Bandits-Real Champions?
The Buffalo Bandits will play for the National Lacrosse League championship on Saturday night at the Arena. They will play Portland, a team with a losing record.The Bandits have already won three titles, but none since 1996. If they win, will it be a "real" championship for Buffalo?
I don't think so. I enjoy the game, like covering the guys and appreciate the enthusiasm of the fans. But its not a traditional sport, and it shouldn't be considered a championship for this title-starved town. Only a hockey or football victory would count in my book. In the big picture of sports, lacrosse is a minor player. Bigger here than most places, but still minor. It has no national following, no national TV and no nationally-recognized stars. It's a niche sport, big in the few regions of North America that follow lacrosse.
Now I know the Bandits fans will disagree, and I expect plenty of angry posts. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy the sport, and we will cover the title game as extensively as possible.
Convince me I'm wrong. Tell me why there should be a parade and a rally in Niagara Square, and why kids all over town should be wearing Mark Steenhuis (above, left) and John Tavares jerseys.
posted by Paul Peck at
5:13 PM
108 Comments:
Well Mr. Peck...
It's not worth trying to convince you or get into a constructive debate, because you Channel 4 sports guys don't respond to anything on here. That's probably why you hardly get any response to the daily topics that you folks post on here.
The weather guys get much more of a response to their topics, I'm sure mostly because they're willing to actually respond and get into a little conversation with the bloggers.
So in closing, all I'll say is accept indoor lacrosse for what it is, give it the coverage it deserves, and learn how to use its vs it's.
I'm not going to try and even make you change your opinion on if the Buffalo Bandits 1992, 1993 and 1996 and possible 2008 Championships are not up there with the NFL or any of the so called major leagues you talk about... I love the BANDITS and I'll be a BANDIT FAN till the day I die and beyond.
If the Buffalo Bandits capture their fourth Championship, it will be worth more to this fan then if any of our other teams could even think of winning...
BANDITS RULE!
How do you expect lacrosse to get any bigger if you don't give it the coverage it deserves? I was hoping that channel 4 would do a better of covering the Bandits then channel 2 did, and I was happy until I read this. If you don't except the potential win as a championship for Buffalo then you are going to be waiting for a very long time for the rest of the Buffalo teams to get one. We may not have had a win since 1996 but we made it to the playoffs almost every year unlike other teams in this town that get ridiculous amounts of coverage even in their off seasons.
It is tough to count a NLL title as an actual championship for this city and I agree with you Paul that it can not be counted. I do see the NLL slowly becoming more and more popular with a team to come in Boston and talks about Seattle. Though it will take a Super Bowl or Stanley Cup to fill the championship void here in Buffalo.
For anyone who has not been to a Bandits game, get out to the arena on Saturday night. The game is fast pace, family fun and without question more exciting than hockey and basketball. You will not go home disappointed especially since we are playing Portland.
Mr. peck:
As stated in your view that the sport of lacrosse does not have a national following etc... You just described to the tee the sport of hockey. Most people in the country could not tell you which team Daniel Briere played on if their lives depended on it. It is a well known fact that the lifetime channel gets higher ratings then the NHL. Also, you stated that Lacrosse has no tradition. The sport has been played in this country for over 400 years. One of the many reasons that the NFL is covered by the major networks is because they give billions to the league. It is understandable to try and get one's money's worth.
The individuals who play in the NLL are no less talented or devoted then any other athlete. Perception is the ultimate reality. For nearly half a century, professional football players toiled in obscurity and low wage jobs. NASCAR is a glittering example of a sport that, despite the skill and tradition, has its naysayers in the media world. It is refreshing to watch the Buffalo Bandits. I wonder, is it because these players hold "real jobs" during the day that these professionals should not be taking seriously? The bandits represent the true work ethic of a city that is slowly disappearing. Mr. Peck: let the hardworking people of WNY and Ontario enjoy the fruits offered by some of the greatest athletes to ever grace this city's history.
The Bandits do not get the respect that they deserve. I have been to been to many other sporting events in this town and if given the choice I would pick a Bandits game any day!! I have never been to a Bandits game (win or lose) and walked away without feeling like I got my money's worth. The games are full of action and family fun. A championship win would be "real" to me because I am a true Bandit Fan!! Please consider covering the NLL more so that maybe there would be a bigger following and then your opinion that it is not a real sport might change.
Well...
Lacrosse is a sport....and it can not get any bigger than it is...so if the Bandits win the championship on Saturday...then hell yeah thats awesome...but don't expect the Bills and the Sabres alone to get Buffalo on the map for championships..
Hey peck, i can't even call you sir or Mr. because after what you said you don't deserve to be called a man. A man respects other men and their talents and realizes greatness when he sees it, he gives credit when credit is due and supports his brothers. The men of the buffalo bandits are our brothers, they live and work amongst us, in New York and Ontario, they support the city of Buffalo and beyond and bring more to the city than you ever will. The Bandits are and have been one of the best NLL teams ever to play and if you don't think that they're soon to be championship, or their past championships mean anything, then you are more ignorant than any person i have ever met. If you don't think that lacrosse is a real sport let me refresh your memory, lacrosse was used as war training many years ago, the field was miles long and the game lasted for days. Much like then, now lacrosse is still war, if you don't think that the sport of lacrosse deserves respect then how about you practice with the bandits for twenty minutes and i'm sure you'll change your mind or at least get the crap knocked out of you. I can't believe that you are cheapening what should be the one of the better things to happen to the city in a long time with your arrogant attitude. The players and staff of the bandits work just as hard if not harder than any other sport team and deserve the respect that is due to them. I can bet that the players of the other sports team respect the bandits so why not you? I'll be glad to finish this conversation else where, my name is vini and you can find me at Banditland this saturday night watching the Bandits win the true championship they deserve.
"it shouldn't be considered a championship for this title-starved town. Only a hockey or football victory would count in my book. In the big picture of sports, lacrosse is a minor player."
That kind of attitude is shameful. The only thing that the NLL lacks is big money and that's what makes it worth following. There's a devoted, rabid following without big TV contracts. I really have to think that's the only reason anyone in the media would say something like that...because you're not making lots of money off of it like networks do with the NFL
Sometimes I find "minor sports" whether it be the Bandits, or pro hoops way more exciting, affordable, and family friendly than "major sports." Why, are they more exciting? Because those players play because they love the game, at the end of the game it's not about money, but pride!Football could be the only "major sport" that I find exciting consistantly, but personally the NHL, MLB, and NBA are just plain boring. You say that the Bandits are a minor sport and get no national coverage, well thats because people like you, and all sportscasters are ignorant and don't care if it's not the Sabres or Bills. Its like you expect them to be on their level in order to give them much needed credit and coverage! The Bandits deserve a lot of credit for consistantly being a winning team and having the best player ever in the NLL. So wake up Mr. Peck, and take a look at future champions that could bring a championship here, many years before any of your "major sport" teams!! Go Bandits!!
What you just said, to me, is like saying, "well since your not an ESPN broadcaster, you're just a minor broadcaster that no one should care about becuase they are nothing" Thats what it sounds like!
Wake up Mr. Peck, and the rest of the broadcasters need to do the same on all the stations, the Bills and Sabres aren't the only damn teams in Buffalo! WAKE UP!
Have A Nice Day Channel 4
How does a team that averages 15,000 fans a game be considered a minor sport in Buffalo? It's because sportscasters like Paul Peck think it is so therefore, it must be.
C'mon, it's a pro league just like any other pro league......the players get paid, fans buy tickets, it's held in major league arenas throughout the US and Canada. Major difference is the players have day jobs, play for the true love of the sport, and are regular middle class workers like the rest of us. Could you say the same of the NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL prima donnas you prefer to talk ad nauseum about??? I don't think so.
Mr Peck should know all about something being 'B' level...
I believe that's what his status on the channel 4 sports team is. Looks like weekend anchor and a fill-in for the A guys will be all he ever achieves.
Beyond his inability to know how to use its vs it's, he doesn't even know which player in the photo he posted is Steenhuis. Hey 'Mr. B' Peck...he's the one on the left, not right.
Nice post, Mr. Peck. I'll look forward to your next sportscast...on Saturday...lol.
Wow... It's amazing to hear that after I was so excited because I saw our Bandits being followed on the newscast. I can't even believe what I just read. A championship is a championship. Implying that the championshiip would not be a real one is implying that the Bandits are "fake" athletes. I bet you've never even been to a game "Mr. Peck", because if you had, you would never even REMOTELY imply that the amazing athletes on the Bandits weren't "real" athletes.
In most "real" sports, the athletes, though mostly very talented, seem to have lost the passion and fire for the game. They are more focused on how much money they're going to pull in between their salaries, bonuses, advertising contracts, etc. than why they started playing the sport in the first place. Not only that, but they are usually far from approachable should you see them in public. Not only are the Bandits REAL athletes playing a REAL sport, but they're REAL people who don't shun anyone not "exceptional" enough to play at their level.
I was so disappointed when Dennis Williams left and now I am even more disappointed. Seems Dennis was the only one who kept an open mind with our Bandits. When we win that REAL championship on Saturday, please don't ceelbrate with us, I prefer a REAL sportscaster join the festivities.
Your right Peckerhead. I guess this wouldn't be a real championship. Seeing as these guys don't put their bodies on the line everytime they go out there. No most of them play the sport they love all year round basically for nothing. Hey this may not be a championship any of the media's eye in Buffalo but Tom Borrelli, and thats fine to me and the Bandits probably. You want to know why, cause these guys play this sport for the love of the sport. It's not for the money or the fame. Not like those idiots you will hopefully be moving to Toronto. They love what they do, and thats why this is a real championship to all us diehards at the arena on Saturday.
The bandits epitomize this city and when they win the championship it will mean a lot to me. I have followed them since day one and I have enjoyed 3 championships in the past. I live and die with this team. So i don't care what Paul Peck thinks. If and when they bring it home Saturday I will be elated and everyone in this city should be proud. GO GET YOUr TICKETS NOW!
Are you serious? The reason they aren't "nationally covered" is because of local stations like you not giving them any respect. During the first round of the playoffs this year there happened to be under 10,000 people in the Arena. Guess what... it was louder than any Sabres game I've ever been to. Bandits fans are real fans and our sport is just as important to this area as the Bills or the Sabres. For you to sit here and say these things are rediculous.
"They will play Portland, a team with a losing record."
I felt that as a snub on the league because a losing record team from the west made it this far.
"If they win, will it be a "real" championship for Buffalo?"
Why wouldn't it be? Any real sports fan knows that if a local team wins a national championship it's a great thing. I don't care if it's high school basketball or elementary school checkers. IF we get a national championship... it needs to be celebrated and not looked down on fools like you.
"But its not a traditional sport, and it shouldn't be considered a championship for this title-starved town. Only a hockey or football victory would count in my book."
Not a traditional sport? I'm sure it's been around a heck of a lot longer than Hockey or Football. What else does this sport have to do? It's only one of the fastest growing sports out there. I think you need to attend a game before reporting stuff like this.
"In the big picture of sports, lacrosse is a minor player. Bigger here than most places, but still minor. It has no national following, no national TV and no nationally regognized stars. Its a niche sport, big in the few regions of North America that follow lacrosse."
And this would be your fault for not giving them the respect they deserve. The players, staff, trainers, fans... everyone puts their blood, sweat, and tears into this sport and you sports guys look down on us because there is no national coverage. Do something about it!
"Now I know the Bandits fans will disagree, and I expect plenty of angry posts. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy the sport and we will cover the title game as extensively as possible."
It sure seems like you don't enjoy it. A 5 second blurb doesn't count. They deserve the coverage the Sabres or Bills would if they were playing.
"Convince me I'm wrong."
I think all of Banditland can do that.
You call yourself a sports reporter... shame on you. This is yet another reason to not watch channel 4 news.
LET'S GO BANDITS!!
Are you kidding me??? These guys do not get paid millions to play lacrosse, they don't have agents to fix them up with a sweet deal.They have REAL jobs. Playing lacrosse isn't their job. And they don't WHINE. They play the sport they love. Paul Peck have you ever BEEN to a Bandits game??? The fans in that building are more intense and more loyal than the fans of the other Buffalo teams. Who have won how many Championships??? I think you should be ashamed to call yourself a sports reporter for Buffalo. They are called he BUFFALO BANDITS aren't they? Give them the coverage deserve.
Portland had a losing record in the regular season, but in the playoffs they are 2-0, just like the Bandits.
This is going to be a great battle for the Championship, and the Bandits win should be celebrated by the city of Buffalo.
What other sports teams have all their players head to the same restaurant/bar (Thank you Pearl Street) where every fan can meet the players and hang out with them after the games. They are a great bunch of guys, who are very friendly to the fans.
These players and coaches are hard working individuals who play for the love of the game and not millions of dollars. They have to work "real" jobs to support their families and bust their backs to entertain the city of Buffalo. They epitomize the hard working blue collar nature of this city and the life and excitment they bring into the desolate downtown area should be rewarded and celebrated, not disrespected because the league is not popular enough for your tastes.
On average 15k people went to the home games this year, and while only 9k went to the first playoff game, it was a loud intense crowd supporting their home team. These 9k fans were louder than any sold out Sabres game I've ever been to. The fans, and the players should celebrate a championship together and share it with the rest of the city. It would draw more attention to the Bandits, and help get more people interested in the game once they learn what an exciting sport lacrosse is.
The NLL is only 20 years old, and is similar to the NFL in its early days. Players worked during the week, and played the sport on the weekend, for very little pay. NLL games can be ordered and watched over the internet, but a national TV deal, or a series of local TV deals need to be reached to expand the fan base. A good start would be expanded, and positive local coverage. The Bandits play once or twice on the weekends, why not have lacross highlights on the Monday or Tuesday news broadcast. I know I would go out of my way to watch the local news station that would show Bandits highlights on a regular basis each week.
NLL is not ridled with scandal like your highly praised NFL, NHL or even MLB. If you want your children to believe their love of the sport is more important than the millons, or there is more to life than drugs, guns or whatever scandal is rocking the "major" sports world this week the i would say go and buy your kids a bandit jersey to wear. A team that plays their hearts out each and every game not because they are paid to do it but because they choose to do it.
Just because it's not on ESPN and sportscenter doesn't mean its a real sport. It has more tradition than most other sports, dating back to when the Native Americans were the only ones living where we are today. Channel 4 has yet again shown me why I no longer watch sports segments, or any other part of the broadcast. Open up your eyes and see how much good this does for Buffalo. They have been the most successful team to ever be in Buffalo, by ACTUALLY WINNING a CHAMPIONSHIP. Playoffs every year, fans filling the arena, just because national press doesn't give them any coverage doesn't mean its a real championship or not. It means your ignorant by not supporting of a great franchise with alot of history.
/end rant
Its my job as a sportscaster to have opinions. That's what I was expressing in my blog. I don't expect everyone to agree with me. But I also didn't expect the responses would get so nasty. I expected better out of Buffalo sports fans.
While my opinions are my own, they in no way effect the coverage decisions we make at Channel 4. The Bandits were our lead story in sports this weekend three times. We ran preview stories every day from Tuesday on. I doubt there are any TV stations in the country that cover the NLL more than the ones in Buffalo. I'm proud of the coverage we provide here at Channel 4, and I believe that actually helps expand the Bandits fan base.
My blog was not a criticism of the team, the players or the fans. I thought I made that clear.
My comment was meant to prompt a discussion about whether a Bandits championship should be considered on the same level as if it were won by the Bills or Sabres.
I want to thank everyone who posted. We welcome all of your opinions.
Paul Peck you are ignorant and i would be willing to be you dont even know how to play the game.
The Bandits have brought more to Buffalo. You dont know that it is a Native American sport.
Bandits are better than the Bills (who are playing games in Canada) and the Sabres who cant keep players. But yet the Bandits are still here in Buffalo.
This past Winter during a snow storm when there were travel bans in Erie County there were over 13,000 Bandit fans at the arena. You tell me it is a Minor sport when that many people come to watch thier team play.
Mr.Peck if nobody wants to throw the Bandits a parade. You just wait and see the Fans of the BANDITS will do it for the team that we love BUFFALO BANDITS.
When I go to Sabres games and look around, I mainly see people who are there just to say they were. Because it's expensive and "cool." These people aren't fans.
At my first Bandits game a few years ago, I realized what being a fan was. Those men in there know how to play a great game, and they have one hell of an announcer that keeps the crowd going. They're enthusiastic and I can see why so many people look up to them. My family became season ticket holders shortly after going to that game.
And I can tell you why kids should be wearing the Johnny Tavares jerseys - because he's not only the #1 goal scorer in the league, but he has a brain too! He's a teacher! They show kids that you can really do anything. I truly believe these guys are Buffalo's unsung heros.
Don't exclude them because you don't think LAX is mainstream enough! We should embrace all sports Buffalo has to offer!
So the only championships that count would be NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB? Well we don't have and MLB or NBA team. I could argue that the NHL isn't a major sport outside of Canada and the Northeast. So I guess the only championship you would consider would be a SuperBowl victory...what a joke!
Your a hell of a journalist...
Mr. Peck,
With all do respect,I don't understand how you can possibly tell the fans of Buffalo that an NLL championship isn't "real." Everyone will agree that yes, its not one of the major sports in this country, but its still a Professional league. Which means its the best of the best playing out there game in and game out. You comment about Portaland, with a loosing record making the championship game, and I don't see that as an issue. They battled all year and one the games that mattered, in the playoffs. Its the same deal as NCAA Tournament, theres always a cinderella... are you going to say they don't deserve it?? The point is that, no matter what level of skill or profession you play, a championship is a championship. Whether is pee wee, high school, collegiate or professional, your the best there is. Period. And in the case of the NLL, the Bandits are the best team. The fans back the team tremendously, and a championship in the eyes of this city, even by the Bandits, would be amazing. Anyone who has ever watched a game in Banditland will tell you, we have the best fans in the world. And they deserve a championship. They desereve an NLL Championship. Go Bandits!
I have been a lacrosse fan for most of my life and i have to say it hurts to hear people say that lacrosse is not a "real" championship worthy sport.
It's attitudes like that which keep lacrosse down. There are lacrosse and NLL fans all over the country. Therefor doesn't that mean it has a national following?
Perhaps if guys like you spoke out about how great the sport is and how honored a city should be for having a championship team maybe the league would rise to it's proper place and gain enough of a following that there will be no doubt that WE ARE NATIONAL!
I'm a Philadelphia Wings fan but I'm here fighting for the Buffalo Bandits. How many more cities must stand before we're "national"?
~MB
"it shouldn't be considered a championship for this title-starved town. Only a hockey or football victory would count in my book. In the big picture of sports, lacrosse is a minor player." Actually Peckerwood, in the big picture of WNY Sports, which I believe is why local sports are covered, the Bandits are a big deal and a championship would be greatly appreciated. And open your eyes, when you walk around town there are people all over wearing Bandits gear. And on a bigger scale, there are NHL teams that draw less than NLL teams.
Mr. Peck,
I have season tickets for Bills, Sabres and Bandits games. I would want nothing more then have the Bills win the superbowl, or Sabres win the Stanley cup. And you are right, and many Bandits fans will disagree with me, but if they win it will not be a "real" championship for Buffalo. For now at least.
But, now look at it this way... The Leafs had all those championships in the 1960's. Were those "real" championships? There were only 6 teams in the league at that time. There is no doubt in my mind the National Lacrosse league will grow as big if not bigger then the NHL. The NLL is more exciting, higher scoring, and harder hits. The fans actually feel like they help control the game, just like at Ralph Wilson Stadium. When I started going to Bandits games there was only 4 of my buddies, now 7 years later there are 24 diehard fans I recruited that do not miss a game. I would do anything to have the game sell out on Saturday night and win the Championship.
Mr. Peck, I am just looking for more exposure to the sport. And I hope you can help the young league continue to grow.
Thank you,
Jason Brosius
jbrosius@fideliscare.org
Quote
"If they win, will it be a "real" championship for Buffalo?
I don't think so. I enjoy the game, like covering the guys and appreciate the enthusiasm of the fans. But its not a traditional sport, and it shouldn't be considered a championship for this title-starved town. Only a hockey or football victory would count in my book."
What type of responses did you expect? You know how excited us Bandit fans are, and you said winning the NLL Championship wouldn't mean as much as the Bills or Sabres winning one.
As to your questions in the article, why should kids be wearing Steenhuis or Tavares jerseys? (Or any Bandits player for that matter)
Because they don't use steroids to preform well.
Because they don't host dog-fights in their spare time.
Because they don't get arrested for wife beating.
Because they are hard working talented players who spend their free time coming to practices and playing for us.
You love pecker
What you folks fail to realize is, Paul Peck is a Lumberjax fan, and his wish for all of you is that Portland comes in and whips on your monkey ass!!
I'm here for ya Paul!
Mr. Peck,
As a Philadelphia Wings fan, I am no fan of the Buffalo Bandits. But I am a fan of Indoor Lacrosse (NLL) and Field Lacrosse (MLL). When you say "Lacrosse", please don't confuse the two, that would be very embarrassing.
That being said, should the Bandits win the NLL Championship, you should treat it as such with the respect and dignity it deserves... IT IS A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! Granted, its not they highly over-hyped and over-rated Super bowl. But it is a Championship none the less. Something of which Buffalo has very few.
I have been to quite a few Bandits games over the last 20+ years. Every time I enter a Buffalo arena (the Aud and HSBC), I see thousands upon thousands of rabid Bandits fans. These are true sports fans. The Bandits players are some of the best in their sport, all highly skilled and highly motivated, yet grossly underpaid and under appreciated. John Tavares and Mark Steenhuis are two of the best in the world. Treat them as such. Your attitude toward them, their sport, and their fans is very narrow minded at best.
You may enjoy watching the games, but you obviously do not appreciate the game.
One last note: I own a signed JT jersey.
richard
i'm sorry. i didn't see the bandits' last championships on the front pages of usa today, or even the buffalo news, so, i can't consider this championship to be anything "major". maybe when the nll gets the same money the other leagues get, then the championship will be worth something more.
until then, they could try drafting players from the recent canisius lacrosse team that went to the ncaa championship game against syracuse and make this a TRUE buffalo sports team for a change.
It is unfortunate that this blog has some rash comments in it, but as you can see there is a large percentage of Bandit Fans who take this topic to heart. I'm one of them. I don't have to bash you personally, or even Channel 4 as a whole, but I do have to say there is a severe lack of coverage in Buffalo on the quickest growing sport in the nation. Schools all around Buffalo are picking up Lacrosse in their programs as well as countless youth groups for the game. These kids would love to see a Tavares or a Steenhuis on the evening news with their parents. These are the guys a 10 yr old can go and watch, and look up to, every week. I don't know about you, Mr. Peck, but I cannot afford to bring a family of 4 to a Buffalo Bills game on a Sunday afternoon. Not only is it not a child friendly environment, but it is very, very expensive. Parking is up, food and beverage prices are up, merchandise it out of reach, and the number irresponsible adults out of control at those games is climbing at an alarming rate. The NLL has made it possible to have a Saturday night out with your family and still go home with a couple dollars in your pocket. The kids will have orange hair, a foam finger or even a big cowboy hat to go home with... waiting for next Saturday when they can wear them to the next game. The chants (that the fans have come up with) are also intended for the entire crowd. They are simple, catchy and very fun. The halftime show involves people from the crowd, not pop-stars with wardrobe malfunctions, there are t-shirt tosses and prize give-aways all night.
When is the last time the announcer at a BORING Sabres game has initiated the wave? I recently attended a Sabers game with my wife, she had never been to a game before. She also likes to pick on me for being such a big Bandits fan. While we were sitting there... front row... in silence... for the first couple minutes of the first period, she looked over and asked me why everyone was so bored. My response, which is my response to a lot of non-Bandit fans was this: The Sabres are corporate. Most of the season tickets are purchased by companies and are handed out to salesmen to bring clients to the game. They are not there for the excitement. It is a marketing tool. It is quiet because there are side conversations, unrelated to the game, going on between 2 or more people that have no interest in the game at all. Hockey, in general, is boring. As I'm trying to relay to my wife just how boring a Sabres game is, we score. Yay! Cheering, a loud horn... some high 5s... and then silence for the rest of the period. You realize that if the score is 2 - 0 and we win... you'll stand up a total of 4 times during the game. After the first period, the 2nd, and for both goals. If you're like us, you'll stand up a 5th time to just walk around, and maybe buy some food. Hockey has its moments, and there is a lot of overlap in its fan base from the ice to the turf for the Bandits... but for those 9,000 fans in attendance during the first round, and the 11,000 fans at the game on Saturday night... we know what game is worth watching. We know we'd rather be sitting in that arena wearing orange and black. Can you imagine the anticipation on Saturday when Mark Steenhuis had over 5 goals already... and is preparing to shoot again? He alone, is worth the $12 to get in. I've heard all sorts of comments from other teams about how much they hate him... but would trade any 3 players on their team to have him. Nobody kills the clock and gets the crowd roaring like Mark.
Now... back to the Championship. We all know we've won 3 times in the past. 3 times since 1992 none the less. But we have also been Division Champions 8 times. The Buffalo Bandits have made it to the big game 8 of a possible 17 times. I don't have to do the math on that one to see that we've consistently been one of the best teams in the league since our inception. Winning a lot makes it easier to watch. Something a Bills or Sabres fan wouldn't know anything about. Know what is also a great perk to being a Bandits fan? The away games. There is a small group of us (about 30) that travels to Rochester and Toronto to watch the away games. Depending on the schedule sometimes 2 or 3 times in a season. And thats just the select few of us that buy tickets together. There is also a separate Bandits Brigade which fills another section, and a couple hundred other fans who make the short drive to the surrounding cities to watch our team play. What other sport can you do that with? What other sport can you afford to do that with? Season tickets are UNDER $200!!! When we win Saturday that arena will erupt like it has never erupted before. I hope you, and maybe a handful of producers from Channel 4 and its competitors, are there to see it. Experience it. You'll finally understand what makes us come back every year, every week.
Thank you for your time Mr Peck, I hope all of us in BANDITLAND will be able watch the replays on Channel 4. If you're interested you can watch it next to us. Section 117 rows 14,15,16 and 17, we'll be the ones rooting for Buffalo's Best Team.
"My blog was not a criticism of the team, the players or the fans."
Well, Paul, I don't see how it wouldn't be taken as such since you stated that "Only a hockey or football victory would count in my book"... that's a slap in the face to anyone who has ever been to a Bandits game. It's like saying that the sport, the players, and the fans are wasting their time on something that doesn't matter.
The simple fact that the responses have all been extremely passionate should speak volumes for the sport. When you tell us we don't count and it's not a real championship, we get pissed!
I completely agree with Paul. Listen, it's great you're all fans and you love the Bandits. But, the NLL is not to the level of the NFL, MLB, Nascar, or the NHL. Put an NLL game on national tv and see what type of ratings it gets. Probably worse than the NHL. Take the NLL's biggest star. Are people anywhere going to know him? Probably not. The NLL is not a big time league. It's great that the Bandits can win a championship on Saturday. But, does that mean Buffalo finally has a championship? Absolutely not. Not until the Sabres or Bills win one. Until the NLL gets some major popularity, it will always be in the shadow of larger professional sports. This is not a major championship. If Bandits fans want to celebrate it as such, by all means, that's why you are fans. But, it this something for the entire city of Buffalo to get behind and have a ticker tape parade? Absolutely not. Most people can probably care less except the 15,000+ who would be at the game.
Paul, you are verrry wrong.
The Bandits championship WILL BE A REAL CHAMPIONSHIP. Those players play for the fans and for the love of the game, not for the millions that other sports pay. I will be standing proud, with tears in my eyes, as the Bandits parade around the cup on Saturday night.
Dear jagostine17,
"But, the NLL is not to the level of the NFL, MLB, Nascar, or the NHL." Thank God for that.
It would be overpriced and full of drama. As much as I would love to see the NLL blow up like the other national sports, I'd hate for all of the negativity and corruption that comes with it ruin the existing atmosphere. I'd rather have 9,000 die hard fans than have 18,000 fanboys. Remember when the Sabres had to give away tickets... for most of the season? You would have to pay me to go to a Bills or Sabres game these days. They are a joke. Just because they are on TV does not make it a Championship. Heart, honor, and integrity make it a Championship. The handshake at the end of the game, wishing the winner good luck in the next round... thats a sport. Pulling a cell phone out of your jock after a touchdown... that is not a sport. Taping the other team's plays... not a sport. No offense, but you're as confused as the next guy when it comes to the Bandits. Go to a game.
I can tell you this. When the NLL Championship game is on ABC/NBC/CBS/FOX... people won't be watching it for the commercials or the crashes.
Know what we need to be a real team in a real sport and have a real championship?
We need to pay Tavares more than the entire Florida Marlins. That will make us legit. When we have entire newspaper articles highlighting salary caps higher than the GNP of most 3rd world countries. Then we can complain about Joe Schmo not earning his $55 million per game... because he didn't get 10 points. What, other than $$$, separates the NLL from the NHL? Toronto does an excellent job with their sponsors, Rochester too. Buffalo has some, but they aren't showcased like in other cities.
Yes, we appreciate that we're getting decent coverage right now. But where was it all season? Maybe a quick remark and that was it. I don't even think we got much of a mention on a lot of stations 2 years ago when we hosted the Finals...at least not compared to what we're seeing now.
I agree with the Peck-ster. I like lacrosse and hope the team does well, but it's just not on the same level as the major pro sports.
Remember when we won the indoor roller-hockey championship? That was awesome!!! I bet you 95% of sports fans around the country didn't even know that existed.
Go Bandits!!! I hope they win, but I hardly think it's worth making a huge deal out of.
As a lacrosse fan of a totally different city im going to tell you that you are way off...
This is not to slam the buffalo "major sports" in anyway but go ask a sabres fan how many cups they have since thier 1970 inception they will tell you ZERO
go ask a bills fan how many SUPERBOWLS they have and they will say ZERO just the 64 and 65 AFL title
so we get to lacrosse and since 1992 the bandits have been packing the aud and hsbc on a nightly basis and have 3 titles
lacrosse may not be a "major sport"
but they drawl major crowds and with out fans there is no team keep on going bandits
As you can see Paul... you took a subject and took a shot at the hearts of the most rabid fans that Buffalo has. Real fans that love this sport. As a couple guys named Jack have said, I'd rather see someone that no-one else in the country (other than NLL fans) knows play a sport for the love of the game rather than for an amount of money that they are definately not worth (Tell me how any other sports player is worth millions a year. Go ahead and try.).
And for those of you that say we aren't real because of lack of coverage in the oh so fabulous media... that's just insane. I'd love to see more coverage so more people know about the sport. It's growing fast and I want more people to see it. I'm just glad that our players aren't primadonnas like a Terrel Owens or a Chad Johnson. Those idiots would rather sit on the bench because they had a hissy fit with their GM over a couple more million dollars that they are not worth instead of playing the game theya re supposed to love. Go ahead and cover those overpriced, overhyped fools playing those overpriced overhyped sports... the real fans know where the real action is.
Please tell me you didn't follow the NLL season this year. That is the only way you could think that dribble is article worthy. The Jax had a turn around season and worked hard to get where they are! Just like a lot of NLL teams this year, including the Bandits. Congratulations to both teams for making it into the Championship.
I live in Philly and believe that indoor lacrosse is the most exciting and intriguing sport out there. It puts the big four to shame (baseball, football, hockey, basketball). Who are you to decide if a Championship is real? Are you for real? I am only sorry someone gave you a computer to type this story on.
Mr. Peck,
A lot has been said here and I may or may not "double-up" on it but let me ask you this. What does a Major Championship feel like? The Bills have 0 Superbowls and the Sabres are 0-fer as well so who's to say how it feels. I'd feel the same way if Lord Stanley's Cup or the Lombardi Trophy made it's way down Delaware Ave. A title is a title in my opinion, but it makes me laugh when UB football gets more coverage than the other pro team in Buffalo, my beloved Bandits, for simply making the playoffs.
And there lies the rub. See, it's not covered like the Sab's or the Bills so not much of Buffalo knows about it, just us die-hards that recruit like hell to fill that arena and pack cars and vans for road-trips for our team. Which will take me to my final point.
You may have noticed fans from Philly posting here, unlike the "major" sports, we're all a big family. Heated rivals during the game, best of bud's afterwards. We'll always stand together for this game and this league, from NY all the way to Portland.
Mac
Bandits Brigade Fann Cup Captain
Very well said, Mac.
A "real" championship may be in the eye of the beholder. To Mr. Peck, he does not feel that Lacrosse is up to his standards of what a championship is. It's like art; one mans work can be considered the finest piece ever and sell for millions, whereas a childs painting is seen as worthless because not done by a professional painter. To those who love the bandits and lacrosse it is the most real championship there is.
Hmmmmmm...
Let's see here Mr. Peck...
This should be pretty easy.
Lacrosse is recognized as a sport.
Among organize lacrosse, the NLL employs the BEST players of lacrosse in the world.
The best of the best in the world battle it out for a season ending title game. The winner is the best of the best of the lacrosse world.
How does that NOT make them "Real Champions"?
Most Sincerely,
Gonzo
I just lost alot of respect for a sports journalist's opinions I once respected. I consider this article more of Peck stirring the pot but regardless I will now change the station whenever Peck is on.
My mom always told me that if I didn't have anything nice to say I shouldn't say anything at all...sorry mom but I cannot let this go but I will keep it short and sweet.
Paul, you should be embarrassed to have written what you wrote whether it is soley your opinion or not. You are not worthy of the trash talking that you call your opinion when you obiviously do not know the facts of the NLL, the Bandits, Banditland or sports in general. You are an embarrassment! Which over priced, so called "major league" team has you in their back pocket? That's okay, live in your sheltered, naive world of cry baby land and us real fans will be supporting the best team ever to play in Buffalo loud and proud in Banditland Saturday night. Go Bandits! Banish Peck from Buffalo and Banditland forever. We don't need a close minded ignoramous bashing us or our team. We will prevail Saturday night. 2008 National Lacrosse League Champions - Buffalo What? BANDITS!
The league exihibits the best in the world at their sport. It has exisited for over 20 years. It lurks in the shadows of the national media beacuse writers and TV folk like you refuse to step out of their comfort zone and cover something different. Since the collective "you" don't understand the sport, you cjhoose not to cover.
That said, I do agree that you should not cover it. Any sport in which a Buffalo team could actually win a championship game, is obviously not a major sport.
"not a traditional sport"? It's a NATIVE AMERICAN SPORT!!!! Were they not here FIRST??? Before football? baseball? basketball? hockey?
"real championship" Apparently You will feel you have your "real championship" when you're beloved Bills or Sabres win one. Good luck with that! While you're waiting for that to happen.
We "the BUFFALO BANDIT" fans will enjoy OUR Championship.
At least Mr. Peck posted one response. I believe that's the first time any channel 4 sports person responded to anything on here.
I disagree with Mr. Peck, but respect he gave us the courtesy of at least 1 reply. If you guys do that with a little more frequency, you'll get more traffic on your blogs, just as happens with the weather folks.
Guess what Mr. Peck, you're getting owned here, maybe you should send in Murph.
I'm getting the feeling that you sir are not WNY at all. You dont get this town and you sure dont get this team. IF you really gave a darn about the Bandits you'd push like hell to get 'em more time on the news....oh wait a sec, your the weekend guy now, nevermind.
Hugs out to Gonzo in Ra-cha-cha for representin'!
We Are Family!
MacDaddy with the encore baby!
I would rather be the fan of a second tier sport and know the joy of success than be the fan of one major league disappointment after another.
Good news in Bandit-ville...
It was disappointing to see the 300 level completely empty last week, but that won't be the case this week.
You can no longer even get 2 tickets in a row in the 100 or 200 levels, and the 300 level has been opened up for selling!
Wouldn't a full house be awesome for the game Saturday?
Support the team everyone...it's not like any of you had to spend money on Sabres playoff tix this year. :-)
Dear jagostine17,
I never said that the NLL was the same as the NFL or NBA or MLB... but that's not what this article was about.. it says that if and when we win the championship, IT IS NOT REAL... Hmmm... a national league championship... sounds real to me!!!
I have been prompted by the posters on this blog to respond more to their comments. I appreciate everyone's opinions, especially those well thought-out arguments for and against my original post. The personal insults and name-calling are completely out of line, and I would expect better from Buffalo sports fans.
I won't be able to change the minds of those that disagree with me. I won't try. Being a sports fan means having an opinion. Its not right or wrong, its your opinion as a sports fan. That's what we all enjoy about sports, and that's why I chose to make it my career.
I don want to respond to some of the criticisms about our Bandits coverage here at the Chanel 4. Its not the first time I've heard criticism about that. Bandits fans can't get enough, and that's great. We show highlights of EVERY home game. Road games are rarely televised, and that makes it hard to get highlights. We have run interviews with John Tavares, Darris Kilgour and other players many times. As I stated, I believe the Buffalo TV stations collectively cover this sport more than any other TV market in North America. This past weekend, the Bandits led our sportscasts three times. We ran preview stories all of last week, and will do that same starting Tuesday night. Friday in our 5pm News, we will run a feature story on the "Weekend Warrior" aspect of the Bandits players, who all hold regular jobs. I will be reporting that, for those posters who think I don't care or know anything about the sport. This coming weekend, the Championship game will be the lead story in sports, and maybe even news.
I have actually enjoyed the discussion prompted by my blog entry. I thank everyone who posted, and encourage you to keep coming back to the wivb.com sports blog for more opinions and discussions.
Thanks for the response Mr. Peck.
Looking forward to the highlights and the parade this weekend = )
Jack
I don't intend on being as offensive as some people have been, but as a Bandits season ticket holder, I felt in necessary to leave a comment. To say it isn't a real championship is a slap in the face to the men that get out there every week and play their hearts out in the name of the city of Buffalo. To these guys, it is a real championship. To their fans, it is a real championship. Because it doesn't get as much air time as other sports doesn't make it any less of a sport.
And considering the game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN360, I don't think I would consider that "no national coverage". And considering that Buffalo only had the SECOND highest attendance (Colorado having the highest) I wouldn't consider that "no following" either.
Though I appreciate your opinion, remember, these guys are playing for YOU, and everyone else that calls Buffalo home. Lacrosse fan or not, everyone should appreciate that.
I love this! how bout the fact that there have been over 60 responses to this, look at the other blogs on this site....0 comments.....2 comments.....0 comments. thank you PP for rallying BanditLand! the ferocity of the posts on this blog has exemplified the community and family that is Bandits Fans! I have been a season ticket holder since day 1 and I believe the bandits are the best value in spectator sports. I find the game way more entertaining than any other sport and i tell people all the time that they don't know what they are missing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the follow up Paul, either way you have, encouraged discussion of the Bandits and I'm certain that this blog and how much attention it has received will help sell tickets to the game Saturday and maybe you have indirectly created future die hard fans, so for that i thank you .
The Bandits don't get the coverage they deserve because of people like you Paul Peck! Always calling the sport of lacrosse down and not giving it a chance. I personally think it is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. For the traditional aspect, lacrosse was created by the Iroquois People hundreds of years ago. Of course not Indoor Lacrosse but the sport of lacrosse in general.
Maybe you should consider covering the game on your sister station WNLO, put something worth watching on that station......
It is human nature to mock what you don't understand.
Very typlical for a third rate sports caster.
Holy crap!
And I thought Toronto was one of the worst for its reporters to pick on its sports team.
That was bad, REAL bad!!! I don't think I have ever heard one of our reporters question a team in Toronto as being a 'Real Champion'
Being a Rock fan myself, I'm disgusted at that coloumn. But for the Bandits sake after that article, all I can say is...
GO BANDITS!!!
Here's a debate that's been raged for the last three decades. Has a right to be debated. It's why I have covered this sport since 1994. You hardly had coverage on our beloved sport, going back to the mid-70's. What's new right? Got the MLB, NFL, NBA, and the NHL.....what else is there? Please........a championship by any other name is still a championship, and Buffalo should take pride in the fact that the Bandits have put, yet again, a winning franchise in the city, and a winning team on the floor. Being from outside of Philly, I take pride in the fan's loyalty to the game, and I take pride in the fact that the players, owners and this league recognize that. On that fact alone, where else does a fan get the oppurtunity to have one with all of these fine folks?
Nowhere!
We all have our loves in life. This happens to be one of them.
I salute the fans that make this game, what it is, the players that make it happen, and the ownership for giving us the op.
Make it out to what you want it to be Paul.........I'm fine with that.
May not agree with what you say, but I'll defend your right to say it, but you got to admit, and my hats off to you, through your words, you have sparked a definitive interest, and drawn attention to this weekend closure on what most of us our passionate about.
Keep it real......
Dave Coleman
Executive Producer
Lax-TV.com
If your so "Major League" why do you work in Buffalo? Jesus, your so small time you couldn't make it in a real city that has more than handfull of sports teams. Rock on tubby!
Last anonymous,
Your posts will come across more intelligently if you learn how to spell and use good grammar.
Your or you're?
handfull?
lol
Just to keep the ball rolling on this one I clicked on your bio; Syracuse University class of 87. Right around the time Paul and Gary Gait were turning the 'Cuse into a NCAA power in the game of lacrosse. Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown only went NFL because there were no pro lacrosse leagues at the time. He was SU. So i'm pretty sure you have been exposed to the passion that this game carries but yet disrespect it, and the men that play this Creators Game by saying it doesn't mean anything to a city that is fading away! C'mon Paul, tell me you didn't party every time SU won a national Championship no matter the sport. Was it "real" to you?
See ya at the tailgate!
Mac
Edge 2008 National Lacrosse League Championship Game to Air on ESPN2 & ESPN360
The National Lacrosse League has announced that ESPN2 and ESPN360 will telecast the Edge 2008 NLL Championship Game. The game will air on ESPN2, Tuesday, May 20 at 2 p.m. ET, and live on ESPN360 on Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The game will feature the top-seeded NLL East and West divisional teams, as the East Division champion Buffalo Bandits (12-6) will host the West Division champion Portland LumberJax (8-10) at HSBC Arena in Buffalo. Lead play-by-play commentator Joe Heyer will call the game along with color analyst Brian Shanahan.
"ESPN will showcase the excitement of the NLL on its grandest stage - the NLL Championship game," said Doug White, ESPN Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions. "We are thrilled to offer this elite event to fans both live on ESPN360.com and then later on ESPN2."
"The NLL features the world's best lacrosse players and we are pleased to have ESPN2 and ESPN360.com telecast the Edge NLL Championship Game and present our dynamic sport to a national audience", said NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings.
About ESPN2
ESPN2 launched on October 1, 1993, today reaches more than 96 million households throughout the United States. The network's programming includes of more than 4,800 live and/or original hours of sports programming annually featuring NASCAR Nationwide Series, MLB, college football and basketball, golf, tennis, FIFA World Cup, MLS, and more.
About ESPN360.com
ESPN360.com is ESPN's signature broadband sports network, delivering more than 2,500 live global sports events per year. The service offers a mosaic of screens that allow users to follow multiple events simultaneously, and expanded controls including live-event pause, rewind and fast forward. ESPN360.com is currently available in nearly 23 million homes nationwide via more than 20 Internet service providers including