When Sports Fans Coalition formed and effectively launched, this bi-partisan group of concerned sports fans knew the tasks before it were daunting. Educating sports fans about the issues on the air and through written word, organizing sports fans to speak with one voice against businesses and politicians taking advantage of the group, and fighting for change in court rooms and government buildings; needless to say, this undertaking is tremendously challenging.

Given the background and experience of SFC’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board, taking action for change in the hallowed halls of the FCC and, more recently, the Oregon General Assembly, for example has not been the greatest of these challenges. Organizing sports fans to come together hasn’t been a piece of cake, but the ease with which sports fans can sign our petitions, become a member, a fan on Facebook, or follow SFC on Twitter has facilitated real growth and interaction with sports fans in such a short time.

The real challenge has been the first goal of the SFC’s trifecta: education. Education and, bluntly, persuasion, has been a real test of the organization’s fortitude. One only needs to read the last four paragraph’s of Brad Blakeman’s testimony before the Oregon State Legislature hearing last week to recognize that our representatives need to be convinced that touching sports isn’t taboo. 

The tremendous backlash following the U.S. Government’s decision to investigate the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball culminating in a he said-he said stand off between fallen rocket Roger Clemens and his former personal trainer Brian McNamee left a bad taste in constituents’ mouths. Tax payers across the country questioned the use of our representatives’ time and energy on an issue which would’ve been better handled by Judge Judy or the People’s Court.

As the hangover from such a scandal has subsided, the need for sports fans to organize and fight for their rights has not subsided. In fact, during this recession, or as many believe it to be a depression, which burdens our economy, the big businesses which control the sports we watch on TV and the teams we cheer for in the stands are more eager than ever to make a buck. Now, more than ever, it’s time for a Sports Fans Coalition.

Sports teams are pursuing deceptive ways to take money from fans without them knowing it. Media companies have their legal teams working overtime to force fans to pay their ever rising prices with diminishing returns, making false promises to consumers and their representatives.

While most fans just want to see their teams win championships, like Red Sox Nation’s broken curse which brought tears to so many eyes in 2004, many are getting a raw deal but just don’t know they can do something about it. Sports fans don’t recognize their power.

The truth is that we sports fans have a tremendous responsibility to speak up when our fan dollars are being misused. When large corporations, even if they are the teams we passionately cheer for at home or in the stadium, take advantage of us, there is recourse we should pursue. When media companies strike exclusive deals and break the law by prohibiting competition and keeping us from getting the best deal or even the opportunity to watch our games on TV, we won’t take it. We will fight back.

Join us in the fight to take the power back.  There is strength in numbers, and our representatives will be forced  to recognize that the business of sports should not be ignored. Sports fans deserve better.