Another football season has come and is very soon to go. With that being said, I have a very precise, thoughtful, and clear message to the bandwagon fans out there and I truly hope that those reading will take something away from the things that are fixing to be said.
To the bandwagon fan,
Stop yourself before you yell something very negative about a specific player, fan, coach, etc. for two reasons: The first reason being that you are not on the field, and you are not wearing a headset, so please kindly sit down. That player or coach is doing his or her very best to display a positive outcome for the team as a whole. The second reason being that you have absolutely no idea what relative or friend might be sitting next to you and could be specifically close with that player or coach you’re yelling at and I would be willing to bet that they would not appreciate hearing something disrespectful. Moving on, do not convince yourself that you know exactly what you are talking about in regards to the sport or the team as a unit. Apply for the position or play for the team if you feel this way. If not, then kindly sit down and say nothing but encouraging things. If you knew what was best you would be wearing a headset. If you thought you could do the things that these athletes do, you would be wearing a jersey. Again, kindly sit down and say nothing but encouraging things.
My next topic: social media. How can I say this nicely?...THINK before you POST. It is that simple. Your caption or picture that you think is clever and funny, could be hurtful to a family member, team member, or member of a coaching staff that could see it. Do not be ignorant and think that these people do not see or hear about what happened at the game...they were there. Your caption is not funny and it is not necessary. Kindly sit down and post nothing but encouraging things.
My final piece of advice is for all of us. Remember the reason as to why you are sitting in that particular stadium. Keep in mind that the constant hours and preparation that go into just a short game are immense and intense. Be passionate about who you are cheering for and remember to put yourself in someone else’s shoes before you yell something repulsive, post something hurtful on social media, or do something disrespectful to the fan of another team. I am very confident that we are capable of showing pride in our sport’s teams without acting obnoxious or rude to the fans, coaching staff, and players of an opposing team and surely not our own. Of course, jokes are thrown during a rivalry in the fun of the game but choose between poking fun and just plain discourteous. There is indeed a difference. As I prepare to cheer on my sports team for the rest of this season, I am also challenging myself to say things that are kind during those thrilling games, but also, I am incredibly proud to attend my university as well as rally behind the men and women in red and black. I hope you know to which team I am referring, but in case you do not…GO DAWGS!