Those of you who have regularly attended games know what sign I am talking about...the sign which hangs over the front wall in the end zone that reads "Do Not Enter" when the opposing offense is driving toward that goal line.  This has gotten to the point of absolute instanity.  Read this:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/ 10/banned_signs_in_the_end_zone.html#more

"As a third generation Washingtonian and consummate Skins Fan, I was angered, disappointed and saddened by being prohibited from bringing my sign into FedEx Field. I am no fairweather fan. I and my family and friends have stuck by the Skins through thick and thin. We went to each of the last four Skins Super Bowls. We even had a group for many years that went to Dallas for our games there. My brother hosts an unbeatable tailgate before each game. I always buy my office lunch when the Skins win. What more can I say?

I have the pleasure of sitting in front-row dream seats in the Skins end zone by the tunnel. For the past nine years I have been bringing my sign to every game. We drape it over the railing in front of our seats (not in poking distance of anyone's head!!) The front of the sign says "Redskins Score Zone."

Our hope has been that we could create a Lambeau Leap tradition when touchdowns were scored in our end zone. We are still hoping. The best we get is Clinton Portis handing the ball to his Mom who faithfully sits near us. rooting on her son.

When the opponents are coming our way, we flip the sign over, and it reads, "Do Not Enter." We and our sign are regularly on the JumboTron, and are often in the news, in the Sports Section and often zoomed in on TV during the game, always rooting our team on. Our sign has become such a tradition that it is even featured on numerous video football games where the Skins and FedEx Field are included.

Needless to say, when I arrived at our normal gate to enter FedEx Field and was not allowed to bring my sign in, I was shocked. The attendant at the gate told me that Mr. Snyder had banned signs for fear that someone would bring a sign that would say something derogatory about the other team. (Imagine That!!)

I was not satisfied, so I went to the main gate and talked to another gate attendant, who said that Mr. Snyder had banned signs to avoid signs saying something derogatory about him or the team. I told and/or even showed each person what my sign said. I was told that I could not enter the stadium with it no matter what it said, and that I should take it back to my car. I did ultimately do that.

We are fighting hard to keep up our spirit. The fans see what is going on on the field with or without signs. The signs are just part of the experience. Is cheering and booing next>

I think, as an organization, Mr. Snyder has bigger fish to fry. He needs to hold onto the 12th man.

Disappointed: Randy Rothstein"

Someone should print out this letter and shove it up Mr. Donovans a$$.  They don't see any difference in fan behavior, huh?  Banning signs that have been a staple at the stadium for years???

How can any of you still support this organization?

This might be the purest form of business hara-kiri I've ever witnessed.

Is Snyder stark raving mad?

Wow.  Sean Taylor Tribute sign was banned:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/ 10/banned_signs_included_a_sean_t.html

I've walked under that sign many a time.... I might have a picture to post possibly.

It's disgraceful the way this has turned out.

I'm starting to believe there's a good chance that Snyder will pull a Captain Queeg and get carted away someday soon.

Superb comparison....  I can see him screeming at the waterboys and janitors for confiscating signs... all the while twirling those metal balls.

I've love to be there when he finally pops.

Unbelievable. Snyder is a joke.

Yeah, I read that and it just ticked me off. The more I read about this stuff the more of a fan I become of the Colts. So, Snyder KNOWS fans hate him, yet he's still doing nothing to remedy the mess he's created and in fact making the fans hate him MORE. Brilliant.

Not to worry, Donovan said there were "only six incidents" and the rest is all exaggeration.

I hate him so much.

bgtimber75 wrote: It's really becoming embarrassing being a fan of this team. I'm close to deserting all together.

Do NOT be embarrassed at being a fan of this TEAM.

Snyder is NOT the Redskins.

Sure, he might own them and he absolutely is running them in to the ground and alientating the fan base.

But don't be embarrassed to be a fan of a team you have been a fan of for how ever many years.

This isn't our fault NOR is it the Redskins' fault.

Rat Boy wrote:

 

bgtimber75 wrote: It's really becoming embarrassing being a fan of this team. I'm close to deserting all together.

Do NOT be embarrassed at being a fan of this TEAM.

 

Snyder is NOT the Redskins.

Sure, he might own them and he absolutely is running them in to the ground and alientating the fan base.

But don't be embarrassed to be a fan of a team you have been a fan of for how ever many years.

 

This isn't our fault NOR is it the Redskins' fault.

Rack for his Rattishness.

Dear Lord what’s next? Fans being forced to kiss newly erected statues of Snyder’s @ss at the entrance gates to the stadium

Rat Boy wrote:

 

Do NOT be embarrassed at being a fan of this TEAM.

 

Snyder is NOT the Redskins.

Sure, he might own them and he absolutely is running them in to the ground and alientating the fan base.

But don't be embarrassed to be a fan of a team you have been a fan of for how ever many years.

 

This isn't our fault NOR is it the Redskins' fault.

Abso-frickin'-lutely, Ratty.  Preach it.  There is a bright line (and it becomes ever brighter) in my mind between the team and franchise that I love and the paranoid lunatics that are running it.  The team and franchise will outlast them--so it's clear they are separate.  And that, too, is my answer to your question, mud; in fact, I'd be surprised if you find anybody who supports this organization, if by "this organization" you include or primarily mean the owner and EVP.

newshog wrote:

 

Rat Boy wrote:

 

Do NOT be embarrassed at being a fan of this TEAM.

 

Snyder is NOT the Redskins.

Sure, he might own them and he absolutely is running them in to the ground and alientating the fan base.

But don't be embarrassed to be a fan of a team you have been a fan of for how ever many years.

 

This isn't our fault NOR is it the Redskins' fault.

Abso-frickin'-lutely, Ratty.  Preach it.  There is a bright line (and it becomes ever brighter) in my mind between the team and franchise that I love and the paranoid lunatics that are running it.  The team and franchise will outlast them--so it's clear they are separate.  And that, too, is my answer to your question, mud; in fact, I'd be surprised if you find anybody who supports this organization, if by "this organization" you include or primarily mean the owner and EVP.

I agree to an extent.  There is the "team"...which in my mind is comprised of the fans, the city of DC, the history of the team, and former players.  When you think of "The Redskins" in your mind, the "team" is what is defined by that image and the passion it evokes.

Then there is the "organization"...which in my mind is the current representation of the entity:  the front office, the stadium, the players and coaches, the corporate structure, and the product on the field.

I know many of you prefer to seperate the players on the field from the ownership/front office structure (in order to justify continuing to suport the players on the field while they play)...but I don't.  I see them as the result of ownership, not a seperate item.

But, if the organization continues on this path long enough, and in a destructive enough fashion, it can most defnitely damage the team.  It can't touch the past, but it can destroy the future.  Just ask Baltimore about that.

hate to burst the bubble, but DS did not BAN signs in the stadium...someone made the call...it could have be several people, but DS is a multi-tasker. He does more than sit around in a little dark office thinking of ways to screw his fan base out of money. Another thing, anyone have an idea how much the fines administered by the NFL are when inapproriate signs make their way on the jumbotron.?How many NFL observers are present at the game monitoring everything from uniforms violations to signs intended to create a home field advantage as well as tasteless & ugly messaged signs? It would not surprise me if the NFL would consider this "anti" signs a way to unite and ignite the fans in the stands to make noise. I don't believe its true...but their interpetation of the rules has really baffled me at times. And don't think the fines are light....if they ever released all of the fines that teams play it would be a very substantia amount plus draft picks. The only time I remember signs being allowed in was the Detroit playoff game and Darrell Green's end of his 19th year....and the cheerleaders made about 5 or six dozen signs from bedsheets...BTW, many of suite holders were more than slightly upset because the signs BLOCKED their view.....terrible Redskins record -DS fault, parking problems -DS fault, location of the stadium-DS fault, global warming-DS fault, swine flu-DS fault....the list goes on...but he will fix it and fix it soon enough or my name isn't TrollAlNoga....a former insider on the outside looking inside. PS. Dave D is not a bad dude...............

BigAlNoga wrote:

It would not surprise me if the NFL would consider this "anti" signs a way to unite and ignite the fans in the stands to make noise. I don't believe its true...but their interpetation of the rules has really baffled me at times.

Nay, nay....

NFL doesn't have a problem with 'Skins sign ban

Donovan may not be a bad dude, I take your word for it, but his vociferous minimization of reports by fans has not helped anyone. He is exacerbating the Fan-perceived credibility gap. Imo, silence is better than what his public responses have been.

I wish there were a master reset button, this whole situation is so horribly painful for everyone concerned.

Maybe the new guy from the Dodgers at the stadium made the call about the signs. Contrary to some opinions, DS doesn't micro mangage 24/7....I really don't know....and I do remember the sign in the endzone.....perhaps they have decided to really enforce the rules this year regarding signs and posters entering the stadium. I will investigate and try to get an answer. Monkster, hope you are feeling better....and yes I wish we could hit the reset button on a lot of things.....silence is in fact golden......but don't give up and lose heart...things will get better....I believe that. As the boss said, One day we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny......

BigAlNoga wrote:

hate to burst the bubble, but DS did not BAN signs in the stadium...someone made the call...it could have be several people, but DS is a multi-tasker. He does more than sit around in a little dark office thinking of ways to screw his fan base out of money. Another thing, anyone have an idea how much the fines administered by the NFL are when inapproriate signs make their way on the jumbotron.?How many NFL observers are present at the game monitoring everything from uniforms violations to signs intended to create a home field advantage as well as tasteless & ugly messaged signs? It would not surprise me if the NFL would consider this "anti" signs a way to unite and ignite the fans in the stands to make noise. I don't believe its true...but their interpetation of the rules has really baffled me at times. And don't think the fines are light....if they ever released all of the fines that teams play it would be a very substantia amount plus draft picks. The only time I remember signs being allowed in was the Detroit playoff game and Darrell Green's end of his 19th year....and the cheerleaders made about 5 or six dozen signs from bedsheets...BTW, many of suite holders were more than slightly upset because the signs BLOCKED their view.....terrible Redskins record -DS fault, parking problems -DS fault, location of the stadium-DS fault, global warming-DS fault, swine flu-DS fault....the list goes on...but he will fix it and fix it soon enough or my name isn't TrollAlNoga....a former insider on the outside looking inside. PS. Dave D is not a bad dude...............

I understand that a person of Danny's stature can not soley focus one thing, but are you saying that he is not aware of this ban? If he is, he is okay with it?

As for the fines, is this a new rule passed by the NFL? If not, how come until this year there wasn't as much importance placed on bringing in signs? All last year you saw saw plenty of Detroit fans with paper bags over their heads, but somehow all of a sudden this is not allowed? I don't get it.

Your post sounds no different than the spin job Vinny and David D have been trying to do.

BigAlNoga wrote:

Maybe the new guy from the Dodgers at the stadium made the call about the signs. Contrary to some opinions, DS doesn't micro mangage 24/7....I really don't know....and I do remember the sign in the endzone.....perhaps they have decided to really enforce the rules this year regarding signs and posters entering the stadium. I will investigate and try to get an answer. Monkster, hope you are feeling better....and yes I wish we could hit the reset button on a lot of things.....silence is in fact golden......but don't give up and lose heart...things will get better....I believe that. As the boss said, One day we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny......

I am greatly improved, thank you BAN, and there are many of us here who will never give up our love of the team. That will win through in the end.

If he is, he is okay with it? I'll ask him.

All last year you saw saw plenty of Detroit fans with paper bags over their heads, but somehow all of a sudden this is not allowed? I didn't see many Lions fans at all last year at Detroit. Seriously, the bags...don't know the policy about bags...I will find out and get the official ruling.

Your post sounds no different than the spin job Vinny and David D have been trying to do. Listen, it may sound like spin to you, but I am a OPTIMIST by nature...I choose to look at the good in life (except when my kid doesn't turn his homework in time after it has been in his locker for a week) and the good in the Redskins. I know just enough to be dangerous and I do know that DS is working hard to bring home a winning team back to the Redskins Nation. I have NO DOUBT it will happen and yes, I believe it will happen sooner than later. Nobody likes what is going on...nobody. I understand the anger (I have been nearly jumped on a road game by Redskins fans) and frustration. We all do. It The situation will improve. Please hang in there.

I don't think zero chance is very accurate, either...  If he somehow turns around and sees the light, which I know many folks doubt is possible, well, nevertheless, I would imagine that some folks might be willing to forgive, if not forget...  And, winning does solve everything...

BigAlNoga wrote:

If he is, he is okay with it? I'll ask him.

All last year you saw saw plenty of Detroit fans with paper bags over their heads, but somehow all of a sudden this is not allowed? I didn't see many Lions fans at all last year at Detroit. Seriously, the bags...don't know the policy about bags...I will find out and get the official ruling.

Your post sounds no different than the spin job Vinny and David D have been trying to do. Listen, it may sound like spin to you, but I am a OPTIMIST by nature...I choose to look at the good in life (except when my kid doesn't turn his homework in time after it has been in his locker for a week) and the good in the Redskins. I know just enough to be dangerous and I do know that DS is working hard to bring home a winning team back to the Redskins Nation. I have NO DOUBT it will happen and yes, I believe it will happen sooner than later. Nobody likes what is going on...nobody. I understand the anger (I have been nearly jumped on a road game by Redskins fans) and frustration. We all do. It The situation will improve. Please hang in there.

 

 

The reason I ask about the paperbags is because fans who are trying to bring them into the stadium are being asked to throw them away.

Also, what makes you optimistic? Do you tihnk Dan Snyder will at least try to do certain things differently? As you can tell from the posts here, the fans aren't really optimistic about him being capable of doing much to improve the organization as a whole. But as far as the team goes, what will he do differently to improve things?

Does anyone hear the Cardinals fans bitching about Bill Bidwell these days?