PUEBLO, Colo. (September 1, 2009) - Dear fans:
Your passion is inspiring, and I thank you for your unprecedented support.
I would like to clarify a few things so that we can all be on the same page.
First, the folks at Versus and DirecTV have received over 30,000 calls in the past two days. I can tell you flat-out that’s it’s not hockey or Indy Car fans doing that … it’s you. The PBR nation is making the difference.
Secondly, you should know that our contract with Versus was signed, sealed and delivered well before we entered into our partnership with Spire Capital. We are in year three of a four-year contract with Versus.
Versus has done an outstanding job. They have provided first-class production which has improved with every event, and have given us primetime coverage on the all-important weekends. Versus has been absolutely instrumental in our success, and we are grateful for their efforts.
Third, this is a battle between Versus and DirecTV, and neither the PBR as an organization nor I as the CEO can take sides. We are indebted to both companies for their help in the past few years. We only want to ensure that we can continue to bring our sport to as many as possible. To that end, we are constantly in negotiations with other providers, including RFDTV, which is looking to feature a weekly highlights show.
Fourth, finally, and most importantly, we are deeply sorry that this issue ever came to a head. You, our fans, are our reason for being. Please don’t ever think we take your support for granted. We exist for you. We are doing everything we can to resolve this situation, and sincerely regret your inconvenience. At the same time, though, we’re sincerely awed and humbled by your response.
We are honored and privileged to have the most loyal and passionate fans on earth. We do not take that fact lightly. We will continue to do everything we possibly can for you. Please continue to help us, and I – on behalf of our riders, bullfighters, contractors, staff, and crew – promise to keep fighting.
Randy Bernard
Chief Executive Officer, Professional Bull Riders
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