To Boo Or Not to Boo

Ok, so now I have read two articles about horrible Rutgers fans cheering an injured Navy player as well as hurling insults at Navy players, and as you might imagine, I have some thoughts on the matter (although the list of things I don't have a thought on is a much shorter list). First of all, it is inexcusable to cheer for an injured player, regardless of team affiliation. And I see the point about harassing Navy cadets and family members with profanity and jeers. Yes, this shows little class and embarrasses the football program, the university, and as I have read, the state of New Jersey, and humans in general as one recruiter for the Navy said in the opinion piece of Mark D.'s column on NJ.com However, let's keep this in perspective. A few fans, or even half a section does not represent all of Rutgers fans. In the course of a football game, people tend to cheer for big hits, fumbles, and other miscues of the opposing team. While cheering for injuries is clearly over the line, one must understand that football in general, and football fandom in particular is not meant to be a refined activity of nobles. People are passionate and rabid and I think it is easy to be confusing excitement of a game with anti-American taunting of Naval cadets. Did that happen in the stands during the Navy game? I have no doubt. Was it insensitive? Yes. BUT, it is not fair to condemn all of Rutgers football fans for the actions of others, nor does it make sense to pin that behavior on New Jersey in general. Are we supposed to now sit on our hands when Navy throws an interception because it is insensitive to make them feel bad because they are in the military? Are we supposed to forfeit our game with Army because it is disrespectful do defeat the young men headed for military duty and defending our country? That's where I feel these columns are headed. If someone wants to highlight the atrocious actions of SOME of the fans at the Rutgers-Navy game and point out how deplorable it is, go ahead, I am upset it happened as well. But be mindful of casting the guilty net over all of Rutgers football or over the entire state of New Jersey., We are proud of our team and respectful of our opponents (even Temple).

On another note, what's wrong with chanting A__hole when a ref is talking? isn't that standard in every NFL stadium? And maybe those fans should get a little leeway because they don't how to act when their team is whomping other teams. Remember, it is a steep learning curve going from perennial doormat to top 25 team. These kids are learning how to cheer and be cocky, and of course there are going to be some missteps along the way. And while i am not a fraternity person, that is an easy cheap shot to instantly accuse the people in the story as beer swilling frat boys. Please, some guys I went to college with could drink entire Fraternities under the table by themselves. So go Lamda Pie Omega yourself, calm down, and go pledge to be a more informed web opinion giver Mark D.

Looking forward to Norfolk State, learning all about them, and revealing some things you might not know...but that is another rant.

Go RU!