An airplane banner calling for the termination of general manager Jeff Ireland circled Sun Life Stadium before Sunday's Miami Dolphins game.
A group of a fans from FinsNation.com took credit for the sign. The Miami Sun-Sentinal reports the group raised $1,500 in donations last month to pay for the airplane and banner.
Was the sign successful? Shutdown Corner breaks it down with exclusive insider analysis:
Pros
• Addressing Ross with the formal "Mr." establishes a sense of civility and deference.
• Use of "our" engenders feelings of community.
• Fans and media support the cause. A column in the Miami Herald last month was headlined "Miami Dolphins' loyalty to Jeff Ireland perplexing." Comments on the FinsNation site have a decided anti-Irish slant.
• Dolphins finished the season 6-10.
Cons
• As "The Wizard of Oz" proved, skywriting is the most pure, effective form of atmospheric messaging.
• Fails to utilize the natural Fire/Ireland wordplay; ex., FIREland.
• The timing may not have been the best. Miami defeated the New York Jets, 19-17. The Fins finished the year with six victories in last nine games.
