DC's WPS Team Takes Shots At Redskins In New Ad Campaign

WPS Freedom's New Advertising Takes Subtle Jabs At Redskins' Policies

The DC Freedom in their new ad campaign for the '10 WPS season take "several not-so-subtle digs at the hapless Redskins," according to Steve Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. The Freedom in an ad in today's Post advertise "Freedom of Speech and Self Expression, Including the Right to Create Signs and Banners and Bring Them into the Stadium," an obvious reference to the Redskins' decision to ban fan signs at FedExField. The WPS team also trumpets the "Highest Level of Customer Service, Tickets Will Always be Offered First to Our Fans!" The Redskins were discovered to have "sold seats to ticket brokers, despite an alleged waiting list in the thousands." The Redskins earlier this year also "filed suit against season ticket holders who tried to cancel their plans," and the Freedom ad reads, "Economic Forgiveness! You Will Not be Sued if for Some Reason You Must Default on Your Payments in This Challenging Economy; We Will Work With You!" In addition, the Freedom advertise "Full Media Access and Welcoming of All Coverage, Positive or Hostile." Goff noted the Redskins have "blamed The Post for the negative climate surrounding their 2-6 team" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 11/8).

RED EYES: In DC, Mike Wise noted if "page views, radio conversation and primetime national television shows are any measure, the Redskins have become exceedingly good at being bad in their own perverse way." The Redskins "encourage us to prattle on," yet fans and DC media "become something Jason Campbell and many of his struggling teammates refuse to: part of the problem." Wise: "Why would anyone want to be part of that all the time? Why would you want to be around anyone who did?" (WASHINGTON POST, 11/8). Also in DC, Rick Snider noted the movement against Redskins Owner Dan Snyder has "steadily grown over the last month," and "it's time to stop." Sports are "supposed to be fun for fans," but instead the "new sport has become hating on the team" (WASHINGTON EXAMINER, 11/8).

OWNING UP: Fanhouse.com’s Jay Mariotti said of former Redskins RB John Riggins last week calling Redskins Owner Dan Snyder a “bad guy with a dark heart,” “That’s a little harsh but I will say this: He is a cult hero, as you know, in DC and no matter what he says the fans there believe it. If I were Dan Snyder I get out and about a little more.” Denver Post columnist Woody Paige said of Snyder, "The problem is he has not gone and gotten a General Manager that knows what he’s doing. … Daniel Snyder, like George Steinbrenner years ago, just throws money at every situation and doesn’t do it correctly.” FanHouse.com’s Kevin Blackistone: “This isn’t about the character of Dan Snyder. I don’t think anybody’s questioning that. The only thing people are questioning is his handling of the team” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 11/6).