There is truly a leadership void afoot in this country. I believe that, for whatever reason, many people we have stupidly installed into leadership roles have lost their way.
I'm talking about leaders in business, politics (from all the parties), the car industry, Wall Street and the financial industry and, sadly, everywhere in government.
We don't have people that get it anymore.
And that's where Broward County tourism director Nicki Grossman comes to mind today. This story in The Miami Herald tells how Grossman, a long-time South Florida public servant and Dolphins season-ticket holder (she claims), is rooting against the Dolphins making it to the Super Bowl this year.
Now, suspend the argument about whether the Dolphins are good enough to get to the Super Bowl or not. That's not the point. The point is how anyone can bring themselves to root against their own team for selfish reasons.
And Grossman, by the way, has selfish reason. As head of the tourism folks, Grossman wants to see the Super Bowl fill every hotel room in her county come next January and early February. And, she figures, if the Dolphins are in the game, the hotel rooms won't be filled because local fans can sleep in their own beds at night.
So there would be no great influx of Super Bowl fans.
But this is where Grossman misses the mark. She obviously does not understand that Dolphins fans are everywhere. I have become intimately of this fact because in every stadium the Dolphins play, there are typically at least 2,000 Dolphins fans rooting for Miami. I am also aware that all my readers are not from South Florida. In fact, a majority are from outside South Florida.
You guys are Dolphins fans in Texas, the Carolinas, New York, Hawaii, everywhere. And I get the feeling many of you would come to South Florida to watch your team be in its first Super Bowl since 1984. Am I right?
Grossman also doesn't get the drift that a Super Bowl game is played by two teams. And the other team not being from South Florida will surely also bring fans.
So her vision, in rooting openly against the Dolphins, is myopic.
Leadership? Not so much.
So this is what I want you to do. Go to the comments section and tell me exactly where you are from in the country. Tell me if you would be inclined to come to a Dolphins Super Bowl celebration or not.
Now, I didn't ask if you'd be coming to the game. I know the tickets are expensive and hard to get. Grossman doesn't care about that anyway, she just needs folks that yearly come for the week of Super Bowl atmosphere and fun, filling the beds in local hotels. Whether those folks are in the stands on Super Bowl Sunday is moot.
Remember: Are you an out-of-town Dolphins fan? And would you trek to South Florida to join in the Dolphins Super Bowl celebration?
Is Grossman right to believe the Dolphins playing a home Super Bowl would be a nightmare? Or is she lacking vision?
I'm from Mexico city. I been a fan all my life and now leave in southern California. My brother comes from Mexico City every time the dolphins play close to California or close. We have travel to miami 5 times and even have a saving account to pay whatever it cost to be in the game. It will be a Awesome to see them win the game at Dolphin Stadium.
GO DOLPHINS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Venom | October 17, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Are you kidding me? I'm in Orlando but I could be in Alaska and I would be there; even if I don't get a ticket. That's just nonsense, it's only a four hour drive for me but I would still get a room, even if it's just for the night.
Posted by: Phinatic78 | October 17, 2009 at 05:37 PM
Ok Mando, give us this lady email address
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 17, 2009 at 05:37 PM
Let her know how many out of town Dolfans there actually are.
http://www.sunny.org/partners/meet-the-team/
Nikki Grossman - President and Ceo
ngrossman@broward.org
954) 765-4466
Posted by: Jeff in T.O | October 17, 2009 at 05:42 PM
I`m From Quebec, Canada. I`m crazy about the Dolphins, watch every games, read this blog everyday and I go see the Dolphins every year.
3 weeks ago I saw them in San Diego.
If the Dolphins play the super bowl, I'll be there.
Posted by: Ray | October 17, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Gainesville FL and went to last years playoff game...but damn sure would make it for Super Bowl if I could.
Posted by: PhinsFan | October 17, 2009 at 05:43 PM
Nikki Grossman - President and Ceo
ngrossman@broward.org
(954) 765-4466
Show her the strong Dolphins support from outside of FL
Posted by: Jeff in T.O | October 17, 2009 at 05:47 PM
Paris, France i usually Come once a year to see one or two games so why not for a superbowl? The city certainly Will be crazy
Posted by: Dolphininparis | October 17, 2009 at 05:49 PM
the Menace hails from the city so great they named it twice, HeII yeah id be there, but then again i look for any reason to come home, maybe NJ phin fan,Justin Credable(a.k.a afc east champs) could car pool down there, and maybe the Norse Warrior (odinseye)will join us for a day of mayham. Guys what do you say??
Posted by: cuban menace | October 17, 2009 at 05:49 PM
I am in California and would not only attend but make it an event. Grossman has no clue.
Posted by: Spillmar | October 17, 2009 at 05:51 PM
I am from mexico, and I went to a dolphins vs denver preseason game at the Azteca stadium. That game was won easily by the dolphins, but denver ended up winning the SB. I still have the ticket stapled to my wall. If miami made it to the SB, my finances wouldn't allow me to go see them this year, but in the future when everything's better I would go for sure.
Posted by: shinaco | October 17, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Fort Collins, Colorado Fin Fan - I will absolutely come down. Last season I was down 4 times - SD, Balt X 2, and Oakland games. Can only come down for the Jax game, in Jax, and Titans game in Tenn, this season, of course rooting for the Fins!
Grossman is misguided. Superbowl winners attract new fans and travelers all the time to an area and its anti - So Fla to suggest our Dolphins not make it. Booooo to you Grossman...
Posted by: Kevin in Colorado | October 17, 2009 at 05:58 PM
The Lady is a DOLT!
I found this: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nicki-grossman/14/576/486
Working on a better one.
Posted by: odinseye | October 17, 2009 at 06:01 PM
I lived in Miami Lakes in the glory years - '71 - '72 and was lucky enough to meet some of the team and coaches back then. I've been a die hard fan ever since. When I was in the Air Force overseas my parents would send me video tapes of the games. Now I'm retired in Illinois and pay out the nose for direct TV so I can see the phins. It would be the trip of a lifetime to see the Dolphins play in a superbowl again - no matter where it was! Here's hoping!
Posted by: Smithjh | October 17, 2009 at 06:05 PM
I found this Too:
Nicki E. Grossman president and ceo (954) 765-4466
Posted by: odinseye | October 17, 2009 at 06:15 PM
I think this might be the best so far:
ngrossman@broward.org
Please contact this traitor and let her know how you feel.
Posted by: odinseye | October 17, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Cuban you forgot me, maybe you come for super bowl bbq at my housing project ;)
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 17, 2009 at 06:18 PM
Your on carlito good buddy, it will be a happening..
Posted by: cuban menace | October 17, 2009 at 06:21 PM
I hope Va Tech lose today. Ohio state (#7) lose today, if they both lose and Hurricanes win, that leaves alot of space for Miami to move up from #9
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 17, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Dol-Fan Dante here, and I live in Corpus Christi, Tx. I am Amanda of little means but I have found a way to go see Miami play the Texans the last 4 times they visited Houston, I flew to Tampa to see them play the Bucs in '05, drove to Miami in '01 the night Manning got his Jaw broken in the game, and I managed to get to 7 of all 10 home games in '03 (including the Sunday we unvailed the orange jersey). So when you ask, 'would I pay to see the Fins play at home in the superbowl?' I say, 'which arm and leg do you want in exchange?'
GO FINS!!!
Posted by: Dofinsphan | October 17, 2009 at 06:26 PM
Odin,
Nicki Grossman is no Dolphins fan! There is no circumstance in my life ever to make me route against Dolphins!
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 17, 2009 at 06:27 PM
I heard Nicki Grossman was actually Lois Einhorn who is actually Ray Finkle, the ex dolphins kicker who blame Dan Marino for his missed field goal and has vendetta against Dolphins. I heard she rigged game against Colts somehow for us to lose in last minutes
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 17, 2009 at 06:32 PM
She's a clown, that wears high heeled clown shoes..
Posted by: cuban menace | October 17, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Gators to lose????
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 17, 2009 at 06:42 PM
I lived in the Keys from 82-99 and had season tickets during the Marino years. I now live in North Carolina and follow the Dolphins through the internet and Sunday Ticket. I would consider going to a celebration in the area if the Dolphins were in the Super Bowl.
Posted by: Newman Wilkins | October 17, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Mando in the Bahamas and if the Dolphins go to the Super Bowl there are hundreds of us that are making the flight for the party.
But I am sure that we would avoid the hotels of people that root aginst the dolphins.
Posted by: Jamiebahamas | October 17, 2009 at 06:52 PM
I should move to California. I never knew so many smart fin fan relocate to California. I hear they have really good "medicine"
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 17, 2009 at 06:54 PM
I was born in Pahokee, grew up in Dade and Broward counties, and have been a Fin Fan since '72. My first Dolphins game was the Baltimore Colts at the 'Fins in the Orange Bowl.
I now live in Orange County, California. Yes, it is across the country, but after waiting so long for Fins to get back to a SB, HELL YES! I would absolutely find a way to be there!
Without a doubt!
Posted by: LeftCoastFinFan | October 17, 2009 at 06:59 PM
I'm a central California fan that hooked on to the Dolphins at the age of 4 and have been a fan ever since. I flew out to sit through hurricane warning weather to watch Marino get put into the ring of honor (and to watch Miami beat out Baltimore, who later won the SB that year... funny how we have a nack for that sometimes). If Miami made the SB, I would be there to watch it... wouldn't matter what city it was taking place in.
Posted by: Longshot | October 17, 2009 at 07:05 PM
I've been a Dolphins fan my whole life, starting in New Jersey, moving to New York City, and now Buffalo.
I'd do everything I could to get to Florida for a Dolphins Super Bowl. Nicki Grossman is ridiculous.
Posted by: Brendan | October 17, 2009 at 07:08 PM
I've been watching the SB since I was about 7. This year will be my 31st BIG GAME and if there's any one thing that stands out in relation to this post and this woman's ridiculous position rooting against the Fins is this: FANS of the teams playing DON'T GO TO THE SUPERBOWL. Most actual fans, can't afford to attend the game. 70% of the seats go to corporate folks who then dispense them to important employees and important clients. The majority of people attending a SB at any point in time, in any city, are not going to be fans who travel to watch their team anyway.
This is not college football. Pro fans don't travel in the same volume and in the same manner anyway. The simple truth is the SB is just too damned expensive.
I've lived in Houston for almost 30 years. I'd been waiting and waiting for the chance to have the big game here in town. The second tix went on sale, they sold out. I'm not talking 100%, just the small percentage actually allocated to the public. Those were snatched up in seconds by "retail ticket sellers" which is public speak for LEGAL SCALPERS. Every town has them. That's why you pay $100-$500 to attend an event with a $60 ticket. In Houston, to actually attend the event, you were likely going to chump up $1200+ for the worst seats in the house.
Because of this phenomena playing itself out in SB city after SB city, the vast majority of people you see filling the stands on the NFL's "Holy Sunday" aren't even fans of the teams playing. Hell, half of them aren't even fans of the NFL.
Grossman needn't worry about Dolphin fans getting hotel rooms if they make the big game, they won't even be able to get their hands on tickets for less than a month's house note which means they'll sit home on their couch and watch it like the rest of the country.
Posted by: Toby | October 17, 2009 at 07:20 PM
She is a complete idiot. I'm a die hard Dolphins fan from Rhode Island and I'm 28yrs old so I don't remember the 84 bowl you bet your ass that I would make the trip even if I didn't get tickets to the actual game and I know I speak for many others
Posted by: Dparent33 | October 17, 2009 at 07:27 PM
I've been a Dolphins fan since 1973 and never waivered. But because I was either geographically, financially or (because of my age at the time) challenged...I have never seen the dolphins play live. The one time that I could afford to get tickets they played the Titans...(Sold out) Guess I could have payed a scalper but wasn't that financially free at the time. Well, this is the way that I see it.....If the Dolphins go the the Superbowl....I will pawn, get payday loans, do whatever it takes to take my two girls (being a single dad helps because they love the dolphins as much as I do and watch every game with me without any interference! LOL!) to Miami for our first game. You can count us in Mando! Some way we will find a way to be there! We are in Indiana right now.
Posted by: Gary Graham | October 17, 2009 at 07:30 PM
Mando,
You said it brother! Seems like there are too many folks that have no other values than the all mighty dollar!!! These people would sell out their family, friends and beliefs for a buck.
We wonder why this nation is in the state it is in…
Posted by: Po White Trash | October 17, 2009 at 07:33 PM
I secretly hate the Dolphins and want them to fail. My husband pays more attention to them then he does me, and i cant stand it. All i hear about is wildcat this, and best running game that.
I hope they lose every game for the rest of the season. Im really a new yorker born and raised, and love the Jets. It brought me to tears when the Dolphins laid a beat down on my sorry team. I must hate on the Dolphins anyway i can, and bring misery upon its followers if possible. My team sucks, our QB sucks, our coach is a fat pig like me, or players use PED's, we mortgaged our future on Braylon Edwrds. Were a sorry ass team, I'm a sorry ass human being. FML
Posted by: Nikki Grossman | October 17, 2009 at 07:35 PM
I live in Ocean County N.J. and traveled to So. Fl for regular season games so if Fins in Super Bowl, YES I WOULD BE THERE.
Posted by: Anthony Sasso | October 17, 2009 at 07:43 PM
Here in Jacksonville, Florida. Hate the Jags. Life long Dolphins fan. If the Dolphins were in the Super Bowl I would be where ever the game was going to be played.
Posted by: Loyal Fins Fan | October 17, 2009 at 07:46 PM
rochester ny. damn straight i'd come. I would stay in a tent outside her house. pool hop her pool at night and shout "what a traitor!"
Posted by: gary skelton | October 17, 2009 at 07:51 PM
I am a fan living in southern Ohio. I am so disappointed every week that I have to watch the Browns because of their general crapitude. As a recent unemployed college grad I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to make it to Miami but would obviously love to if I had the money.
Posted by: fstein | October 17, 2009 at 08:03 PM
I'm already traveling from California to Florida in December to watch the Dolphins vs Pats. If the Phins get into the Super Bowl at LandShark Stadium, I'd find it hard to miss that home game. The only thing that would keep me away would be the $$$$, but I already told my wife that if it happens she gets to stay home.
Posted by: PhinFan | October 17, 2009 at 08:08 PM
I'd be there in a heartbeat from Saskatchewan, Canada to watch the Fins in the final!
Posted by: Grant W | October 17, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Bahamas Mando. And there's a whole BUNCH of us. If Miami made it to the SuperBowl at Land Shark, there'd be an invasion! www.miamidolphinsbahamas.com
Posted by: fishface | October 17, 2009 at 08:12 PM
I'm from jersey and I come down once a year to se a home game... I was just there for amazing Monday night game and I would pay top dollar to get super bowl tickets if my Miami was in it.....
Posted by: Freshfred | October 17, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Mando,
I am a SoFla transplant living now in Gainesville.I would HAPPILY make the five hour drive to join in the revelry of a Fins Superbowl celebration!This woman makes about as much sense as our elected officials here in Alachua County.BTW you have been doing some fine work lately,keep it up!
Posted by: cue | October 17, 2009 at 08:14 PM
I grew up in Orlando and now live in So. California. I've been a fan for over 40 years. I watched the undefeated team win a Super Bowl.
I saw a young kid from Pitt. named Marino play as a rookie and saw him play during his last season.
I've been to a few home games since moving to Ca. The last game was the Monday night game against the Colts.
I've watched friends jump from Super Bowl band wagon to band wagon, we all have seen this.
I love those Dolphins and would go anywhere to celebrate.
Keep the faith fans, it's still early in the season. We're a lot better than what's being said about us, just ask the Jets!
Posted by: SoCalMike | October 17, 2009 at 08:16 PM
I am a 47-year old lifelong 'phins fan that lives in Southern California. If I could get tickets to see the Dolphins in the Super Bowl, at home, I would certainly go. And bring my wife. We would stay in a hotel. As would fans from all over the country.
Posted by: Scott Kardel | October 17, 2009 at 08:20 PM
i am sending my wishes to fin nation fro m the slums of india where i will be flying soon to witness dolphins in the super bowl ,it's great news that dolphins reached the super bowl already .
go fins from the slums of india where i teach weight lifting .
Posted by: steve broccli | October 17, 2009 at 08:22 PM
Hey Mando, I live in Nicaragua, and have followed the Dolphins since 1986. Every year I travel to Miami for at least 1 dolphins game, and I would definitely be there for a Super Bowl celebration. GO PHINS!!!
Posted by: Julian Bendana | October 17, 2009 at 08:22 PM
cuban menace can't afford a pair of jeans and now he's ready to spend 3 thousand dollare to come and see the super bowl .
Posted by: NJ fins | October 17, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Hey GUYS....Alfy here...in Melbourne Australia...YEP and I love the PHINS....heaps...loved MNF...wot a game...Ronnie is GOLD..but we need more weapons if we wanna SB challenge...I love Boldin and we should have given a 2nd for him...we gave a 2nd for White and Allen was a 1st rounder FFS...the draft is a lottery...FA is not..!! ( mostly except for the Gerbil)...id spend that 2nd on a stud weapon in a flash...the TRIFECTA are crazy if they dont....heres their chance...oh and Cribbs...DO IT..!!....
Gday to all my MIAMI mates and FINFANS everwhere...one day im comin up to watch them live....and we can have many cold brewskies...yeah...cheers
Posted by: Bigalfy | October 17, 2009 at 08:24 PM
dollars
Posted by: NJ fins | October 17, 2009 at 08:25 PM
From Buffalo (obviously) and seeing the Dolphins in the Super Bowl in Miami--on my birthday no less?!?--is my ultimate dream come true. Send me my tickets, i'm there.
Posted by: MIA in BFLO | October 17, 2009 at 08:28 PM
my name is Carlito Boutana and i love my dolphins to the point where i would sell my family to see the super bowl.
go dolphins from Panama .
Posted by: NJ fins | October 17, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina... currently living in the UK. Used to live in Miami back in '84, been waiting since then for the Dolphins to get back into a Super Bowl. I guarantee you if they make it this season I will happily help out the South Florida tourism industry by not only paying for a hotel room but also for gallons and gallons of liquor.
Posted by: GB | October 17, 2009 at 08:31 PM
Living in Sydney, Australia - travelling to Miami for our "home" superbowl on 7 Feb - the flights are booked...see you there Nicki
WD
Posted by: wombatdolphin | October 17, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Indiana, PA. Can't guarantee I would be down there, but I would try.
Posted by: stitter32 | October 17, 2009 at 08:35 PM
Toronto - If I travel to Buffalo to freeze my butt off with all the NY inbred fans, you'd better believe I'd travel to Miami to see the Dolphins in the Super Bowl... has there ever been a home team in a the big game?
Posted by: Rich in Toronto | October 17, 2009 at 08:35 PM
Boston, Mass
And the thing about the Supe is that it is not for fans. It is a corporate outing. Sure a few fans can go, but for the most part it is there for corporate and financial bigwigs in nyc, s.f., l.a. boston, chicago, d.c. and a couple other places where the nation's wealth is concentrated. so a home team super bowl would not really affect hotel bookings.
Posted by: Stav | October 17, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Bethlehem, Pa. I wouldn't hesitate to come but I'd be staying at our family condo in Aventura...
Posted by: Tehrlich7 | October 17, 2009 at 08:42 PM
GB, are you telling us your whole life story ? if so please make it shorter next time.btw,i live now in NM after 7 years in london afer i was living w/my friend romeo for 8 years in golfito japan .
Posted by: x | October 17, 2009 at 08:42 PM