Huh trust me Pete would look him straight in the eye and tell him exactly what he thinks.. Pete is a man not a child. He doesn't have to be afraid of another man when he is just speaking the truth..

He publically attacked the way a man conducts his livelihood in public. He wasn't objective or reasoned in the way he did it. He was inflammatory and rude. He knows the man he is attacking is here and would read it.

Whether he is speaking the truth or not is open to opinion.

The man he attacked said bite me. Good for Vic. He doesn't owe this attacker any other response on an internet board.

Some points.

1. Dumbest thread ever that's gone more than three pages.
2. Do people really care what the track announcer says, so long as they are accurate?

3. My main point here, I like that Vic said bite me. It shows he's not a stuffed shirt who's full of himself and more importantly, it shows he places himself on our level (the average fan here). I've seen too many racing personalities who consider themselves better than the rest of us and would simply dismiss someone as being beneath them (in knowledge, experience, etc.).

To me, race announcers are faceless people that I barely notice in the background.

I now have an appreciation for him that I otherwise wouldn't have.

I am pretty sure my comment wasn't an attack.

And let's be serious..there are FAR worse things being said on here compared to what I wrote. Get real.

On our level? I didn't know so many of us shat where we eat.

Thats fine. I am just stating that I do have "the balls" to back up what I say. Not sure what I have said in the past leads you to believe I wouldn't have the stones to say it to him in person.

Freddy knows me personally outside of here. Has hung out at the track with me. Take his word.

I am far from an internet tough guy...but again...have no problem facing anyone who wants to confront me about things I say.

This is about as wrong as a person could get. You obviously didnt read what I said or have a problem with comprehending what I wrote.

Good points. We need more threads about Salvatore wearing one contact lense. Brilliant stuff you wrote about. Keep up the good work.

1. Confict of interest:
Bullyhockey.

As Gander stated that is not going to change the outcome of the race. If you are listening to races for the call, well, turn the volume off. National TV never lets Troy Aikman do Cowboy games? Even though he is still intimately associated with the team... cmon.

2. Representative of racing, needs to be more responsible:
Bullhockey.

There are many others on this board, who also represent racing in varying degrees, that have made comments or put up pictures that might also be considered inappropriate and/or involve personal conflict. So all the representatives of racing are clearly not treated equally. And there are posters on here that absolutely delight in denigrating posters who have jobs that are well known while they can remain anonymous. This is pure and simple yellow chicken residue.


The only thing that is obvious is that people love pricking the guy because he will respond. I question the very first post that started the whole thing. There was little, to absolutely nothing wrong with the call.

Yes, I think the following is inflammatory and rude, not objective or reasoned. Here's what I would call the "objective and reasoned" parts:

"What was by far the most biased call of a race occurred in the 6th tonight at Hollywood. I think Hollywood Park really needs to sit down with Vic S and say "either you are a jockey agent or our announcer....not both".

In the 6th race Approaching the far turn Ellie L (5 horse), ridden by Rosario was beginning to make a move, from that point on all Stauffer did was mention the 5 horse . You would have thought the horse was a 1-5 shot....not a 9-2 shot. But because it was his guy's horse, Stauffer went on and on as the horse moved. It's amazing in a big field that he would do something like that. Especially with a horse who was not going to win (as it turned out the horse on the lead jumped into the rail...so the 5 did get up).

It's really an embarassment to Hollywood Park that they would have a guy who is so biased towards his jock's mounts call the races there. Tonight's pandering to his guy's horse was beyond ridiculous. I guess because Hollywood is on it's way out they really don't care. Hopefully whatever track picks up the dates has an announcer who isn't also a jock's agent.

This has been a very interesting thread. I side with Vic for numerous reasons, mainly i don't think he did anything wrong in the call, he reported what happened. second of all, if some anonymous guy on an internet board who you don't know criticises your work, it's tough to take them serious, because you don't know them, their background, or anything about them.

Also, i've never heard Vic once say Joel's name in a racecall or give him props in the call, whereas countless times i've heard him say "a brilliant ride by David Flores, or smokin Joe, or anyone else"

I guess I just don't understand anyone calling for someone's job and how they make a living on an internet fan forum. I can't see how that is anyone's business. You can disagree with what he did, thats fine, but as a previous poster illuminated, the original post was not exactly asking for a dignified response. That poster called for Vics job or jobs, talked about how he was going to lose his job cause HP is possibly closing, then said how they shouldn't hire him if someone else get's the dates and he's still an agent.

Vic's forgotten more about announcing than I know thats for sure, but his calls have remained totally professional, informative, and entertaining in my opinion.

I"m very thankful that i announce at a track "where nobody is listening" as you said, so i don't have to worry about people calling my job into question if i do something they don't deem appropriate.

1. Its definitely a conflict of interest. I remember reading when Vic took over the kids book I thought "wonder who is going to call the races".

Imagine this scenario, there is some minor brushing in a stake race, say its for 500k, and Rosario is the one getting brushed. I can imagine the hyperbole that could come into play on the call, which I hate when announcers do that (Durkin is the absolute worst), I have no idea if it influences the stewards but it always seemed to me like it might.

I remember one time TVG had VS on the line right before the race and he said he did bet someone (the comment was "well lets see if you can tell from the call who I bet on"), which took me as a surprise because I think there is a definite conflict of betting on a race you are calling for the track.

Call me crazy, but if there is a huge conflict of interest when someone has two jobs, don't you think it should be addressed, and if not fixed be dealt with ? I guess it would be ok if ESPN hired Mark Cuban to call NBA games. Could you imagine him calling Mavs games? The network wouldn't put up with it.

You guys make it seem like I am calling for his head. I am not doin that. I am saying IF he can't call an unbiased race then he shouldn't be calling races where Rosario rides. If he can then fine..keep calling. He apparently has been questioned before so I am not some lunatic making insane claims.

As far as him not listening to my criticism because he doesnt know me? Thats is ridiculous. According to your logic people should only take criticism from people they are friends with or know personally? That's a bit much.

It's a good thing that Stauffer doesn't do what Durkin does when horses get cut off/brush. He really goes overboard at times. If Stauffer did, he wouldn't be announcing at HP....that or he woudn't be a jocks agent also.

One race call on a Friday night. The post called me ridiculous, biased, embarrassing and a panderer. I had some fun and said BITE ME and "I" need to loosen up? Pleasssse!

Which do you want? A regular guy who hangs and talks racing amongst friends on the internet. Or an INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL whatever the hell that means that give you a bunch of stock answers and nothing else?

I can't take critizisim. Really? I've been on this and other boards for many years now and never once backed away from anything said. EVER.

I have made a concerted effort, as requested by my bosses at Hollywood Park, to not promote Rosario in my race calls. I feel I've done that very well. So much so that I've been emplored by many fans and horseman to not underplay Joel's accomplishments. I resisted and will continue to do so.

As for an "obvious" conflict of interest please explain that to me? What advantage do I have over the other agents and riders because I'm the announcer? Many many people on the racetracks have two jobs. I'm just lucky enough to have two great ones. But make no mistake I work my ass off to try to excell an both. Stone you're free to pick up a pair of binoculars or a condition book anytime you want and give it a go. The alarm rings at 4:45.

As for Hollywood Park sitting down and talking to me. I have the blessings of Eual Wyatt and Jack Liebau to do both jobs. They feel my calls and work are good enough to be worthy of calling the amazing racing we have here. Rest assured that as long as HP runs the races I will be the announcer.

Steve. As for you. Try getting off your high horse. I've always acted like a true professional on this site and on the times you've asked me to guest on your radio show. I have NEVER taken myself too seriously. You might want to consider the same. Last time I checked this game is supposed to be fun. Right?

In closing. Thanks for all the support. To you naysayers.................well you know what's coming. El BITO EL MEO:)

Vic,

Reading it once was good enough...my third grade education got it the first time.

Yeah, I'm glad your priorities are straight. A race caller getting excited about a jockey he represents is of much bigger concern than a friend doing something stupid to himself that might cause damage to his vision.

You are now the official paragon of virtue for DT!

1. There are many announcers on National Television that have conflicts of interest. Phil Simms, Troy Aikman (as already mentioned)... the list is quite long.

2. It was not biased any more or less than any other race I saw that night.
I really dont see/hear this at all.

You obviously cant take criticism Vic. If so you would have addressed my post before this got out of hand. Only after reading all of this do you backtrack. Byk isn't on some high horse. He like others thought your reply to me was unprofessional for a guy in your spot. You can't tell me that you don't have an interest in Rosario winning every race and there is no conflict on interest. Obviously you get a bit more excited when he does win (which makes sense since him winning puts money in your pocket), and AT TIMES it comes out in your calls. that my friend is a conflict of interest.

I am not ripping what it takes to be an announcer....not sure why you went down that path. In all honesty I know I damn well couldn't memorize 14 names in 20 minutes and then call races. My hat goes off to you ...it seems far from easy.

What it comes down to Vic, if you can't handle criticism then dont post on a public board.

If you think that Is DrugS main problem then either you aren't a true friend or don't pay enough attention to him. My man Douglas has worse issues.

Last time I checked this was a horse racing board. Post your concerns about Doug's issues on contactlense.com.

I can't believe you guys are going on for this long about some crappy maiden claimer. I thought the call was good, who cares who was riding the horse that made the big move.

Enough of this childish bullsh1t.

Phil nobody is putting a gun to your head and forcing you to read it man.

I didn't reply to this post as fast as you'd like because I called the races last night at Hollywood Park until 11:00pm. Went to sleep at 12:30. Was up at 5:00am to accompany Joel to his first worker at Mike Mitchell's barn at 6:15. Joel worked six this morning while you were sitting in your jammies and sipping bosco. I'm home now for a few minutes before I go back and call the races which begin at 1:00.

Don't be such a weenie!

there are "conflicts of interest" in announcing all the times in many sports. Bob Griese calling his son in the rose bowl, former players announcing for their old teams, Ron Ellis announcing on TVG and countless others. , many announcers have owned horses they've called, i think Tony Calo owned 62 lincoln in the bay area and called him, you think he wasn't rooting for him? Darren Tyquin (RIP) owned part of a horse that won its debut in a race he called, and he acknowledged it in the call. obviously an owner has a much bigger financial investment for a win than an agent.

most announcers have rooting interests in almost every race. many tracks ask us to do the picks in the programs, you think we don't root for our picks? most of us are good friends with many of the jockeys and trainers, you think we don't root for our buddies??

It's human nature to have rooting interests in events, and I feel Vic has been very professional in how he's performed while being Joel's agent.

And to the earlier poster, i've never met a steward that cared what an announcer says. most of them are in enclosed rooms and can't hear us anyways.

As a fan of your race calling I am sorry we won't be hearing you call races in the future. Good Luck in your new career! As for Mr.Wyatt and Mr. Liebau blessings, I am assuming they are more concerned with their future employ then they are managing the demise of HP. Joel Rosario future looks bright, for your sake I hope you are a part of it.

Nobody Fcuks with Byk more then I. One thing we know and that is Byk is extremely well liked by most in the industry. Perhaps you could model your behavior closer to his and things might work out a bit smoother for you. As you are well aware your race calling talent hasn't always been able to overcome some of your other issues.. And remember it wasn't that long ago that waking up as Vic Stauffer in the morning at 4:45am was quite a bit more difficult then it is today.

Nobody is putting a gun to your head to listen to the calls or make unnecessary accusations, either.

Stop cheering for your boy during races Vic and I will stop being a weenie. Keep it inside and try and be unbiased. You can do it.

It's not about influencing a race. I never said he did. I am sure you guys bet races and inside root for certain horses. That's fine. But there is no need for this to come out when calling a race. Vic does it from time to time...and last night was ridiculous.

You are right...I should use the mute button. But because I have an opinion about his call last night doesn't make it unnecessary. If that's the case then why have a board for people to speak their minds ?

Bro we get it. Give it a f***ing break already.

I would have made the exact same call had Rosario not been on that horse.

Because this forum isn't supposed to be for complaining about the minutia of a call of a meet you said yourself you don't even bet. It just brings down the whole place.

Luke was great friends with Chuck and always made an excited call when one of his horses won. Was he not supposed to do that??? The whole premise of this thread is ridiculous.

Luke worked for Chuck?

;)

Since there are two threads on this conflict that may exist:

You dont think Vic could go out of his way to make other riders in race decisions sound more poor then they might be, thus in net effect helping his client out?

Being and LSU homer, you know I love the Belle reference......Joey, Joey, Joey, Joey!

Losing a job in today's economy
in an industry that is suffering
deserves a good jolly ribbing.

Bro....post something of substance and I will.

We will have to agree to disagree.

Phil , in all seriousness quit your whining. If you don't like it then don't participate/read this thread. Guys post cr#p all the time that I have no interest in reading...that being said I just ignore it.