Can you imagine the rioting that’d take place all across America if Paul McBeth took to Facebook to ask fans to hook him up with his sponsor’s own discs before the 2022 season?
Well, believe it or not, that’s exactly what Madison Walker was forced to do …
On Sunday evening, Walker posted a video on Facebook to explain her situation to fans:
“Basically, you all know how hard it’s been to find discs the past year. It’s especially true for light-weight discs. And because of my injury, I have to throw all light-weight discs. So, building my bag has been an adventure so far, and honestly, I need help.”
Clearly understanding the awkwardness of it all, continued Walker:
“MVP has been so supportive in this, and they’ve kind of helped me come up with a plan, that you guys can help me get started for the season, because it is coming on fast. I am not ready. But I will be ready with you guys’ help.”
Woah, woah, woah …
Pump the brakes for just a second. Let me see if I understand this correctly: MVP’s support has come in the form of a “plan” in which Walker is asked to beg for plastic on social media?
Did I get that right?
I’m not in the business of bashing on disc manufacturers. Disc golf is niche. There’s not tons of money in it. Max-weight sells. Pandemics happen. Supply chains freeze. Manufacturing halts …
I get all of that.
But during contract talks, didn’t this come up? Surely Walker’s injury issues were a topic on the table. And if not, perhaps the bag she’s built over the years. Or the discs she throws. Or what she’s looking for in the MVP lineup. Or that she can literally only throw light-weight discs.
This is a tough one. I’m not saying there’s a simple solution. MVP is a disc manufacturer. They do it all in-house. Their sole purpose is to make discs and put them in people’s hands. With that in mind, for them to suggest somebody else step in to help out one of their athletes with the very thing they supposedly do best is one of the sorriest displays of “professionalism” I’ve ever seen.
I’m not sure MVP is losing many fans or customers over this, but the fact they shared her cry for help and basically said “Yeah, someone should definitely help her out,” looks pretty pathetic in my opinion.
— Hunter Greene (@TheBigBear12) January 31, 2022
Write a press release. Publish a blog post. Make a video. Whatever. But you do it. You explain yourself. Don’t trot Walker out there like some sort of disc-flinging panhandler – you own this.
Rightfully so, fans will turn out in droves to help Walker. She’s one of the nicest people on tour. If anybody deserves mass support, it’s her. Let’s hope MVP soon gives her the same treatment.
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