The following letters are a sample of the response to Bill Sutton’s most recent column, “Generalizations are offensive to marketing programs, students” (SportsBusiness Journal, March 10-16).
Just a quick note to say, “Well done” with your recent editorial in the SBJ/SBD in response to Mark Cuban’s comments. I couldn’t agree more with you and your thoughts and hope I can become part of the solution with you. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in sports management from the University of Memphis. Dr. Irwin and staff shared many of the same values you discussed and passed them on to us. Selling is what we do, every day. Whether it’s selling season tickets, corporate sponsorships, private donations, recruits to our campus, or new coaches and staff, we must be able to articulate our vision and goals in order to gain that necessary interaction, which will hopefully lead to a strong affinity toward our team/programs. Again, thanks for your leadership and guidance for all of us in the sports industry. I wish you the best of luck and hope to cross paths soon.
Ryan Ivey
Commerce, Texas
Ivey is athletic director at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
■ ■ ■
I saw your article in the SBD and I thought it was the perfect tone based on Mr. Cuban’s blanket statement. As I know is the case with so many of your graduates, my graduate school experience taught me much as I made my way into the industry. Keep up the good fight, and please let me know if I can ever do anything to help you or your students.
Mike McAllister
Chicago
McAllister is senior account manager at Scarborough.
■ ■ ■
Loved the piece in SBJ this morning. Spot on. When the time is right, I would love to set up some time to make a visit to Tampa to see the program in motion.
Mike Behan
New York City
Behan is vice president of sales at Legends.
■ ■ ■
One word — awesome. Well done. Your article on sales training/understanding as essential was spot on. I had an image of you standing in front of class as I was reading it.
David Steffano
Kansas City
Steffano is partner/director of sponsorship and event marketing at Evenergy Events & Sponsorships.
■ ■ ■
I don’t think I have ever written to someone before regarding a column in SBJ. I agree 100 percent with what you said. You have made a real difference in the industry.
Jim Host
Lexington, Ky.
Host is chairman of Volar Video.
■ ■ ■
Your response to Mark Cuban earlier this week was a powerful case in restraint polished by wisdom. One day, would enjoy mixing it up with your students.
Matt Levine
Los Altos, Calif.
Levine is CEO and managing director of SourceUSA.
