Monfort Apologizes, Says 'Leaving Colorado Is Not An Option'
DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort apologized Friday for his response to a frustrated Rockies fan and said that "leaving Colorado has never been and will never be an option" for the team.
"I want to express my sincere apology to Rockies fans that received a recent email response that was not consistent with our organization's values," Monfort said, adding, "Obviously, at times I have failed" to be open and friendly with fans.
A longtime season ticketholder emailed the team on July 5.
"The Monforts have no business owning a baseball team…. They have ruined pro baseball in this region while generating millions of dollars in profit," the fan's email read in part.
The next day, Monfort responded: "By the way you talk maybe Denver doesn't deserve a franchise, maybe time for it to find a new home. Thanks."
The ticketholder told CBS4 it was clear to him that Monfort wants to move the team, that there is no confusion and that Monfort's apology is hollow.
RELATED: Rockies Owner: 'Maybe Denver Doesn't Deserve A Franchise'
Here is the text of Monfort's statement:
"I want to express my sincere apology to Rockies fans that received a recent email response that was not consistent with our organization's values. I have always tried to be open, friendly and understanding. Obviously, at times I have failed. The fact that so many of you take the time to write to us demonstrates your tremendous passion for the Rockies.
"Our fans throughout our city and state are the greatest in all of sports. We're not interested, nor have we ever been interested in the relocation of our franchise. A report last night stated that in an email I sent to one of our fans, I felt Denver wasn't deserving of a franchise. I want everyone to know that leaving Colorado has never been, and will never be an option. Our fans are our biggest asset and we do not take their support lightly. We're blessed to be a part of this great community and we want to bring a championship to all of our fans that they so richly deserve. I want our fans to know that our entire organization is committed to great baseball and a great experience. I'm sorry I created this confusion."
Earlier this month, Monfort told a frustrated Grand Junction fan via email: "If product and experience that bad don't come!"
"That was a shock," Michael Ferguson told News Channel 5 in Grand Junction. "I never expected that. You might get an automated response, if anything. But to get something like that, short and simple like that, it almost feels like they don't care about the fans."
In April, Monfort said during a Twitter chat he thought the team could win 90 games if it stayed healthy.
Before their game against Minnesota on Friday evening, the Rockies were 39-53. To win 90 games, they will need to finish the season 51-19.
