2008 Woodie Awards
Commentary: Dear Sports Fans...
Frankie Guros
Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Sports
Dear NCAA,
There is a poster in the locker room at my university that reads, "Be Loud. Be Proud. Be Positive." The slogan is sponsored by your organization and is apparently intended to encourage fans to be boisterous, but to refrain from directing their excitement at the other team.
I want to rip that poster off the wall every time I see it.
College athletes are adults. After they are done jumping hurdles or kicking goals they move on to the real world. And everyone in this real world is not going to say something positive or turn the other cheek when you screw up.
When a football player drops a pass, I yell, "Oh, nice catch!" in a sarcastic tone. When a basketball player gets blocked, I scream, "Oh, man! You got stuffed!"
If an athlete can't handle some friendly feedback from me, the rowdy fan, how are they going to react when their boss yells at them?
Great athletes and successful people alike deal with criticism and use it to their advantage to better themselves. When the point guard that I have been ripping on all game makes a big three-pointer to give their team the lead, I know I've been beaten.
If we don't put athletes through any experiences that push them a little bit, that force them to deal with adversity, then we're shortchanging them.
I will point out that my hazing is in good taste. I draw the line at racist, sexists, vulgar or demeaning comments. It's obvious those words don't belong anywhere.
But I'll never say no to telling an athlete they are having a terrible game - especially if it's true.
Furthermore, as loud as I will yell when the other team messes up, my cheers will be twice as booming when my squad scores.
NCAA, when you insist that every word coming out of the fans' mouths are complimentary, you are contributing to a society of weak individuals. Student-athletes use their experiences in dealing with adversity to help them succeed in life.
I'd take the poster down, but I know there are thousands more.
Change your slogan and stop telling us to treat collegiate athletes like children.
Sincerely,
Old-School Attitude
There is a poster in the locker room at my university that reads, "Be Loud. Be Proud. Be Positive." The slogan is sponsored by your organization and is apparently intended to encourage fans to be boisterous, but to refrain from directing their excitement at the other team.
I want to rip that poster off the wall every time I see it.
College athletes are adults. After they are done jumping hurdles or kicking goals they move on to the real world. And everyone in this real world is not going to say something positive or turn the other cheek when you screw up.
When a football player drops a pass, I yell, "Oh, nice catch!" in a sarcastic tone. When a basketball player gets blocked, I scream, "Oh, man! You got stuffed!"
If an athlete can't handle some friendly feedback from me, the rowdy fan, how are they going to react when their boss yells at them?
Great athletes and successful people alike deal with criticism and use it to their advantage to better themselves. When the point guard that I have been ripping on all game makes a big three-pointer to give their team the lead, I know I've been beaten.
If we don't put athletes through any experiences that push them a little bit, that force them to deal with adversity, then we're shortchanging them.
I will point out that my hazing is in good taste. I draw the line at racist, sexists, vulgar or demeaning comments. It's obvious those words don't belong anywhere.
But I'll never say no to telling an athlete they are having a terrible game - especially if it's true.
Furthermore, as loud as I will yell when the other team messes up, my cheers will be twice as booming when my squad scores.
NCAA, when you insist that every word coming out of the fans' mouths are complimentary, you are contributing to a society of weak individuals. Student-athletes use their experiences in dealing with adversity to help them succeed in life.
I'd take the poster down, but I know there are thousands more.
Change your slogan and stop telling us to treat collegiate athletes like children.
Sincerely,
Old-School Attitude
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