October 3, 2007
We’ve got thirteen nominations for “Biggest Big Sky Embarrassments,” ranging from modern-day athletes to Word War I sedition to the 1870s battle of Little Bighorn. Quite a list! But before I post the official poll, here’s a quick look at the nominees:
Ryan Leaf: promising NFL superstar from Great Falls who didn’t live up to the hype.
Montana Freemen: months-long standoff with Federal agents contributed to reputation of Montana as a haven for wackos and militia members.
Ted Kaczynski: the Unabomber killed three people, injured many more, and created one of the longest investigations in US history.
Dempsey vs Gibbons: boxing match held in Shelby was a huge bust in 1923.
Heaven’s Gate: the 1980 movie widely considered one of the biggest flops in Hollywood history was partially filmed in Montana.
The Berkeley Pit: the toxic site near Butte is a mixed blessing.
Custer’s Last Stand: General Custer and scores of his men lost their lives in this battle with Lakota and Northern Cheyenne tribe members.
W.R. Grace Company: lawsuits, asbestos, and mining all play a role in the history of the Grace Company and the town of Libby.
Bison Hunt: the 2005 hunt – the first in many years – pitted hunters against bison advocates.
Lewis & Clark Bicentennial: the “Explore The Big Sky” event generated some interest and tourists, but many questioned the cost-benefit ratio.
Convicted of Sedition: yep, it happened in Montana in 1918 – 79 people were convicted of the crime.
David Lipson: the businessman who tried to trademark the phrase “The Last, Best Place.”
Dan & Don Nichols: the father-son duo that kidnapped Olympian Kari Swenson.
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5 responses to "Big Sky Embarrassments – The Nominees"
I don’t follow the sports much, so even though I’ve heard of Ryan Leaf, I didn’t know the overall story until following your link. That, of course, led to other links. Ultimately, ouch.
Ryan Leaf was one of the biggest jerks in high school. He treated people horribly and made it clear that he deserved all their respect. Like we were all admiring fans. I was glad when I was moved away from him in study hall.
I thought Ryan was not even acknowledging that he was from Montana.
I thought Ryan was not even acknowledging that he was from Montana.
From the sounds of it, the feeling’s fairly mutual.
The entire Ryan Leaf debacle is a sad embarrassment to remember the CMR sports program by. The rest of the Leaf family are ardent GF sports & high school program supporters, just as Dave Dickensen & his family have been. Too bad they to be tarred by the black sheep with the poor attitude in the family.
You have to sympathize with the rest of the family & the people who tried so hard to help Ryan meet his true potential.
Some folks can’t be helped it seems.
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