The Halloween mask aspect of this story reminded me of something that happened with the Lions a few years later. In the game before Halloween 1996, the Lions lost at home to the Giants by a score of 35-7, and fell to 4-4. The Lions offense was so bad that during the second half, Lions head coach Wayne Fontes replaced starting QB Scott Mitchell with backup Don Majkowski. Nothing unusual about that except that the switch, which was not injury-related, happened in the middle of an offensive drive. As the TV cameras showed Mitchell leaving the field, and later on the sidelines, it was clear that he was not happy. Not surprisingly, Fontes' replacing Mitchell was a big deal in the Detroit media. A few days later, the controversy grew as Mitchell showed up at a Halloween party dressed as his coach. Pictures of Mitchell in costume showed up in the media soon after, and they didn't look very flattering: Mitchell, already a big guy himself, had stuffed a pillow under his shirt to mimic Fontes' weight. He also donned Mickey Mouse ears, which was in reference to an earlier photo of Fontes in Mickey Mouse ears, for which he had received some ridicule. Fontes and Mitchell would both go on to say that there were no issues between them. However, the Lions, who had made the playoffs in each of the 3 prior seasons (and 4 of the last 5) would go 1-7 in their final 8 games of the 1996 season to finish at 5-11. Fontes was fired shortly after the season ended and replaced by Bobby Ross.
Joe Bugel coached for my Raiders as well, one miserable season. He always seemed like a decent guy, and this whole fiasco kind of backs that up. I believe he recently passed away. RIP
Bugel was responsible for the Houston Oilers finally having a great offensive line in the late 1970s.....protecting Pastorini well enough for him to stay healthy and put up good numbers. I agree, he always seemed like a good guy who players respected.
What a Halloween for the Cardinals! A boycott, media crusade, ...and all because of a cut out mask. That's about as bizarre a controversy as I've ever seen.
93 and 94 were actually promising years for the Cards... The young RB Hearst was there, and an ever improving stingy defense... But neither Bugel nor Ryan were able to put together a decent OL, and it all crashed in the disappointment that was the 95 season... Hard times, in the Valley... I remember one of the local news stations had a silly sports segment called They Said It, featuring Buddy (Ryan) and Chuck (Barkley). The theme song for the segment was especially annoying/catchy...
I grew up a Steelers fan, but also greatly admired the Houston Oilers under Bum Phillips. Joe Bugel is a huge reason Dan Pastorini had some great years in the late 70s for Houston....Bugel built a great offensive line in front of Dante.
Wow a Steelers fan that admits to admiring the Oilers of the late 70s, might never want to say that in public. I grew up a oilers fan and knew Pittsburgh was one of those cities that hated us
@@mr.cardguy7635 Believe it or not, the two teams' players actually got along very well all during the Bum Phillips era. I've found several clips of interviews where the players and coaches spoke well of each other. The problems came when glanville arrived and had his players play dirty.
Dude. I love your videos. I am 37 now, but was 9 when this all happened. While I do not remember the overarching controversy, I DO remember that specific cutout in the paper. There is a chance, although I do not remember specifically, that I actually did cut that out of the paper, although I know I never wore it.
I was there. Coach Bugel is one of the nicest people in professional football. I always thought he was too nice for being a head coach. Mark May was trying anything to rally the team and this was a clumsy attempt. Mr. B couldn't see the trajectory of the team under Joe. Maybe Coach Bugel could have changed things, but the ownership really was an impediment. btw, Buddy Ryan was truly a terrible head coach.
Being a Cardinal fan since 1975, I've seen this team do a lot of stupid things but this isn't one of them. They stuck up for their coach. Especially a coach who was given an impossible task of making this team a winner considering the ownership did nothing to build a winner. The team fought like hell for him. Then they fired Bugel, hired Buddy Ryan who set the team back about 4 years.
The NFL has always hated St. Louis. It's always protected Missouri as the KC Chiefs market even tho St Louis is the largest city in the state. The city's love of its baseball team, which has been there over 100 years, has always been a convenient excuse.
Yes the Cardinals in particular were a purposefully designed ( by the sold out freemason owners ) to be a scapegoat loser of the Nfl. Well i could write a book here but i will leave it at that for now. I was not even a Cardinals fan then .. but that 93 team .. IN REALITY .. were actually mUCH better than thier `record` . .
@@RichV20 not really. Only thing consistent about Philly is how inconsistent they were. They couldn't even keep Reggie White and that defense together.
@@ChillydontCap Early 90s Eagles were making the playoffs or just missing them, even with a 10-6 record. They'd probably make it the other seasons if they didnt have to play the NFC East every year.
Not surprising that Mark May led the crusade against the media not only because of his long association with Bugel but also because to me, he has always come across as a very good person. This was indeed a pretty bizarre controversy though.
Yeah, "sticking up" for their coach who thought it was funny. Does 't seem like he needs a white knight to protect him from something he didn't find offensive.
Before that season he was 4-12, 5-11, 4-12 the 3 previous seasons. The players probably took it that way because the media was probably already coming down on the coach previously. And they were 2-5 at the time of the article too.
At least the Cardinals turned things around historically since 2007, posting 9 seasons of 8-8 or better in the last 14 seasons (considering their history, I see that as a major accomplishment for the franchise). But yeah, back in the day 7-9 was a big deal for the Cardinals (like the 1988, 1993, 1996, and 2001 seasons); a late rush too late to save Joe Bugel's job. I know Bill Bidwell was given some static for firing Bugel, but he requested a winning season, which if the Cardinals did more winning early then that was very well within reach.
Even though this is about 1993, the most interesting part of it to me actually had to do with 1991: I was kind of shocked to hear that Phoenix was 27th in offense that year, because the 297 yards of total offense they put up on the Gang Grene Eagles in Week 2 made them the only other team to get within a HUNDRED yards of the 357 the Redskins (AKA the single greatest team in NFL history) gained in Week 5.
That's because in 1991 Rosenbach blew out his knee and the Cards had Tommy "The Tuba" Tupa as their QB for most of the year. The weird thing is, they started '91 off 2-0.
Joe Bugel saw the mask situation for what it was. I can appreciate his players having his back, but this wasn't even that deep. As for the Cards' lack of popularity at the time, I didn't realize they were less popular than my Buccaneers. Both clubs lost a ton up to that point and both routinely fell way short of selling enough tickets to have their home games shown in their primary and official secondary DMAs/TV markets. The Bucs couldn't sell out a home game back then unless they hosted the Bears or the Dolphins (their home game vs. the Giants in '91 sold out and aired on WTVT and maybe WCPX,now WKMG, in Orlando/Daytona/Melbourne).
if you want to talk about media boycotts then check out duane thomas , a former dallas cowboy running back who wouldn't talk to anyone - even during the super bowl
Before that season he was 4-12, 5-11, 4-12 the 3 previous seasons. The players probably took it that way because the media was probably already coming down on the coach previously. And they were 2-5 at the time of the article too.
The Halloween mask aspect of this story reminded me of something that happened with the Lions a few years later. In the game before Halloween 1996, the Lions lost at home to the Giants by a score of 35-7, and fell to 4-4. The Lions offense was so bad that during the second half, Lions head coach Wayne Fontes replaced starting QB Scott Mitchell with backup Don Majkowski. Nothing unusual about that except that the switch, which was not injury-related, happened in the middle of an offensive drive. As the TV cameras showed Mitchell leaving the field, and later on the sidelines, it was clear that he was not happy. Not surprisingly, Fontes' replacing Mitchell was a big deal in the Detroit media. A few days later, the controversy grew as Mitchell showed up at a Halloween party dressed as his coach. Pictures of Mitchell in costume showed up in the media soon after, and they didn't look very flattering: Mitchell, already a big guy himself, had stuffed a pillow under his shirt to mimic Fontes' weight. He also donned Mickey Mouse ears, which was in reference to an earlier photo of Fontes in Mickey Mouse ears, for which he had received some ridicule. Fontes and Mitchell would both go on to say that there were no issues between them. However, the Lions, who had made the playoffs in each of the 3 prior seasons (and 4 of the last 5) would go 1-7 in their final 8 games of the 1996 season to finish at 5-11. Fontes was fired shortly after the season ended and replaced by Bobby Ross.
Yes Florres was obviously a sold out freemason.
The league often employs `coaches` ..even to sell out thier owN team.
And yea im not joking.
Joe Bugel coached for my Raiders as well, one miserable season. He always seemed like a decent guy, and this whole fiasco kind of backs that up. I believe he recently passed away. RIP
Bugel was responsible for the Houston Oilers finally having a great offensive line in the late 1970s.....protecting Pastorini well enough for him to stay healthy and put up good numbers.
I agree, he always seemed like a good guy who players respected.
Out of his league as a head coach, borderline Hall of Famer as a position coach.
Could have been worse, had it been a Rich Kotite mask, the person wearing it would go home with a Halloween bag full of rocks...or worse. 😅
What a Halloween for the Cardinals! A boycott, media crusade, ...and all because of a cut out mask. That's about as bizarre a controversy as I've ever seen.
And something the "victim" took as a compliment...
First time I’ve heard of a face mask penalty called on the media.
That 28-14 loss was the Cards’ worst loss of 1993. Outside of this, every game they lost in 93 was by single digits
93 and 94 were actually promising years for the Cards... The young RB Hearst was there, and an ever improving stingy defense... But neither Bugel nor Ryan were able to put together a decent OL, and it all crashed in the disappointment that was the 95 season... Hard times, in the Valley...
I remember one of the local news stations had a silly sports segment called They Said It, featuring Buddy (Ryan) and Chuck (Barkley). The theme song for the segment was especially annoying/catchy...
You know you’re doing something right to get the guys behind you like that as a coach!
Thats right.
My hunch is ...thats right ..more than we know ....
I grew up a Steelers fan, but also greatly admired the Houston Oilers under Bum Phillips.
Joe Bugel is a huge reason Dan Pastorini had some great years in the late 70s for Houston....Bugel built a great offensive line in front of Dante.
Wow a Steelers fan that admits to admiring the Oilers of the late 70s, might never want to say that in public. I grew up a oilers fan and knew Pittsburgh was one of those cities that hated us
@@mr.cardguy7635 Believe it or not, the two teams' players actually got along very well all during the Bum Phillips era. I've found several clips of interviews where the players and coaches spoke well of each other.
The problems came when glanville arrived and had his players play dirty.
Dude. I love your videos. I am 37 now, but was 9 when this all happened. While I do not remember the overarching controversy, I DO remember that specific cutout in the paper. There is a chance, although I do not remember specifically, that I actually did cut that out of the paper, although I know I never wore it.
Arizona Cards and Louisville Cards logos look familiar
I was there. Coach Bugel is one of the nicest people in professional football. I always thought he was too nice for being a head coach. Mark May was trying anything to rally the team and this was a clumsy attempt. Mr. B couldn't see the trajectory of the team under Joe. Maybe Coach Bugel could have changed things, but the ownership really was an impediment. btw, Buddy Ryan was truly a terrible head coach.
Being a Cardinal fan since 1975, I've seen this team do a lot of stupid things but this isn't one of them. They stuck up for their coach. Especially a coach who was given an impossible task of making this team a winner considering the ownership did nothing to build a winner. The team fought like hell for him. Then they fired Bugel, hired Buddy Ryan who set the team back about 4 years.
Now I'm thinking about Steve Bono
The NFL has always hated St. Louis. It's always protected Missouri as the KC Chiefs market even tho St Louis is the largest city in the state. The city's love of its baseball team, which has been there over 100 years, has always been a convenient excuse.
Yes the Cardinals in particular were a purposefully designed ( by the sold out freemason owners ) to be a scapegoat loser of the Nfl.
Well i could write a book here but i will leave it at that for now.
I was not even a Cardinals fan then .. but that 93 team .. IN REALITY .. were actually mUCH better than thier `record` . .
This is when the NFC East was a torture chamber winning 6 SB in a 10 year span including 4 in a row from 90-93
Yeah the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins were the best teams in the league besides San Francisco
@@ChillydontCap Eagles were a consistent playoff team and they were the fourth best in the division. Cards never had a chance.
@@RichV20 not really. Only thing consistent about Philly is how inconsistent they were. They couldn't even keep Reggie White and that defense together.
A "torcher" chamber??? I don't remember it being *that* hot...
@@ChillydontCap Early 90s Eagles were making the playoffs or just missing them, even with a 10-6 record. They'd probably make it the other seasons if they didnt have to play the NFC East every year.
Not surprising that Mark May led the crusade against the media not only because of his long association with Bugel but also because to me, he has always come across as a very good person.
This was indeed a pretty bizarre controversy though.
I SEEM to remember the players begging the owner NOT to fire Bugle after the season was over.
Really? I can believe it, and respect the players even more now.....
Hats off to the Cardinals for sticking up for their coach....
Yeah, "sticking up" for their coach who thought it was funny. Does 't seem like he needs a white knight to protect him from something he didn't find offensive.
@@rjskillz92 you missed the point.
@@67marlins81 Did he though.
A better way for them to have stuck up for their coach? NOT SUCKING.
@@notreallyadog9646 Yeah, because after all it's just that easy.
That old Cardinals logo was just turrible
Mark May is not a bright guy so this is not surprising. He made a career out of pretending to be smart, but he kept exposing his own stupidity.
Before that season he was 4-12, 5-11, 4-12 the 3 previous seasons. The players probably took it that way because the media was probably already coming down on the coach previously. And they were 2-5 at the time of the article too.
At least the Cardinals turned things around historically since 2007, posting 9 seasons of 8-8 or better in the last 14 seasons (considering their history, I see that as a major accomplishment for the franchise). But yeah, back in the day 7-9 was a big deal for the Cardinals (like the 1988, 1993, 1996, and 2001 seasons); a late rush too late to save Joe Bugel's job. I know Bill Bidwell was given some static for firing Bugel, but he requested a winning season, which if the Cardinals did more winning early then that was very well within reach.
The Cardinals are a historically bad franchise. Anecdotes like this help to illuminate that.
Not since Bidwill's kid took over. pretty average now.
Larry Centers was a f*cking Beast. Dude caught a sh*t ton of passes. Came to the BILLS later on in life.
Even though this is about 1993, the most interesting part of it to me actually had to do with 1991: I was kind of shocked to hear that Phoenix was 27th in offense that year, because the 297 yards of total offense they put up on the Gang Grene Eagles in Week 2 made them the only other team to get within a HUNDRED yards of the 357 the Redskins (AKA the single greatest team in NFL history) gained in Week 5.
That's because in 1991 Rosenbach blew out his knee and the Cards had Tommy "The Tuba" Tupa as their QB for most of the year. The weird thing is, they started '91 off 2-0.
Weird hearing Phoenix Cardinals. Should've kept it. Weird hearing Boston Patriots. But NE is better. Go Pats.
Absolutely not
Joe Bugel saw the mask situation for what it was. I can appreciate his players having his back, but this wasn't even that deep.
As for the Cards' lack of popularity at the time, I didn't realize they were less popular than my Buccaneers. Both clubs lost a ton up to that point and both routinely fell way short of selling enough tickets to have their home games shown in their primary and official secondary DMAs/TV markets. The Bucs couldn't sell out a home game back then unless they hosted the Bears or the Dolphins (their home game vs. the Giants in '91 sold out and aired on WTVT and maybe WCPX,now WKMG, in Orlando/Daytona/Melbourne).
Well, I just found my Halloween costume! #Idaho
Joe inherited a really bad team. Apparently lacking much sense of humor either.
From 2-6 to 7-9 not a bad finish.
They should have stayed in st.louis.
The players got fed up with the losing nothing was funny to them at that point.
Maybe they were really boycotting cause they played for the Cardinals
28 Years Ago
Everything was so much better in '93.
Good thing Will Smith wasn’t involved
He was agreat o line coach but not so much a head coach.
if you want to talk about media boycotts then check out duane thomas , a former dallas cowboy running back who wouldn't talk to anyone - even during the super bowl
Before that season he was 4-12, 5-11, 4-12 the 3 previous seasons. The players probably took it that way because the media was probably already coming down on the coach previously. And they were 2-5 at the time of the article too.