May, 2007.
This was shown just after a Wings loss to Anaheim as Versus went to commercial. I've heard of signs at midwestern-area basketball games during football season and other funny places, but in Mid-May at a hockey game in California? I reckon this might be the best 'Fire Millen' sign sighting ever.
For those unfamiliar, Matt Millen is the former Detroit Lions CEO and General Manager. The Lions' win/loss record during his tenure was 31-84. Their road record was 8-50. Several fan demonstrations, protests, and displays of signs such as this one in countless random places were a part of the "Fire Millen" movement in Detroit for several years.
Matt Millen was fired on September 23rd, 2008, after the Lions began the 2008 season 0-3.
It is yet to be seen how much of the problems the Lions have are the the fault of the management and how much are the fault of the owner. Since the 1950's, the Lions have won one playoff game and never reached the Super Bowl. They managed to squander possibly the greatest football player of all time, Barry Sanders, by parlaying his talents and the talents of several others on the team during the early 1990's into no better than 2 divisional titles and that lone playoff victory. The Lions have won a grand total of 3 divisional titles in 50 years.
True, Matt Millen didn't do much to help transform arguably the most embarrassing professional sports franchise in America into a respectable team, but the problem began long before he ever joined the Lions.
The signs are damn funny, though.
David M* 73 months ago | reply
After reading up a bit on the actual issue. YES! This must be.
I was totally confused by it.
I noticed it because (I am a Sharks Fan) and wanted to make a similar FIRE RON WILSON sign.
paulhitz 73 months ago | reply
great catch Chris, I heard about this from a friend but didnt see it till now
hilarious
Beer30 73 months ago | reply
Awesome! I can't believe Anaheim beat Detroit. What a fluke. Ottawa will now win the cup for the first time on 80 years...