Fans turning on each other just another step backwards

This is an interesting story Zorro worked up yesterday about the zany New York Jets fan – the one in the fireman’s hat who led the cheer “J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets – deciding to give it up.

Interesting and quite telling, if you ask me.

The guy’s not quitting because the Jets are terrible, although that might be a good reason in and of itself, but he’s going to give up the gig because he can’t the treatment he’s getting from other fans.

He says he’s now harassed in the stadium and the parking lot and on the street. And for what? For doing something he thought was fun?

We’ve long gone past the point where civility was the norm, now it’s welcome but in far too many cases unexpected, and this is just another case of anonymous others disrupting the fun of one for no reason than to show that they can.

Look, I have no problem with healthy discussion and different viewpoints and even a little bit of respectful fun among fans as long as it doesn’t cross the line into the mean-spirited.

But I don’t know what it is that makes people feel some empowered that they can take shots – verbal or otherwise – that are cutting, intentionally hurtful and, well, cheap.

Booze? The societal norms they live under? Am empowerment that comes from knowing they can flee a confrontation any time they want? A chance to simply goad someone into something they’d regret?

This guy was making a point and having fun and I’m sure he took a lot of good-natured ribbing over the years. But, believe me -- and I know from somewhat personal experience – people go too far because they have little respect for other points of view or actions.

They think because a guy’s out there – and you couldn’t go to a Jets game without seeing this guy and hearing him – that they can be attacked, verbally at least, by anyone in the parking lot or the stadium. Not true, those kind of fans will accept the fun made at their expense, but if gets to a point where a guy feels he has to stop doing something he’s done for almost ever, it’s crossed line.

Civility, it seems, is near dead and it sucks

We’re not going to put that genie back in the bottle where we treat each other with respect all the time, where we try to make valid points and try to understand the valid points, or actions of others but we need to try.

People need to simply act more grown up. And be more respectful.

It is to dream, I fear.

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List time:

Without doing too much research or even thinking all that much about it (yes, it was some idle time watching Knicks-Nets in the hotel last night) was thinking of top movies about or done around Houston.

The short list:

Friday Night Lights

Maybe a better TV series than movie, though.

Apollo 13

Who hasn’t said, in some variation, “Houston, we have a problem?”

Tin Cup

A bit of a stretch but it was West Texas, right?

Terms of Endearment

Yeah, a tear-jerker, don't tell anyone, okay?

And, a favourite …

Urban Cowboy

Mostly for the music, as I recall. Bob Seger? Yeah, I’m okay with that.

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So I hear the Grey Cup TV numbers were off the charts, maxing out at about 5.9 million and that’s pretty darn good.

But before we go all “yes, Canada is a football country” I think we need to recognize it for what it is:

Canada, and every country really, is an “event” country when it comes to TV and even attendance. We like the big show on the big stage with the big buildup. It’s why we watch the Grey Cup and the Super Bowl and every other one-off event we can. We see and read all week about how big a thing will be and then tune in to see if it unfolds as the experts suggest.

Toss in some cross-over appeal thanks to the elongated halftime show and extended pre-game event and you’re going to get big numbers.

It was a great one-off event, let’s not make it anything more than that.

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I swear I looked up one time at the Knicks-Nets game last night and saw Jerry Stackhouse, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas and Rasheed Wallace on the court at the same time and they’re like a combined 2,000 years old, aren’t they?

And I can’t believe no one wrote to suggest the Raptors blew it by not taking them in the draft. Well done, Irregulars.

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Real life intersects on sports here in Houston and it’s going to be an emotional night, I’m sure.

If you hadn’t heard, Sasha McHale, the 23-year-old daughter of Rockets coach Kevin McHale, died on the weekend of complications from lupus, a disease that has cost me a few friends over the years.

There will be, I’m sure, tears and much emotion in the building and not limited to Rockets people since McHale hired Dwane Casey in Minnesota and coached Kyle Lowry here and was a colleague of Raptors PR guru Jim LaBumbard for years.

At some point, I hope when the mention of it is made on the broadcast that everyone watching takes a second to realize what they’re doing:

We are watching men play a game; it is a diversion and entertainment and sports.

It is not life and death or anything close to it and I’d hope that gives people some perspective. It will me.

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The thing to watch for tonight if you’re watching?

Kyle Lowry and how he handles a homecoming of sorts.

We’ve seen a little bit of ‘hero ball’ from Lowry, a propensity to try and do too much too individually and I wonder if the prospect of playing against his most recent old team might have him in that kind of mood.

I’m sure Dwane will speak to him about the need to just play his game, get others involved, and not try to dominate. Wonder if the message will get through.

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Comments

[Dan]

Hey Doug,

I've read your blog for years. Just thought it's about time I stopped in and said thanks for the daily diversion. Keep up the good work.

[Brad B]

HI Doug,

I understand the feeling of fans turning on each other, but I find it's even more exacerbated when that team is constantly losing. One only needs to look at what is happening with the TFC supporter groups for an example.

Actually, I guess that applies to just about every MLSE -onwed team. Even the media are getting in on it. ( http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/opinion/2012/11/5-reasons-why-raptors-gm-bryan-colangelo-should-be-fired.html )

Blogger's note: That's a parochial look at a bigger issue; but people will do what they want to do.

[Peter]

I think that we might have to give some credit to the lack of televised hockey when we mention the Grey Cup football ratings. There are a lot of Canadians who have been waiting for a good sporting event to sit down and watch with their friends.

[sam]

There's a saying in my business -"There's nothing like a foot of snow to sell some rubber boots" - A few wins by any sports teams can calm the fans nerve and make the world a happier place.

[Sharkey]

Just so sad to read that story. Sincerest condolences to Kevin McHale and his entire family.

Now, Doug, one thing on Fireman Ed: he is not a fan. This is a guy who has a publicist, and who offers himself to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and speaking engagements for a nominal fee. What kind of fan does that? This is a guy who's a real life internet troll, so to speak, and by writing these stories about him we're giving him exactly what he wants: publicity. That's all he really cares about, and I don't think we should feed that (by we I of course mean ESPN, who makes these things newsworthy). If we stop talking about these "super-fans" they will go away because they won't get the attention they crave. But that's just my opinion.

[Lorie]

Morning, Doug!
How about another film set in and actually filmed right there in Houston? Well the movie I'm thinking of was Ben Stiller's first directing gig, had a pretty impressive cast (catch the dude from Treme in this clip?) and a soundtrack that included U2, Lenny Kravitz and this catchy number by The Knack. Remember this one? OK. Everybody! Dance! http://youtu.be/SQVw58aDt3Y

[DaveB]

"Civility, it seems, is near dead and it sucks "

I think some of the comments you get on the IGBT that you have shared with us and the comments recently to Jose on Twitter confirms your statement. I wonder if the ability to be anonymous adds to this bullying because the people are protected by not giving real names.

Yesterday you mentioned Houston being spread out with four downtown areas. I have only driven through it and my impression was that it is very spread out. I assume the main downtown area is where the skyscrapers are very dense or is there more than one area like this?

Blogger's note: There are like 3 or 4; Westheimer is one, there's a big galleria mall and a couple of Marriotts, think there's stuff out by Baylor, which is further away and I'm "downtown" by the Toyota Center and convention centre and, I believe, the ballpark. About a $40 cab ride between any of them

[deaner]

Wow,

Take a read of most hoops websites today and everyone is buzzing about the potential of a Gasol for Calderon/Kleiza or Bargs move.The Toronto 649's do not need a 20 million dollar player on the decline. If we just go through the season with Jose, his $$ is off the books, which is far better than a 2nd round pick at the deadline or a player due insane amounts of money that make any difference in the win/loss columns.

Toronto should stay the course, possibly move Amir or Kleiza this year, see if they can somehow snag a first round pick and just keep re-building. This season is over already, so let the kids play. Get Ross, JV and even Acy on the floor more, it would be a boon to Casey as well to get so much work in with the kids during real in game situations, Let them learn and lose, they are going to lose anyway, so why not?? The vets have checked out already and only 14 games into the season. Ouch.

Cheers, here is hoping the 649's come back from out West with at least one win......just one. Realistically, not a chance.

On the bright side : We are NOT Washington. Period.

Blogger's note: "Vets have checked out?" Are you for real? My goodness gracious; your assumptions are shocking. Guess it comes from all the time you spend with them.

[David T (Ottawa)]

Well, the Raptors DID draft Marcus Camby....

Blogger's note: They did indeed :)

[Robbo]

Hi Doug,

I am going to play the contrarian on the Fireman Ed story. As you note, "People need to simply act more grown up. And be more respectful."

I have seen his "act" in person. It is tiresome and obnoxious. Is he not the one being the bore and to whom your advice would apply?

Blogger's note: No matter the level of "bore" I don't think people need to be treated so poorly they feel compelled to give up what they do

[Moshigh]

Terrible to loose anyone to any sickness, I was recently hospitalized but thankfully with good results, not a nice place to be. Sorry for Mchale family & friends

@ Deaner Im sorry I couldnt disagree more, Pau just has been fully healthy nor has that Lakers team fulled bonded. The season isnt over, getting a guy like Pau could change this teams fortune alot. Let JV watch from a real all star centre Gasol.

Gasol plays decent defense, rebounds and scores in the post!!!!

Toronto spends mid level money on guys who arent doing much (Klezia, fields although really hasnt had a fair chance as yet). Also Bargnani $10 mil and isnt helping team do better. Why not take a chance at it. Pau isnt Olajuwon at the end of his career. Pau still has a couple more years Im sure.

Im a Raptors faithful, Im tired of hearing about rebuild, redo or whatever new term it hasnt worked. Lets role the dice. Show guys like DeRozan you want to surrond them with Talent

One reason I dont like going to NFL footbal games way to much drinking and people acting like complete idots. Buffalo I had a good time, but Pittsburgh never again. All the swine, beef and beer consumed turns people nuts.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

I've been to a few NFL games and each time it was a booze-fuelled free for all--more so than any baseball, basketball or even CFL game I've ever attended. I don't know much about Fireman Ed (except that he's not a fireman) but I figure anyone who gets up and makes an obnoxious spectacle of himself at an NFL game is taking his life in his hands. Doesn't make it right or wrong--just what happens when fans start drinking at 8:00 in the morning and come into the stadium loaded for bear. Or phoney firemen.

Basketball-wise, I think we're going to be hearing way more of this in media circles:

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/opinion/2012/11/5-reasons-why-raptors-gm-bryan-colangelo-should-be-fired.html

Also, a recent Toronto Life article basically said BC was towards the end of his rope, too. I know the guy loves the city and desperately wants his team to win, but I'm wondering if its his philosophy that has been flawed. In my opinion, he needs to acknowledge that the Bargnani experiment hasn't worked. AB doesn't appear to be the kind of guy you build a team around--he doesn't seem to be a leader. Send him to a contender where he can be instant offence off the bench. I think he would thrive in a role like that--the Italian Glenn Rice.

I think moving Bargnani is one of the few ways BC can demonstrate a true change of direction for the team. And maybe save his job.

AG, Toronto

Blogger's note: The CBC thing is, frankly, embarrassing

[Steve]

"Deaner Im sorry I couldnt disagree more, Pau just has been fully healthy nor has that Lakers team fulled bonded."

That's actually exactly why I don't see the Lakers parting with him for a guy whose trade value has to be at its lowest given its start to the season regardless of what you bundle him up with.

Ultimately while 2-19 is a godawful performance for a "shooter" it was the coaches call to leave him out there and hope he could hit a big basket in OT and I can understand why he did. It's not like our other scorers were shooting the lights out:

Demar: 11-28
Jose: 3-14
Kyle: 6-16

The irony of course is that many fans were eviscerating Casey for the fact that Bargnani *didn't* get the ball in crunch time in the previous game.

Don't get me wrong, this start to the season is awful - and it's only going to get worse over the next couple of weeks - but I don't think a knee jerk reaction to trade Bargnani mid season is going to have a significant positive impact on the wins column given what I think we would realistically get back (as I opened with, I think the idea that we're somehow getting Pau out of a Bargnani deal right now is ridiculous).

[Rob.V]

That CBC article written by Andy Phillips is the absolute worst piece of garbage I have read in a while:
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First off: He writes like he's "a fan"... mistake number one!
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Low-ceiling players like Ed Davis and Ross?.
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How would this guy know what Terrence Ross' "ceiling" is at this point (let alone Ed Davis)???
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Colangelo has never been shy in moving players, but for whatever reason Calderon and Bargnani have remained immune.
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Um, except if you had been paying attention Andy you would have known that Jose has been virtually packaged up in deals about 34 times over the past two seasons that have failed. Pay attention!
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Lastly, Are the Raptors rebuilding or contending?
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What a stupid comment. Clearly they are not contending!. You must rebuild to contend which is exactly what they have tried to do over the past few seasons. You're not going to find many of the 30 teams that can attract a Bosh, Wade, and LBJ to come together over night. You build assets and make moves from there. The Raptors have assets, let's see what happens.
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Dude, do articles like this drive you crazy. The clown who wrote that is a joke! I feel as though I could have written just as bad a piece with no formal experience or training in the field of journalism. Oh, and I'm 1000% certain I would have been more entertaining.
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Look, if you can keep Andrea, Demar, Lowry, and JV I think you have to pick up a talent like Gasol. It has to be a no brainer BC... we got your back. lol!
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Pau is not the 2nd coming of JO or Dream... make the move if you can keep your core.

[Mike kovacs]

Doug there are 2 Debra Winger movies in that list. I guess you are a fan?

Blogger's note: Good guess

[Moshigh]

@ Rob V...Sorry I agree in a way about the article, but disagree a little. Agree more, Colangelo has tried but it has not worked bottom line. All the Raptors management does talk about excuses. Dramatic change required. Raptors scouting hasnt worked out.

No clear #1 in Bargnani draft, but I have said this thousand times, Raptors had a shooting big man bosh, why pick Bargnani, when wing player Rudy was available??? He was a top talent as well. This is not a hidden fact. I said this draft day, Im not one who said ALdridge or Roy/// Just me being arm chair GM!!

I think the main point is Bargnani is not good for this team's core, if you indeed want to be a winning team. You cant beg a guy to be a better rebounder, he has to want it, you cant beg a guy to have a motor, he has to condition and want to push. Im tired of hearing about talent, Bargnani format leads to a loosing franchise.

The reason he has to be moved is because he is one of the few guys on this team with salary and possible potential pick up for GM who wants to chance it. This league is often about salary swaping. 7 Yrs is too much!!

Stats on paper arent bad, but watch Bargnani play, he doesnt hustle enough and that will never change.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Again Doug:

Can't say I regularly turn to CBC for Raptors-related information, but it was an example of where much of the media will be going with this team, I think. I note that M. Grange has gotten in on the act as well, suggesting shipping Bargnani to LA:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/2012/11/26/toronto_raptors_andrea_bargnani_struggles/

Maybe the Globe will even finally write something of substance about the Raps.

AG, Toronto

[511]

Didn't care much for the CBC article myself, either. And Grange commented on the 'talk' of Bargs for Gasol, but he didn't suggest that it'd be a good idea. (Second-to-last paragraph: "Gasol, just for an example, is five years older, has been complaining about tendinitis in both knees and is on pace for career lows in nearly every significant category.") Personally, after one very good game and one cold-as-ice game from Bargnani in the last two, I'm hoping the 'ice' (the bad ice) is out of his system and things get back to him getting progressively better as the season goes along. If the Raps can toughen up just that little bit more - and I do think they've been getting better with each passing game of late - they'll start to win some of these. They're certainly due to do just that. Go Raps.

[David in Oakville]

HOWDY Doug!

Isn't it apropos that you should be in Houston, home of Texas Hospitality (see Lyle Lovett, That's Right You're Not From Texas.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLU_IYflUkQ ) on this day when we should be discussing civility and some of the comments are anything but.

It is time you considered a code of conduct:

1. If you are going to make a claim or speak ill of someone, back it up with a link to some proof or keep it to yourself.

@Sharkey - "Fireman Ed is not a fan, he is an internet troll", REALLY?
ESPN says he has been going to games since 1985 and all the JETS seem to know him. Okay if we take their word over yours.
@Andrew "Fireman Ed is not a Fireman" really?
ESPN says he is a retired fireman and you think someone would pretend to be a fireman in the city of 9/11? Come on!

@Deaner "most hoops websites are a buzz with rumors of a Gasol for Calderon/Keliza or Bargnani trade" Really? where? which internet? How about a link to this buzz, would love to read it.

2. No name calling
@RobV. Dude, love your comments.. but really, what gives you the right to call Kobe a "douchebag" or this writer for the CBC a clown and a joke. This kind of bluster makes everything else you write worthless. Your comments are great, don't demean them with this sort of nonsense. I agree with your assessment of the CBC article by the way.. just not your assessment of the writer that I suppose neither of us knows. Doug said it best, it is an embarrassment to the CBC that it is on their website. Personally, I think CBC sports should be relegated to TV only and for everything else (like radio and their website) they should partner with the many sports journalists working at newspapers across Canada (well the ones not owned by Bell Media anyway).

Sorry, my two cents. I think Doug has the patience of a saint to allow some of the nonsense that gets written here.

[Lorie]

@Andrew Gregg: Read that Michael Grange item you're referring to and that wasn't what I took from it; rather than a suggestion of immediately shipping Bargnani to LA, my take was that Grange was in fact suggesting more of a cautious, be-patient-for-awhile-longer approach. In fact, this is how he ended the article: "Which isn't to say Bargnani should or shouldn't be traded. Just that it might be wishful to think a trade is a cure-all and that six years of unmet expectations are now reason to drive a solid player out of town for anything other than maximum return." I may be wrong, though; that has happened on occasion...

[Rob.V]

Grange's article has restored my faith in journalism. His vs. the CBC article is night and day.
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David - For the record it was Shaq and Smush Parker that called Kobe a douchebag (in so many words). History and comments from other players have shown that Kobe is capable of showing 16 faces. I was reiterating their feelings towards Kobe the man (and teammate) through my interpretation.
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Now, me stating that history would show that Kobe is not a good teammate lacks a little punch doesn't it? I mean, where is the dramatic effect in that statement??
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I've got a few short minutes here, I'm generally looking for best bang for the minutes available. I type when I feel like there is a point to be made however I don't always stop to bite my tongue-keyboard?.
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Re: the article. Sorry, however that was not an article, that was an "attack" on Brian Colangelo that was completely wrong and unwarranted. I've been a season seat holder since day one. Trust me, there is no one that wants to see the Raptors win more than me - but (most) of what that dude wrote was just unfair and not called for. He should not be writing about the Raptors -30-.
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Here's the thing. I don't come here with the intent to ever be malicious, nor do I come here looking to be PC. When I put something down I'm hoping (in a very short time) that the rest of you get something out of it (good, bad, or indifferent).
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I'm glad I made you feel something... ANYTHING, on any level. That's why I type, to express an opinion.
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Having said this, your name calling point is not lost on me, appreciate the comments brother. Now please, don't ever address me here again - douchebag! (kidding).

[PaulB]

Totally agree with Dean on a code of conduct.

[john]

@david in Oakville. Well said and I to wish there was some sort of consequences for the vast amounts of misinformation posted here. You beat me to the punch regarding the 'internet is buzzing' line cause I googled it and found... nothing? Who has time to make up stuff like that and then write about it?
I can live with opinions etc. but at least base it on fact and not something dreamt up to make it sound like your opinion has some weight to it.
RobV, I am not sure if that writer is a clown, but he certainly hasn't been paying attention for the last 10 years. I also agree that it was an attack on BC. Unfortunately he gets credibility cause he is on the CBC website and we know how everything they write at the CBC has to be true cause it’s the peoples station right? Unfortunately he doesn't have to back up any of his misinformation. Some of what he said was complete wrong but he can says it with no consequences.

When AB scores 30 tonight I await the new opinions from those who want him traded.