Posted: Nov 27, 2011 1:42 AM by Annemiek Wilson
Updated: Nov 27, 2011 1:43 AM
Updated: Nov 27, 2011 1:43 AM
STEVENSVILLE - Normally bitter rivals, fans of both the MSU Bobcats and the UM Grizzlies banded together on Saturday to take part in an event called the "ESPN Burn."
Fans brought ESPN signs of all sizes and threw them into a bonfire, protesting the network's decision to not air the first and second round FCS playoff games.
ESPN has exclusive rights to the FCS playoffs and is not reselling those rights to any local broadcasters.
Both of the second round games for MSU and UM will only be available via ESPN3, an online webcast which is not widely available in Montana.
It may be unusual to see the two rivals working together, but fans said this is about Montana football as whole.
Bobcat fan Fred Thomas said, "I'm offended by ESPN's discrimination against Montana and I take it very personal because they're covering games today that are from the East coast and they should be more fair and equal throughout America in their coverage."
Outraged fans have also taken to Facebook, creating an online "petition" that has garnered more than 20,000 fans.
Fans brought ESPN signs of all sizes and threw them into a bonfire, protesting the network's decision to not air the first and second round FCS playoff games.
ESPN has exclusive rights to the FCS playoffs and is not reselling those rights to any local broadcasters.
Both of the second round games for MSU and UM will only be available via ESPN3, an online webcast which is not widely available in Montana.
It may be unusual to see the two rivals working together, but fans said this is about Montana football as whole.
Bobcat fan Fred Thomas said, "I'm offended by ESPN's discrimination against Montana and I take it very personal because they're covering games today that are from the East coast and they should be more fair and equal throughout America in their coverage."
Outraged fans have also taken to Facebook, creating an online "petition" that has garnered more than 20,000 fans.
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