| FTBL The slow death of SEC Sportsmaship

[Guest]

Big_Fan vented about the display of hatred between SEC schools, except us of course (*cough* throwing cups). BF is right, and I don't remember it being that way decades ago.

It is a shame that THE "Southern" Hospitality region can not figure out how to be passionate while being classy at the same time.

The SEC, more so than any other conference buys into the conference identity, as witnessed by chants of "SEC-SEC" at inter-conference games and bowl games. This could be used for good.

I wish the member institutions would unit in a campaign for sportsmanship. Not just to air a commercial urging sportsmanship, but to seize Passion & Sportsmanship as THE SEC identity. Make it a point of pride when it happens, and a point of shame when it does not. I am not opposed to fining the member institutions for episodes of mass unsportsman-like behavior, like our cup throwing.

If they can fine the schools for fans flooding the field, they should be able to do the same thing for unsportsman-like conduct, IF the member school buy in.

We do not need to aspire to be the southern version of the Black Hole of Oakland, or the Dog Pounds of Cleveland. We need to be, AND CAN BE, the example of how it is done.

 

[ORANGEADDICT]

WELL SAID SIR ;sal ;w;w

 

[shipley00]

Big_Fan vented about the display of hatred between SEC schools, except us of course (*cough* throwing cups). BF is right, and I don't remember it being that way decades ago.

It is a shame that THE "Southern" Hospitality region can not figure out how to be passionate while being classy at the same time.

The SEC, more so than any other conference buys into the conference identity, as witnessed by chants of "SEC-SEC" at inter-conference games and bowl games. This could be used for good.

I wish the member institutions would unit in a campaign for sportsmanship. Not just to air a commercial urging sportsmanship, but to seize Passion & Sportsmanship as THE SEC identity. Make it a point of pride when it happens, and a point of shame when it does not. I am not opposed to fining the member institutions for episodes of mass unsportsman-like behavior, like our cup throwing.

If they can fine the schools for fans flooding the field, they should be able to do the same thing for unsportsman-like conduct, IF the member school buy in.

We do not need to aspire to be the southern version of the Black Hole of Oakland, or the Dog Pounds of Cleveland. We need to be, AND CAN BE, the example of how it is done.

As far as it happening decades ago, I've witnessed many such incedents. A 1993 home game loss versus LSU, I had LSU fans throw beer on exiting fans, myself included. Fond memories of my dad restraining me from running up the bleachers.

In 1992 (before the hatred insued) I went with a friend to a UT home game versus Vandy. I wasn't sporting Crimson gear, but they pelted my friends ride (who was a UT fan) with oranges because he had a state of Alabama license plate.

I think it's always been there, but the internet has changed the media. 100 times as much information is available to 100 times more people than just 8 years ago. Did anyone even know what the term BLOG was 5 years ago? No doubt kids are being raised with less respect, less manners, and less values. It is worse today, but not by as much as you might think.

 

[Guest]

The sad thing about all this is that the players don't get into it. They may trash talk each other a little during the game but you see them almost arm in arm post game. It baffles me why the athletes who have been pounding on each other for the entire game can handle it but the folks in the stands can't. Perhaps the era of wall to wall sports on ESPN and the easy access to internet forums that puts such as an unhealthy focus on these games. After all, if you really love your team, you can go to your favorite forum and post something really disgusting about your opponent, and suffer no consequences because of the anonymity it provides. You can scream invectives at the opponents and their fans from the middle of yoor section and not be accountable. You can even throw things towrds the filed or other teams players and have some chance of not getting caught. Perhaps alcohol has a lot to do with the unruly behavior at game days, but alcohol and football have been mixing for many years before all this started. Maybe the biggest culprit is TV and the favorable attention that groups like the "dog pound" get, that encourages imitation.

 

[Guest]

Other than Rammer Jammer I usually steer clear of taunting & definitely steer clear of throwing items & booing. After living through the past decade or so and all the tough losses I can guarantee I won't be so restrained when we beat Auburn. :wink: I'm not saying it will be this year. I'm just saying when it does happen.

I was brought up on Coach Bryant's philosophy of acting like you'd been there before. I usually adhere to this even after personal verbal attacks against me and things stolen off my car, things thrown at me, etc... I keep my mouth shut yet these things still happen.

In my ideal world I wish every Alabama fan would keep quiet until after each game then turn around with a big smile after a big win (with a Rammer Jammer thrown in as well ). I know my ideal world won't exist and maybe shouldn't.

Anyway, I feel our fans set the standard, yet maybe other fans would disagree. I'm not an SEC fan and won't be an SEC fan anytime soon. I'm an Alabama fan and if it helps my team to cheer for another SEC team I'll do it. Otherwise I'm neutral in that regard. With what we've been through lately and all the things said/done to Alabama during that time I doubt many of our fans will be buying into your idea, but maybe it's just me. After all our fans sure were yelling SEC loudly at the Clemson game.

 

[RollTideinGA]

I think it's always been there, but the internet has changed the media. 100 times as much information is available to 100 times more people than just 8 years ago. Did anyone even know what the term BLOG was 5 years ago? No doubt kids are being raised with less respect, less manners, and less values. It is worse today, but not by as much as you might think.

You nailed it right there. People have more access to info. Then you have fans talking trash online. Saying things they would never say to another person face to face.

Plus it has become a society of chest beating, I am greater than thou! :roll:

 

[Guest]

Big_Fan vented about the display of hatred between SEC schools, except us of course (*cough* throwing cups). BF is right, and I don't remember it being that way decades ago.

It is a shame that THE "Southern" Hospitality region can not figure out how to be passionate while being classy at the same time.

The SEC, more so than any other conference buys into the conference identity, as witnessed by chants of "SEC-SEC" at inter-conference games and bowl games. This could be used for good.

I wish the member institutions would unit in a campaign for sportsmanship. Not just to air a commercial urging sportsmanship, but to seize Passion & Sportsmanship as THE SEC identity. Make it a point of pride when it happens, and a point of shame when it does not. I am not opposed to fining the member institutions for episodes of mass unsportsman-like behavior, like our cup throwing.

If they can fine the schools for fans flooding the field, they should be able to do the same thing for unsportsman-like conduct, IF the member school buy in.

We do not need to aspire to be the southern version of the Black Hole of Oakland, or the Dog Pounds of Cleveland. We need to be, AND CAN BE, the example of how it is done.

well said

 

[Guest]

The internet is a tough place :lol: . Land of the keyboard commandos. 'Survival of the fittest' to the delusional no-lifers. :roll:

 

[Guest]

I wonder if Saban will no longer allow Cochran to talk on the practice field. :shock: :wink:

 

[shipley00]

I wonder if Saban will no longer allow Cochran to talk on the practice field. :shock: :wink:

Or... how long before he hires a media assistant to personally approve all practice video.

 

[Guest]

The whole thing is becoming Roman.

(pre christian ROMA)

I'm not sure thats bad. If player talent or general standards go up or improve? (no crime or arrests should be allowed) then I approve. I believe West Points return to the game (a real return) would also be terrific! Yes I realize it would be difficult for ARMY to really field a team but Id love it!

 

[Guest]

I think it's always been there, but the internet has changed the media. 100 times as much information is available to 100 times more people than just 8 years ago. Did anyone even know what the term BLOG was 5 years ago? No doubt kids are being raised with less respect, less manners, and less values. It is worse today, but not by as much as you might think.

You nailed it right there. People have more access to info. Then you have fans talking trash online. Saying things they would never say to another person face to face.

Plus it has become a society of chest beating, I am greater than thou! :roll:

I would concede this point except that the players are products of the same society that kids these day are, and yet after the game be see players meeting at center field for handshakes, pleasantries, and group prayer while the fans are cursing and spitting at each other, throwing things, keying cars with the wrong bumper sticker, and generally misrepresenting what the teams and universities strive to be.

If a testosterone filled beast of a lineman can physically beat on another man for three hours then turn and show that he is a gentleman, so can you and I. If I can, my son will too as long as he under my roof. If my 11 year old can (and he does) then there is no reason or excuse for grown people to not be able to do the same thing.

THIS, in my opinion, is the biggest shame in the SEC.

 

[ugamtnbiker]

LBS, you make excellent points about sportsmanship. I wish the universities and the campus police were more active in getting the behavior before, during and after games under control. There is something about rivals that brings out the worst in fans. I had friends go to the Arizona State game and said there fans were fantastic.

 

[djngl1]

Slow down a second

first off, most of these "events" are isolated. The LAST thing we need is the university getting any more involved than they already are. They are killing the gameday experience. If people dont wanna be around drunks or crazy people, they should stay home. The fact of the matter is, once you leave your home you cant control the enviroment you enter. No one should ever attempt to bring physical harm on another. Throwing things should wind you up in jail because of the danger it entails. But all this talk about being classy, come on. Class is overated. You should be able to pick at other fans, its all in good fun. We had the worst time in ages at South Carolina a few years back simply because they were nice to us and boring.

 

[Guest]

Re: Slow down a second

first off, most of these "events" are isolated. The LAST thing we need is the university getting any more involved than they already are. They are killing the gameday experience. If people dont wanna be around drunks or crazy people, they should stay home. The fact of the matter is, once you leave your home you cant control the enviroment you enter. No one should ever attempt to bring physical harm on another. Throwing things should wind you up in jail because of the danger it entails. But all this talk about being classy, come on. Class is overated. You should be able to pick at other fans, its all in good fun. We had the worst time in ages at South Carolina a few years back simply because they were nice to us and boring.

I could not disagree more with most of what you have written.

Games are a university even and they are the first people who should be involved because they are the first party to be held accountable.

Alcohol is not served at SEC games because drunks and crazy people are specifically NOT wanted. They are the ones who should stay at home, after all its not a bar. Frankly if your view is that I must stay in my home while drunken, rude, and illegal behavior run wild, I don't want to live in your kind of world.

The Fact of the matter is NOT that once you leave your house behavior can not be controlled. If this were anywhere near the truth the guy with the biggest gun would be king. Instead, a church enjoys counting on peace in its service. Elementary schools do not have to deal with foul mouthed adults roaming the halls. Malls seldom see hoards of motorcycle gangs streaming through the food courts. Order is everywhere, and is expected.

I do agree with the no-harm line.

As for Classy, welcome to the University of Alabama. Showing class is a staple and was demanded of it players long before you and I soiled our first diaper. This is why is it such a shame that that Sportsmanship is withering.

Is there anyone else out there who will give me an Amen?

 

[ugamtnbiker]

Re: Slow down a second

first off, most of these "events" are isolated. The LAST thing we need is the university getting any more involved than they already are. They are killing the gameday experience. If people dont wanna be around drunks or crazy people, they should stay home. The fact of the matter is, once you leave your home you cant control the enviroment you enter. No one should ever attempt to bring physical harm on another. Throwing things should wind you up in jail because of the danger it entails. But all this talk about being classy, come on. Class is overated. You should be able to pick at other fans, its all in good fun. We had the worst time in ages at South Carolina a few years back simply because they were nice to us and boring.

I could not disagree more with most of what you have written.

Games are a university even and they are the first people who should be involved because they are the first party to be held accountable.

Alcohol is not served at SEC games because drunks and crazy people are specifically NOT wanted. They are the ones who should stay at home, after all its not a bar. Frankly if your view is that I must stay in my home while drunken, rude, and illegal behavior run wild, I don't want to live in your kind of world.

The Fact of the matter is NOT that once you leave your house behavior can not be controlled. If this were anywhere near the truth the guy with the biggest gun would be king. Instead, a church enjoys counting on peace in its service. Elementary schools do not have to deal with foul mouthed adults roaming the halls. Malls seldom see hoards of motorcycle gangs streaming through the food courts. Order is everywhere, and is expected.

I do agree with the no-harm line.

As for Classy, welcome to the University of Alabama. Showing class is a staple and was demanded of it players long before you and I soiled our first diaper. This is why is it such a shame that that Sportsmanship is withering.

Is there anyone else out there who will give me an Amen?

Well said, take personal responsibility for your behaviour. Set good examples for yourself, family and friends.