Letters of Note: Regarding your stupid complaint In November of...

Letters of Note: Regarding your stupid complaint
In November of...: "

Letters of Note: Regarding your stupid complaint

In November of 1974, American football fan Dale Cox sent a letter to his favourite club, the Cleveland Browns. Disturbed by a recent trend developing amongst fellow fans in the stadium - the reckless throwing of paper aeroplanes - Cox felt that a simple written warning to the powers-that-be would put an end to this “dangerous” activity. A few days after sending the letter Cox received a surprising response, with his original complaint attached.

Transcripts follow; images courtesy of Clevescene. Huge thanks to the many, many readers who suggested featuring this. Those who doubt the letters’ authenticity: please visit Snopes for confirmation.

Transcript

Roetzel and Andress
Counsellors at Law
20th Floor
One Cascade Plaza
Akron, Ohio 44308

November 18, 1974

The Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Stadium
Cleveland, OH

Gentlemen:

I am one of your season ticket holders who attends or tries to attend every game. It appears that one of the pastimes of several fans has become the sailing of paper airplanes generally made out of the game program. As you know, there is the risk of serious eye injury and perhaps an ear injury as a result of such airplanes. I am sure that this has been called to your attention and that several of your ushers and policemen witnessed the same.

Please be advised that since you are in a position to control or terminate such action on the part of fans, I will hold you responsible for any injury sustained by any person in my party attending one of your sporting events. It is hoped that this disrespectful and possibly dangerous activity will be terminated.

Very truly yours,

ROETZEL & ANDRESS

By (Signed)

Dale O. Cox

DOC:pey

Response:

CLEVELAND STADIUM, CORP.

Dale O. Cox, Esquire
Roetzel and Andress
20th Floor
One Cascade Plaza
Akron, Ohio 44308

Dear Mr. Cox:

Attached is a letter that we received on November 19, 1974. I feel that you should be aware that some asshole is signing your name to stupid letters.

Very truly yours,

CLEVELAND STADIUM CORP.

James N. Bailey,
General Counsel

JNB: bjn

cc: Arthur B. Modell

[so very good…reminds me why I am a Cleveland Browns fan…despite their inability to play well…]

"