To the editor:
Was no one appalled by the way Las Vegas Events’ grand poobahs and other city leaders responded to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s announcement of possibly taking the National Finals Rodeo elsewhere? The entire upper echelon from Las Vegas Events and others in leadership roles related to the NFR should be summarily dismissed. They fell over themselves, rushing to the nearest microphone/camera to announce that, in effect, it was no big deal if the NFR left. Michael Gaughan yammers he can cobble together a competing event in no time. What a way to conduct diplomacy and carry out sensitive negotiations, by use of threats and attempts at intimidation.
We looked bush-league in the extreme. Everyone knew the NFR contract was coming up for renewal. Didn’t Las Vegas Events expect other cities would attempt to lure away a big player like the NFR? Arrogance ruled the day as Las Vegas Events assumed the PRCA would re-up at whatever modest scraps were offered as incentives. When the PRCA looked at another very lucrative offer from Osceola County, Fla., Chicken Little ruled the day around here. The clucking and flapping of arms was deafening. Have our representatives never heard of quiet negotiation?
Everything else being equal and proper respect shown, together with quiet discussions, I think the PRCA would probably prefer to stay in Las Vegas. But Las Vegas needs to accept that it is all about the money. Who should know that better than people in this town?
Many of these rodeo participants have a short shelf life. It’s just too hard and dangerous a sport. A lot more prize money is very tempting. The Florida offer was way above what Las Vegas was paying. Who can blame the PRCA if it accepted that offer, especially after the dressing down they received in the media, courtesy of the very people we trusted to keep the event here? Too bad these jokers never heard the old sales axiom that it’s easier to keep a good customer than to find a replacement.
JERRY SALYERS
LAS VEGAS
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