do with Roy?

 

[Christo]

Who else would love to hear Art Donovan's take on this right about now?

Art did do the fan's job in his off season.

 

[Pickle Rody]

After reading the whole article, why get on Roy's case? Why would you want to get rid of him off your fantasy team? Roy didn't really do anything other than engage in a little banter with the guy and then walk off. Plus the article talked about how friendly he has been to the fans throughout camp, and it sounds like Roy had nothing to do with the guy getting tossed. I can understand if you don't agree with tossing the guy, but what does that have to do with Roy?

I suppose nothing I guess. Saying he would have gone over the fence is what got me thinking he is not too bright. I've never considered Roy "all that" anyway. He is on one team this year because the value was too good to pass up when I drafted him. No waivers, no trades, straight survivor. He'll probably help my team somewhat. But on the other hand, do you really think the guy would have been tossed had Roy NOT gone over to engage him in "lighthearted banter?" On another note, Roy left the huddle. In fact, Roy disrupted practice by letting himself get annoyed by the guy. Oh, he says he wasn't annoyed, but he leaves the huddle in the middle of practice to engage a fan hurling complaints that he is a slacker. He was annoyed.

 

[Balance]

A couple quotes from a fan, a couple quotes from Roy.

And a dozen fbg's showing their colors rushing to judge as if they were there in person, and as if they know either person involved well enough to read their minds.

 

[T Bell]

A couple quotes from a fan, a couple quotes from Roy.And a dozen fbg's showing their colors rushing to judge as if they were there in person, and as if they know either person involved well enough to read their minds.

And a sanctimonious FBG coming in at the end pretending he's above it all.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

How is that any different from game day? If, as a player, you don't have thick skin, maybe you should not be in this business. Williams becoming upset due to a disgruntled fan who has a ligitimate complaint, that he chose to vocalize while attending practice, is hilarious. "Ooh, ooh....hey coach - can you get rid of that fan? He is really starting to get to me." Fans have every right to vocalize their displeasure - even at practice. Maybe the Lions should close camp again so their players don't have to put up with the folks that actually pay their salary?

Go to GE, or Microsoft, or any other place where people are working and act like a tool - then report back to us about how long they let you stay before they ask you to leave.

 

[T Bell]

How is that any different from game day? If, as a player, you don't have thick skin, maybe you should not be in this business. Williams becoming upset due to a disgruntled fan who has a ligitimate complaint, that he chose to vocalize while attending practice, is hilarious. "Ooh, ooh....hey coach - can you get rid of that fan? He is really starting to get to me." Fans have every right to vocalize their displeasure - even at practice. Maybe the Lions should close camp again so their players don't have to put up with the folks that actually pay their salary?

Go to GE, or Microsoft, or any other place where people are working and act like a tool - then report back to us about how long they let you stay before they ask you to leave.

Can you give me directions to those stadiums?

 

[Balance]

A couple quotes from a fan, a couple quotes from Roy.And a dozen fbg's showing their colors rushing to judge as if they were there in person, and as if they know either person involved well enough to read their minds.

And a sanctimonious FBG coming in at the end pretending he's above it all.

I am. I don't know either person involved, and wasn't there... and I'm not pretending I do or was.

 

[Pickle Rody]

How is that any different from game day? If, as a player, you don't have thick skin, maybe you should not be in this business. Williams becoming upset due to a disgruntled fan who has a ligitimate complaint, that he chose to vocalize while attending practice, is hilarious. "Ooh, ooh....hey coach - can you get rid of that fan? He is really starting to get to me." Fans have every right to vocalize their displeasure - even at practice. Maybe the Lions should close camp again so their players don't have to put up with the folks that actually pay their salary?

Go to GE, or Microsoft, or any other place where people are working and act like a tool - then report back to us about how long they let you stay before they ask you to leave.

This response is so lame it does not deserve a reply.......but I will anyway.GE and Microsoft employees are not in the public eye and are not being employed to bring fans into their place of employment. GE and Microsoft employees may earn their pay through the sales of their products, but they are not out there in the public eye. Totally different from an NFL player. NFL players are brought in and hired by teams to win games and build strong fan bases.....ie: bring in the fans to the workplace. I don't see GE and Microsoft marketing "Susan" in Product Development as a reason to purchase their product and ultimately pay her salary. Very lame comparison.Fans have a right to voice their displeasure. It happens in hockey, baseball, basketball and any other sport where the players are paid a very high wage to entertain us common folk. You know, us little guys who invariable pay their salaries. Now I would venture that each of these other sports do not open up practice to the common man, but they each get to hear their fans displeasure during actual games. Football has such a limited game schedule for the regular season that teams give fans an opportunity to see and talk and yes, sometimes heckle their players by opening up practice to the common folk who otherwise might not get the chance to see their favorite team in live action. These fans still help pay those player salaries by purchasing all the memorabilia that every one of the 32 NFL teams now market exhaustively.If you want to debate this any further with me Rob, you should find another analogy to help you make your point. Or, just come out and say what you really mean.

 

[Pickle Rody]

Go to GE, or Microsoft, or any other place where people are working and act like a tool - then report back to us about how long they let you stay before they ask you to leave.

Can you give me directions to those stadiums?

Right. Well said. I guess I over-worded my response.

 

[cstu]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

This would not be allowed at any team's training camp.

 

[Pickle Rody]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

This would not be allowed at any team's training camp.

You know what, I don't think every fan got Goodell's most recent memo about fan conduct. And from what I understand it will be effective for the regular season in each teams house. Heckling has been allowed at Eagles training camps I've been to in the past. I've seen it first hand. I think profanity would get you booted. But not simply calling out a player as being a slacker.

 

[cstu]

Lions eject fan heckling Williams

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2008 06:42AM ET

Security escorted a fan out of Lions practice this morning after he got into a verbal altercation with wide receiver Roy Williams. It was the first such incident since the Lions started opening training camp to the general public again last year. Mike Lazzara, 42, of Novi stood on the top step of the bleachers amid a sparse, mostly quiet crowd. He repeatedly shouted to Williams about taking plays off. "I didn't use any profanity to him," Lazzara said. "I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, 'You know, I'm not making $20 million a season.' The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape." Williams heard Lazzara as he went back to the huddle, then walked over to the fence separating the fans from the field. Williams suggested they switch jobs, as some of his teammates yelled.

Detroit Free Press

If he was not using profanity, why kick him out? Oooh, I know, they need to protect the fragile little ego's of their semi-stars! The Lions FO suxor and so does their team.

This would not be allowed at any team's training camp.

You know what, I don't think every fan got Goodell's most recent memo about fan conduct. And from what I understand it will be effective for the regular season in each teams house. Heckling has been allowed at Eagles training camps I've been to in the past. I've seen it first hand. I think profanity would get you booted. But not simply calling out a player as being a slacker.

I'll admit the only camps I've been to are Vikings, Chargers, and Cowboys and I've never seen heckling. The Eagles may just have a different attitude toward it because Eagles fans, you know...

 

[cstu]

he should grow thicker skin.

and maybe fans should grow some self-discipline and perspective.

Are you serious? Look, the guy was on the top of the bleachers. He did not use any profanity. Exactly what did he do wrong here? He told Williams he thought he was a slacker. As it turns out, that fan was absolutely right. The article even states Williams has been a clown most of camp. As far as I'm concerned the fan was disciplined and loud. From his perspective, Williams was not earning the money he, as a fan, is paying him in salary.From this point on Kevin, I'll agree to disagree with you on this matter.

I don't go to training camp to hear some jackoff yell at the top of his lungs about how he doesn't the way a guy plays. You don't like it? Wait until after practice and tell the guy face to face when he's leaving the field.