Felger and Mazz - Creating False Naratives one day at a time

NDame616

will bailey
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Jul 31, 2006
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today is going to make for awful radio (I know, it's relative). They should just cut off callers who bring it up IMO. I drove home from the gym with F&M on and after 3 calls it got tired.

Do we really need 4 hours of "Felgah you're awful!!!" followed by "Felgah you're the best!!" followed by "I can't believe you said that??" followed by "I can't believe you apologized!!!"
 

axx

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Jul 16, 2005
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These callers are a disgrace. A complete disgrace. Most are agreeing with Felger's take yesterday.
Should people really be empathic with a guy who was showboating in some experimental plane and then crashes? Halladay could have gotten someone else killed being that reckless.

(Note: I haven't heard what Felger said)
 

NortheasternPJ

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Should people really be empathic with a guy who was showboating in some experimental plane and then crashes? Halladay could have gotten someone else killed being that reckless.

(Note: I haven't heard what Felger said)
I'd listen to it before posting on it then. It's not about not being empathic, it's about being a dickhead and making Top Gun references, gun noises, saying he got what he deserved, then randomly saying that he also roots for "The Wall" in NASCAR to win and kill people.

I agree with his overall point (although I didn't listen yesterday, actually heard it on WEEI when they replayed it) regarding feeling less sympathy for Halladay since it wasn't just random accident, but was doing something dangerous and paid the price. It's still tragic and I feel for his family, which is what caused the issue originally.

Plenty of people said he was being careless and dangerous. Acting like a total d-bag about it is what got Felgy in hot water.
 

JCizzle

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Dec 11, 2006
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Should people really be empathic with a guy who was showboating in some experimental plane and then crashes? Halladay could have gotten someone else killed being that reckless.

(Note: I haven't heard what Felger said)
He didn't get someone killed though, so why play the what if game? It didn't happen. Halladay was being an idiot, but paid the ultimate price for that. Not everything needs to turn into a hot take, it shouldn't be this hard for Felger to just not say anything on the subject. It's not like Halladay even played in Boston, nobody cares what Felger thinks about his passing.
 

jmm57

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He didn't get someone killed though, so why play the what if game? It didn't happen. Halladay was being an idiot, but paid the ultimate price for that. Not everything needs to turn into a hot take, it shouldn't be this hard for Felger to just not say anything on the subject. It's not like Halladay even played in Boston, nobody cares what Felger thinks about his passing.
I'd say the last 33 or so hours really really disprove the last part. People have really cared. My ride home is 40 minutes, I listened to Dale & Holley and I probably got 10minutes of direct 98.5 audio. It was odd.
 

Deathofthebambino

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Apr 12, 2005
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It's funny, I'm not a Felger/Mazz fan at all, but I spend a lot of time in the car during their show's hours, and catch quite a bit of it. My biggest gripe with Felger is how he turns his opinions or ideas into "facts." Last week, they were discussing the Jimmy G. trade, and they started throwing around the idea that Kraft was behind it, and that he made BB trade him to keep Tom happy. Within 30 minutes, it had gone from an idea to a cold hard truth and they were spouting "that's exactly what happened. It absolutely is. Kraft was the one behind this whole thing. He was protecting his boy..." and shit along those lines. If you listen long enough, you'll see this play out over and over again.

I was listening live yesterday when this went down, and I didn't get upset by it. I heard it, and thought to myself "damn, that's cold," but at least it was an opinion. Just an opinion. The guy is paid to have an opinion and share it on air. I'm pretty much an absolutist when it comes to the 1st Amendment, so it takes a lot for me think someone should get in trouble for giving their opinion. That said, if sponsors start pulling ads, and this has an economic impact on the station, then fine, the station should do what they would do with any employee that costs them money. That said, I'm pretty sure this will have the opposite effect, and ratings will go up. I'm sure that the ratings were massive today with everyone tuning in to find out what Felger would say, and I bet it's the same tomorrow.

Ironically, the one thing that I did get pissed about yesterday was when a caller said that this reminded him of the Jose Fernandez situation. Felger disagreed him pretty forcefully and said it wasn't the same, because unlike Halladay, Fernandez wasn't driving the boat. I did a double take in my car, and was like "What?" And then he doubled down on it. You'd think Murray or Mazz could have reminded him, or maybe a producer would have gotten in his ear to remind him, that Fernandez was not only driving the boat while high and drunk, he was cited for it by authorities after the fact, and sued by the families of the passengers. I don't think any of them actually pay attention to anything, except to find things to take contrarian stances on and rile up the Boston sports fans.
 

Erik Hanson's Hook

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Jun 20, 2013
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It only took a minute because your initial post was incredibly idiotic.

You say:

- Mike Felger is "least favorite personality in Boston sports media"
- You "look forward to his eventual and inevitable decline"
- Also Felger's "ego is out of control; he thinks he's bigger than the market now after their success the past couple years" and a bunch of other stupid bullshit.

Yet:

- "So sure, I'll listen 3-4 times a week"
- "That doesn't mean I have to accept the garbage being poured in my ear."

On that last point, you do accept the garbage being poured in your ear. You put the funnel to your ear and allow the garbage being poured in. There is an off switch in your radio.

Your example of there being two TV stations and one is a shitty one and shows a lack of cognitive thinking. Because in your analogy, one would assume that you could, you know, shut the TV off if you find anything offensive. Which, by the way, wasn't the point of this discussion.

You're the one who says you don't like Mike Felger, not me. I'm fine with Mike Felger and what he does. Yesterday was not a red banner day for Mr. Underwood, but when you spend four hours a day, every day chasing the spicy take dragon, you're going to get burnt eventually.

And quite honestly, I don't give a shit what you listen to in every day -- this is quite literally the first time I've noticed one of your posts. But don't think that you're hurting Mike Felger by hate listening to him three to four times a week and hoping that he gets shit canned. Ratings don't work like that -- they don't care WHY you're listening to a program, only that you are.
Choosing to consume sports talk radio does not mean I have to like sub-par sports talk radio. It's a product and can be rated, much like Yelp to restaurants, or Trip Advisor to hotels. As stated, we have two main options here, the Hub and EEI. I flip back and forth for fifteen minutes at times when I'm in the car or have some free time in the afternoon. Your argument/assumption that I listen for four straight hours is a ten foot tall strawman. The average radio consumer listens for 12-20 minutes and I fall right in line with that. I just happened to catch Felger's rant.

You seem to be passively pro-Felger, which is fine. But the whole "don't listen / turn it off argument" is tired and asinine. You really think people in Boston are not going to listen to sports talk radio? And when we do, if it sucks, are we not allowed to say it sucks?

Not sure what the "I don't give a shit about what you listen to" line is about, but it seems that you just might, if your getting that fired up about it. As far as noticing my posts, I give an equal amount of non-shits about what you notice and don't notice. I don't remember one of your posts outside this forum.

Basically the situation seems to be, I don't like Felger, but listen occasionally and criticize him when appropriate, and that pisses you off. I'm sorry. I'm not one for prolonged internet arguments, so you can have the last word.

Olive branch - I was impressed with his walk-back yesterday. It was was like watching the Grinch grow a heart.
 

PBDWake

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You really think people in Boston are not going to listen to sports talk radio? And when we do, if it sucks, are we not allowed to say it sucks?
Actually, yes these days. I haven't touched WEEI and Sports Hub for anything other than game broadcasts in 2 years, and it's been the happiest sports period (non championship edition) of my life. Podcasts and streaming radio is a hell of an innovation, and you can curate your experience however you want. There are more than enough sports podcasts to satisfy anyone's day, and if you need to hear discussion on breaking news, pick your radio app.
 

dcmissle

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Felger has been suspended by NBC Sports Boston through Sunday. No simulcast today.
It’s fair to wonder whether this matter is a set piece. Somebody didn't like a number or trend or just felt the show needs freshening. So here we are.

Beyond that, if you shop here you must know what you’re getting. This is an industry in which thin skin, insecurity and sanctimony are endemic, and in that industry Felger makes David Letterman look like Vin Scully.
 

berniecarbo1

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Oct 1, 2008
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He's been suspended for 3 days. That is cover for NBC Boston to test the political winds....suspensions usually are. They have probably already decided to can him but they need to internally and externally cross the T's and dot the I's. If they don't get major blow back for pulling him off the air, he may be toast at NBC Boston.

Wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't show up on those telecasts again. In most industries, suspensions more often than not lead to terminations. Its an HR ploy to build a defense against a wrongful termination action. I'm guessing TSH has told him he is safe on radio but he had a phone call or meeting with NBC and they told him they have to go through a "process" and there are no guarantees. Translation, "We will be letting you go on Monday. We will pay you through the week (pay period is Monday-Sunday) then you are gone."
 

jcd0805

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I actually like Felger, yes his rant was completely uncalled for and it seems he realized that pretty quickly and didn't do the "I'm sorry if I offended anyone" apology but issued what felt like a genuine "I'm sorry", I'd hate for this to be the end for him :(
 

Riconway3155

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I'd be blown away if Felger was let go. The show is a JUGGERNAUT and I think management will be blinded with money unless tons of advertisers pull out.

He was absolutely a moron for what he said, but I don't think it's enough to get rid of him.
 

swyman18

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Jul 15, 2005
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He's been suspended for 3 days. That is cover for NBC Boston to test the political winds....suspensions usually are. They have probably already decided to can him but they need to internally and externally cross the T's and dot the I's. If they don't get major blow back for pulling him off the air, he may be toast at NBC Boston.

Wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't show up on those telecasts again. In most industries, suspensions more often than not lead to terminations. Its an HR ploy to build a defense against a wrongful termination action. I'm guessing TSH has told him he is safe on radio but he had a phone call or meeting with NBC and they told him they have to go through a "process" and there are no guarantees. Translation, "We will be letting you go on Monday. We will pay you through the week (pay period is Monday-Sunday) then you are gone."
I wonder though, if that happens, can they re-instate the F&M simulcast even if he is no longer an employee of NBC Boston?

I guess I understand why they pulled it for today, but ultimately nobody else that currently appears on the radio simulcast (Mazz, Murray) is an employee of NBC Boston, right?
 

Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat

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I'd be blown away if Felger was let go. The show is a JUGGERNAUT and I think management will be blinded with money unless tons of advertisers pull out.

He was absolutely a moron for what he said, but I don't think it's enough to get rid of him.
Yeah, and it's a juggernaut because of Felger.
I'd be completely shocked if they fire him. And they shouldn't.
 

54thMA

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Aug 15, 2012
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Tanguay will be replacing Felger for this week on the Patriots pre and postgame.
Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure now not to tune in.

He's by far the most no talent, annoying pain in the balls I've ever seen; no doubt in high school he was given atomic wedgies every day until he ran out of underwear and had to go commando the rest of the school year, what a hack.
 

Ralphwiggum

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I can't believe Tanguay is the only option here. He's the worst. Felger is a putz and his rant this week was stupid, but there's no way I am tuning into to listen to Tanguay. Fuck that guy.
 

BlackJack

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Oct 11, 2007
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The only reason he apologized is because of pressure from NBC due to the NASCAR comments. And his real punishment is that whenever someone does something stupid and is then forced to give a phony apology he won’t be able to slam them without having this incident thrown in his face. I think that will bother him more than any other punishment possibly could. He loves slamming people for exactly the same sort of facacta apology that he just gave. And now he’s just like them.

Edit: missed a word
 

joe dokes

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Jul 18, 2005
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It's funny, I'm not a Felger/Mazz fan at all, but I spend a lot of time in the car during their show's hours, and catch quite a bit of it. My biggest gripe with Felger is how he turns his opinions or ideas into "facts." Last week, they were discussing the Jimmy G. trade, and they started throwing around the idea that Kraft was behind it, and that he made BB trade him to keep Tom happy. Within 30 minutes, it had gone from an idea to a cold hard truth and they were spouting "that's exactly what happened. It absolutely is. Kraft was the one behind this whole thing. He was protecting his boy..." and shit along those lines. If you listen long enough, you'll see this play out over and over again.

I was listening live yesterday when this went down, and I didn't get upset by it. I heard it, and thought to myself "damn, that's cold," but at least it was an opinion. Just an opinion. The guy is paid to have an opinion and share it on air. I'm pretty much an absolutist when it comes to the 1st Amendment, so it takes a lot for me think someone should get in trouble for giving their opinion. That said, if sponsors start pulling ads, and this has an economic impact on the station, then fine, the station should do what they would do with any employee that costs them money. That said, I'm pretty sure this will have the opposite effect, and ratings will go up. I'm sure that the ratings were massive today with everyone tuning in to find out what Felger would say, and I bet it's the same tomorrow.
Of course this has little to do with the 1st Amendment, since there's no government activity here. Barring contractual limitations on his termination, "getting in trouble" is an corporate decision, not a constitutional one. It is also possible, but unlikely, that someone at NBC/Comcast in a position of power says, "I dont care if ratings go up, that is so offensive, he's gone."
 

Deathofthebambino

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Apr 12, 2005
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Of course this has little to do with the 1st Amendment, since there's no government activity here. Barring contractual limitations on his termination, "getting in trouble" is an corporate decision, not a constitutional one. It is also possible, but unlikely, that someone at NBC/Comcast in a position of power says, "I dont care if ratings go up, that is so offensive, he's gone."
Believe me, I know. My only point with regard to the 1st Amendment was that I'm a firm believer in the Freedom in almost any context (the obvious "fire in a crowded theatre exceptions" notwithstanding), even if exercising that Freedom bothers or insults others, and/or makes the speaker sound like an idiot. That's why I made the point about the sponsors pulling out, and/or it having an economic impact on the station. I was trying to make the distinction, probably poorly, between those who think Felger should be fired for what he said versus the impact it has on his employers. He shouldn't be fired for what he said. However, he should be fired (and would be) if his words caused problems for his employers. Fortunately, like I said, I'm pretty sure his words had the opposite impact of losing ratings and costing the station money, so I doubt firing him was ever really on the table.

Given his suspension was over the weekend, and I'm pretty sure he was on the radio on Friday, did the guy actually get suspended at all from the radio show? Or was it just the weekend television appearances? Seems like about as much a slap on the wrist as they could give him, and he and they are probably having a nice chuckle behind the scenes about this "controversy." Chuckling all the way to the bank.
 

joe dokes

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Believe me, I know. My only point with regard to the 1st Amendment was that I'm a firm believer in the Freedom in almost any context (the obvious "fire in a crowded theatre exceptions" notwithstanding), even if exercising that Freedom bothers or insults others, and/or makes the speaker sound like an idiot. That's why I made the point about the sponsors pulling out, and/or it having an economic impact on the station. I was trying to make the distinction, probably poorly, between those who think Felger should be fired for what he said versus the impact it has on his employers. He shouldn't be fired for what he said. However, he should be fired (and would be) if his words caused problems for his employers. Fortunately, like I said, I'm pretty sure his words had the opposite impact of losing ratings and costing the station money, so I doubt firing him was ever really on the table.

Given his suspension was over the weekend, and I'm pretty sure he was on the radio on Friday, did the guy actually get suspended at all from the radio show? Or was it just the weekend television appearances? Seems like about as much a slap on the wrist as they could give him, and he and they are probably having a nice chuckle behind the scenes about this "controversy." Chuckling all the way to the bank.
fair enough. I think he *should* be fired for what he said, regardless of the impact, but YMMV.
 

Byrdbrain

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Jul 18, 2005
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Given his suspension was over the weekend, and I'm pretty sure he was on the radio on Friday, did the guy actually get suspended at all from the radio show? Or was it just the weekend television appearances? Seems like about as much a slap on the wrist as they could give him, and he and they are probably having a nice chuckle behind the scenes about this "controversy." Chuckling all the way to the bank.
The suspension was only for his TV appearances so the simulcast on Friday and Sunday's Pats pregame.
As Chad said this was an NBC thing and had more to do with Felger saying he "rooted for the wall" in Nascar than the Halladay stuff.

As others have pointed out the end result is the public is punished by getting more Tanguay on TV, damn I hate that guy.
 

Patriot_Reign

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Apr 21, 2011
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I heard what he said, and it seemed clumsy and callous, but that's it. I'm guessing trying to force hot takes for four hours a day means getting burned at times. I'm amazed that people are calling for him to be fired, c'mon.
Now every time I've clicked on K&C or D&H (or even Mustard & Johnson this morning) since Wednesday afternoon it's been "what did Felger say" pre & post apology. I know it's an otherwise slow sports news cycle this week and it's hard to just talk sportz, but this obsession with what a guy said stupidly from across the street is embarrassing.

My own personal pet peeve, Dale Arnold never seems to waste an opportunity to be the finger wagging "Oh so you could do it better I suppose, radio caller" guy.
 

berniecarbo1

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Then what was the purpose of a 3 day suspension? If it was so bad that he wasn't allowed on the air on the weekend, what changed that made it OK to be back on the air on Monday. You either go all in and take him off the air or issue a statement condemning and distancing yourselves from the remarks the day it occurs or the next day and move on. The 3 day suspension rings pretty hollow in my opinion.
 

Patriot_Reign

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It's completely hollow. They let him on Thursday when the show probably drew massive ratings after the fall out, then kicked him off Friday, Saturday (when he wouldn't be on regardless), and then Sunday (just for Pats pre & post on a late night game? big deal)
Seems like an essentially one day suspension just so they could say they did something.
 

jmm57

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He only got what he got because of the NBC/Nascar connection and the Dale Earnhardt comments. SportsHub didnt do anything.
 

MuzzyField

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Someone needs to let NBC know NASCAR is dead. FOX killed it with commercials, and NASCAR did plenty to help. It's not like the cars are sponsored or anything.

I agree that Mike went a bit too far, mostly with Dale Sr, but it's his job to push and he's going to go in the fringe on occasion. The morning show on WEEI actually offends more people on a daily basis. What a positive way to start the day they provide. It's like road rage on radio. Happy driving!

The multiple days of video showing Roy "flying" is disturbing and only he knows why he was video gaming in an actual aircraft. I don't think he was doing those same maneuvers with his wife on-board during the promotional video. What the fuck was Roy thinking? Unfortunately we can't ask him.

The end result is sad, really sad, but the journey to get there isn't.

Based on how Josh chose to push his limits, Roy would have been better off stage jumping a band.
 

swyman18

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Jul 15, 2005
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Looks like they are able to say “pussy” on the radio side now, but NBCSB is dropping the audio, the full 7 second delay. They’ve done it twice so far.
 

jmm57

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EEI was dropping it this morning and Kirk was demanding a print out showing why the producers were dropping it.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Looks like they are able to say “pussy” on the radio side now, but NBCSB is dropping the audio, the full 7 second delay. They’ve done it twice so far.
So that’s what was going on. I thought Comcast was having issues when it was constantly dropping but T&R didn’t even notice.
 

NDame616

will bailey
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Jul 31, 2006
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Beetle said the quote once (that i heard) sounded....awkward...hearing it on the radio.

Felget said it as well and said "we've been cleared to use this word as long as we don't abuse it"

Weird. I've heard everyone on TSH nearly say it and say "well we can't say THAT....but he's being a sally"
 

Blacken

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Jul 24, 2007
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I occasionally read this thread to see what a dumpster fire it is, and I've never been disappointed. Casual misogyny sure is the way I like my radio, that's for sure.
 

chonce1

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Apr 23, 2010
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Felger and Mazz (and really Murray)

Lead the show by reading poetry posted by Brady and determining it is evidence of how he is overwhelmed by injuries.

Jim Murray, ladies and gentlemen.
 

Kramerica Industries

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Jul 17, 2006
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Jim Murray is the absolute worst

His "takes" are awful (yes Im grading them)

I feel like I say it every 6 months but how did they chose him over Keefe? That one Bruins rant?
 

gmogmo

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I couldn't agree more about Murray, I cringe when he talks. I have the same annoyances about Felger (and especially Mazz) as a lot of people on here, but what drives me from the show is just hearing Murray's voice.