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League of Fans Founded by Ralph Nader, League of Fans is a sports reform project working to improve sports by increasing awareness of the sports industry's relationship to society, exposing irresponsible business practices, ensuring accountability to fans, and encouraging the industry to contribute to societal well-being.Alerts is League of Fans' email announcements list. Alerts provides news, information, the actions of League of Fans and/or Ralph Nader regarding sports issues, and calls-to-action for subscribers. All email updates are either selected or written by League of Fans. League of Fans is motivated by people, just like you, who are upset with what has become of our sports and would like to make a difference. We work with concerned citizens, sports fans, civic groups and communities to increase awareness of the sports industry's relationship to society, influence a broad range of issues in sports at all levels and encourage the cooperative capacities that make the "sports powers-that-be" capable of helping, not just dominating, our society and culture. We often think of sports as outside the realm of everyday citizen concern. But the many benefits to society that sports can provide are sometimes undermined by a different set of values, often based on the quest for higher and higher profits at the expense of fans, taxpayers, communities, culture and social justice. Get Involved! Your involvement will improve sports for communities and fans, and encourage the sports industry to better contribute to societal well-being. |
League of Fans Supports the Petition to Rename Ravens Stadium In Honor Of The Late Johnny Unitas To: Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Stadium Authority Johnny Unitas died on 9/11/2002 aged 69. We the undersigned recognize the following: Football returned to Baltimore in 1996 with the arrival of the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens played their first two seasons in Memorial Stadium, the same venue as the old Baltimore Colts. In 1998, the Ravens moved into what would eventually become PSINet stadium. In 2002, after the demise of PSINet (the company), the name was removed and the stadium is now commonly referred to as 'Ravens Stadium'. In 2001, demolition of Memorial Stadium began. The front facade of Memorial Stadium had the following inscribed upon it: "Dedicated as a memorial to all who so valiantly fought in the world wars with eternal gratitude to those who made the supreme sacrifice to preserve equality and freedom throughout the world - time will not dim the glory of their deeds." Although many tried to save the facade and its message, the letters were removed and the final part of the old Memorial Stadium was demolished. The citizens of Baltimore are being told that the letters and the original wordage of the memorial will be reconstructed in the area between Oriole Park and Ravens Stadium. The late Johhny Unitas, Hall Of Fame (1979) Quarter Back for the Baltimore Colts, named "Greatest Player in the First 50 Years of Pro Football", named "Player of the Decade" for the 1960s, three time NFL MVP, who completed 290 Touchdown passes, who passed for over 40,000 yards, who won three NFL championships and had 26 games with over 300 yards passing and widely regarded as the greatest Quarterback ever, should be recognized and honored in the following manner. We request that the current Baltimore Ravens Football Stadium be permanently renamed: JOHNNY UNITAS MEMORIAL STADIUM. It would give pride to the city of Baltimore, honor Mr. Unitas and his contribution to Baltimore in particular and Football in general and continue the memorial to fallen heroes with the use of the original lettering somewhere in the grounds of the stadium. It is the right thing to do. We ask that the Baltimore Stadium Authority and The Baltimore Ravens Organization consider our request. Thank-you. Sincerely, ### The mission of League of Fans is to improve sports by working as a sports industry watchdog to increase awareness of the industry's relationship to society, expose irresponsible business practices, ensure fan accountability, and encourage the sports industry to contribute to societal well-being. The League of Fans website is at: http://www.leagueoffans.org. |