I’ve always thought the Dallas Mavericks do a better than average job when it comes to game presentation. If nothing else, they are always willing to try something, and a lot of that works, in one way or another — whether it’s the (usually) funny bits they show on the big screen during timeouts or the Mavs ManiAACs or whatever. One thing they have always — ALWAYS — failed, though, is knowing when to properly deploy Chris Arnold.
I don’t really know Chris. I’ve met him once or twice. Seems like a nice guy. People who know him much better than I do confirm this. But at Mavs games, he is my kryptonite. I know from reading Glenn Arbery’s piece from a couple of years ago that game presentation is a complicated affair. But I think a little common sense is in order. Because here is what happens every game. The Mavericks go on a run. The fans go crazy. The opposing team — in last night’s case, the Houston Rockets — calls a timeout, specifically to calm themselves down and hopefully cool off the crowd, too. And then, without fail, Chris Arnold comes out and accomplishes that for them, by quieting everything down so a couple of fans can play some ridiculous game no one ever understands or really cares about. Momentum gone.
Look, there will come a time when it makes sense to trot out Chris. Maybe the Mavs have a big lead. Maybe the other team needs some cooling off. It’s not rocket science. You have to veer off the script on occasion. I don’t know why I have to keep bringing this up.
7 comments
As a former Mavs funslinger I will tell you why…sponsorships. Whether it is Hershey’s, Chic-Fil-A or Subway, some sponsor is expecting to see/hear their promotional giveaway during a specific part of the game, momentum be damned.
I understand that these sponsorships are a necessary part of the revenue generating machine. They help keep ticket prices down, yada, yada, yada. But, I agree with Zac…maybe some flexibility as to when they are executed would be nice.
he may be a nice guy. but my beef with him is he tries way too hard to be ghetto in an arena (esp the LL) of corporate suits (who got company tickets, how else do you afford them?). WAY. TOO. HARD. we do not want ghetto talking guy pushing whatever corporate sponsor- He’s way too over the top trying to sound all ‘cool’ or whatever vibe he’s going for. Sorry, Chris, its not working for me and its the biggest detraction from the otherwise great Mavs game presentation. Especially with the team playing so well!
and yes, totally agree, the timing is NOT GOOD whenever he comes out. I wish they would find someone else to do it at some other times in the game!
@m2thej: +1. Exactly right.
You are entitled to a fine seafood dinner with Mrs. Dorothy Mantooth.
I’d like to give Chris a “hook up” to whatever train pulled Humble Billy out of town. Next on the list after banishing Mr. Arnold: getting them to stop playing music while the ball is in play!
I agree, Zac. Complete beat down. Maybe they could play **sponsored** highlights of the game or some season highlights, even close-ups of the Mavs dancers, which might keep the fans pumped-up so that when play resumes, they don’t have revived.
Less Chris Arnold
More Mavs Dancers
Problem Solved.
Are there any Mavs fans in the house tonight!?