Frank Beckmann's Fab Five comments

I agree with Brian's reference to the moron Beck and would be happy to see this guy get canned.   His play by play is pretty good but his obsequious byplay is obnoxious.  Find a good Michigan "homer" who feels the same way that we do about Michigan football with no political subtext. 

... I actually never knew he did politics until today, because of my general preference to avoid the field entirely.

I've always thought of him as a good radio guy, but those comments should not be tolerated for the home team announcer.  First, his comments were ignorant and if not racist, then damn close.  Second, he's supposed to be the Michigan broadcast guy.  It seems like he'd be better suited for a school like, ummm, well... Duke. 

I will be writing a letter, as well. 

I like Beckmanns voice for football. If I have to work on a saturday and miss the game, his voice is what I want to hear. He does a great job describing the games. His politics is not of my concern unless he runs for office which is not going to happen. This was made on facebook, and not even to the general public. Plus who exactly is a fan of the Frank Beckmann show Facebook page? 

at a time when the U is making a careful rapprochement with the Fab 5. Pity the fool didn't watch the documentary because if he spouts such drivel after seeing how much hate those kids had to play through at the time then if he still comes out with this. . .

he's a pathetic, narrow-minded moron who's incapable of understanding what the Fab Five represented. More importantly, this statement is the antithesis of what this University is all about and why this University is so uniquely great....See ya....

I remember 760 as this bastion of informative interesting radio that actually provided a service to the entire state of Michigan as well as most of the country on good nights. It's sad to know that it is simply cheap political hackery anymore. I don't know that firing Beckmann is the best idea but making him apologize and discuss why his statement was so wrong would at least get his "fans" to hear a message and not go all conspiracy theory.

i don't see how comments on the Fab 5 can translate to being 'political.'  i tend to agree with 'some' of Beckmann's political views, yet i in no way share ANY of his moronic and misinformed opinions on the Fab 5.

i still say fire him though...

And I'm all

I might be in the minority, but I've never been a big fan of our play by play tandem (even before his Facebook comments).  I find them both to be somewhat obnoxious.  And I'm one of the most obnoxious guys I know.

I think the "OUTRAGE!!!!!11!!!!!" over Frank Beckmann's comments is kind of funny. You know it's the offseason when people begin calling the Michigan play-by-play guy a racist for comments that are nowhere near being racist.

So calling someone racist makes you racist? I don't follow your logic.  Also, should people really be fired because you don't agree with their politics?  Seems a tad fascist to me.

EDIT: btw Bo was outspokenly political, and I doubt his opinions were similar to yours.  You think he should have been fired for it?

Who lives and dies with this team and puts more out there than anyone on this little anonymous blog.  His comments were stupid.  What, you've never said anything stupid?

i suggest that anymore beckmann discussion happen on his talk show's facebook page.

While I don't think he "needs" to be fired for his comments, I think they should give Frank a reason to consider if he's still up for the job.  His bosses should consider the same.

First, he made a stupid post on Facebook.  Hey Frank, keep private thoughts private, especially when they rip of former Michigan players.  Second, it reveals that he does not grasp the notion of "past tense".  Where is the praise for a guy (Jalen) who corrected beliefs he held ages ago?  Doesn't Frank want people to learn and grow as they mature?  Frank has had plenty of time to mature, but it doesn't seem like he's learned all that much. 

I also do not see how this is political.  Is it the use of the word entitlement?  Regardless, it sucks and there should at least be a good semi-sincere apology issued.  Personally, I would MUCH rather see Brando retire.   

Beckmann is one of the great annoucers in Michigan history and I find myself turning the T.V. down to listen to him.  It is interesting that people on this forum have a problem with his political views and being associated with the university.  Fine lets kick everyone associated with the university out of it that is a political acivist.  Guaranteed that 90% of them are on the opposite end of the spectrum than Frank.  Where were all these people when we had that self proclaimed huge liberal in Tommy Amacker coaching the team?

I think Frank needs to be retired.  It is NOT an age thing; he just hasn't kept up well with the times.  He's the voice of all the nostalgic, constipated baby boomers (and above) in Metro Detroit who've eaten too much meat 'n cheese over too many years and still believe that "Purtan's People" represent the apotheosis of comedy.  They also believe that SE Michigan's problems can be blamed almost entirely on those south of 8 Mile.

I think it's offensive that Beckmann is seemingly unable to look past the demeanor of the kids nearly 2 decades ago, can't see past the shorts, and the brashness to see what they are: 4 intelligent, college graduates, all of whom, to varying degrees, are very committed to community service, altruism, and charity. To him, their appearance and demeanor on a basketball court makes them something be ashamed of, when many would look to see who they are now, and count them as a credit to any institution.

were not inappropriate, but also were not entirely accurate.  He indirectly implies that the Fab Five were selfish, did not play hard and had a sense of entitlement.  The Fab Five, contrary to this simple characterization, were very unselfish and their unselfish team-first attitude was a big reason for their success.  Their success was also the result of hard work off the court and hard play on the court.  For these reasons, they almost (except for bad luck and youth) almost won one or two national championships.

He was right about a couple things.  They were cocky/arrogant and not always respectful of opponents.  Jalen's youthful opinions were also racist - anybody of any color or background can obviously be racist.  But Beckmann fails to put the opinions into context.  They were the youthful opinions of a poor and fatherless teenager whose reality is at least partially the product of centuries of racism.  Duke players, by and large, enjoyed a different reality.  So, it's only human nature for him to have had some of these feelings.  Moreover, it's a bit harsh to label the youthful Jalen "racist" for these feelings or opinions.  For all we know, he might have been very non-racist and open-minded in his everyday life.  There is no evidence to suggest otherwise.  In fact, Jalen's appears to be an intelligent and open-minded non-racist person today.

Although I don't agree with him, I think Beckmann is entitled to his opinions and should not be fired for expressing his opinions.

Translation:  I am a liberal and do not like a conservatives on the radio. Therefore I am looking for things to get him fired over. That is what I got out of your post.  

The guy is entitled to his opinion about the fab five. Just because you don't like it means little. I do not like the guys opinion either but I am not stupid enough to think that everyone who I disagree with should be taken off the air.  There is nothing about his post anymore "race fueled" than what Jalen said. So if you are horrified about this then you should be at Jalen also.