Cimmerian Nights
So Old I'm Losing Radiation Signs
I recognize how negative fans' backbiting can adversely effect a team. And I see the foolishness of people who alternately slag guys like Donovan and Eli one minute and then praise them the next. I actually get some sick delight out of watching other teams implode such. Schadenfreude.
But I really don't see a systemic effort on the part of ownership to promote some kind of asshole agenda. Where do you see this? And why does this attitude not extend south of the Mason-Dixon? Can the Packers not be called assholes for the Favre departure? How about Denver and Cutler?
Teams exist to make money and win games. They have to make tough decisions under the microscope of the ever more ubiquitous sports media. It's a hyper-competitive field where merit and money rules. If you want to succeed you have to play by those rules.
What I find more and more frustrating is with more media they need to practically overblow and magnify little things to create drama and controversy for ratings. The draft is a perfect example. The other, and it happens sooner and sooner, is when they starting crowning or burying teams like 3 weeks into the season.
Again put yourself in a Jets fan's shoes. Now button up that top button so we don't need to see your gold chains you spacone. Seriously, if you've been a Jets fan over the past 15-20 years, you'd almost have to be irrational to not think negatively. It's a self perpetuating cycle sure, but the failure has more to do with inept ownership, management and coaching than it does destructive fans.
Pittsburg fans are probably a pretty satisfied lot. Miami fans - who cares about football when you live in Miami? I think there's a huge correlation between a franchises' success and the negativity of their fanbase.
When the ball is snapped, the adrenaline is flowing, and you've got tunnel vision, the crowd's support is irrelevant. These guys have been going through the motions all their lives, come game time, it's all instinct, reaction, training, execution. And toughness. I'm sure they appreciate "emotional support" but I'm highly dubious of it's actual effect on their performance.
The only cases where I really have sympathy is Bill Buckner in Boston, and that poor kid Bartman in Chicago. Buckner was finally let off the hook. But that poor Bartman kid should not have to bear that cross.
Hey at least we don't kill each other like soccer fans though.
edit:
Let's give the last word on the asshole topic to Massachusetts' poster child for the angry sports fan.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QQNYWFdWRk[/youtube][/youtube]
But I really don't see a systemic effort on the part of ownership to promote some kind of asshole agenda. Where do you see this? And why does this attitude not extend south of the Mason-Dixon? Can the Packers not be called assholes for the Favre departure? How about Denver and Cutler?
Teams exist to make money and win games. They have to make tough decisions under the microscope of the ever more ubiquitous sports media. It's a hyper-competitive field where merit and money rules. If you want to succeed you have to play by those rules.
What I find more and more frustrating is with more media they need to practically overblow and magnify little things to create drama and controversy for ratings. The draft is a perfect example. The other, and it happens sooner and sooner, is when they starting crowning or burying teams like 3 weeks into the season.
Right, I'm saying it's all history.
Again put yourself in a Jets fan's shoes. Now button up that top button so we don't need to see your gold chains you spacone. Seriously, if you've been a Jets fan over the past 15-20 years, you'd almost have to be irrational to not think negatively. It's a self perpetuating cycle sure, but the failure has more to do with inept ownership, management and coaching than it does destructive fans.
Pittsburg fans are probably a pretty satisfied lot. Miami fans - who cares about football when you live in Miami? I think there's a huge correlation between a franchises' success and the negativity of their fanbase.
No, I meant how do emotionally supportive fans facilitate you the player when James Harrison suplexes you on your head. I think you're overrating emotional support. I cheer for my team, I get superstitious and wear particular things on game day during streaks, hell I've even prayed during games. It doesn't make a difference, it just satisfies some kind of OCD we as fans have with these little rituals we go through (coincidence that NFL day is Sunday?). Do people really paint their faces/chests and brave the snow because they think it will help their team? That's nuts. No, they are caught up in the excitement and want to be a part of it.
When the ball is snapped, the adrenaline is flowing, and you've got tunnel vision, the crowd's support is irrelevant. These guys have been going through the motions all their lives, come game time, it's all instinct, reaction, training, execution. And toughness. I'm sure they appreciate "emotional support" but I'm highly dubious of it's actual effect on their performance.
That sword cuts both ways though. I mean, there's quite a few perks to being a pro athlete too.
The only cases where I really have sympathy is Bill Buckner in Boston, and that poor kid Bartman in Chicago. Buckner was finally let off the hook. But that poor Bartman kid should not have to bear that cross.
Hey at least we don't kill each other like soccer fans though.
edit:
Let's give the last word on the asshole topic to Massachusetts' poster child for the angry sports fan.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QQNYWFdWRk[/youtube][/youtube]
