It's NFL playoff time, college bowl season. Fans are going wild as their teams vie for final rankings and post-season play time. Yes, fans want their teams to win, but it is also about extending the season for additional viewing. When your team falls flat with a losing season and doesn't qualify for a bowl game or the playoffs, your season is all over. That means no game to look forward to on Saturday or Sunday. Mega fans of the sport will shift their loyalties to their back-up teams, or major rivalries. Some would say the true fans will watch any of it just for the sake of the competition. I say go for it. Enjoy all of it in anyway you can, however you like. It'll be seven months before the season starts again.
But here's the thing. Being a fan, doesn't mean having to be an asshole. Pride for your team, cheering your guys, does not require mudslinging. Nowhere in the fandom rule book does it state one must try to steal the joy of the game from friends and family (and strangers) by insulting the fans of the opposing team. Fellow sports fans on my Facebook page might take note of a couple of things:
First, I often post banners, photos, team videos and stats of my favorite players and teams. Most of them are in response to great plays while I'm watching the games. Others, like video clips, might be from the team page to highlight a great play from a recent successful game. On occasion, I'll even post disappointment with my own team for a poor performance. But I never trash the other team. I don't get any rush out of that.
Second, those who tag me or post photos, trash talk, and memes about their teams on my page, as they are gearing up for games against mine, I ignore them. I decided some time ago, not to engage in negative exchanges on FB, not on the election, not on controversial topics, and certainly not on sports. So post all you want, but be prepared for me to scroll on by without a word. I will not be baited. This goes doubly for people who I don't often talk to or who have nothing to tag me in except to trash my teams. You know who you are.
At this point, I have probably offended a few readers. Some of you are thinking sour grapes, and I can't take it when my team losses. Others will say I'm "sissifying" the sport by denouncing banter among fans. I'm not saying never do it. I'm just saying know your audience. It's not me. Post it on your own page, and allow those who want to engage with you to engage. Post it on mine, and I'll scroll on by. I'm doing my best to keep positive energy in my life.
I've been through some highs and lows with my teams. The Canes were at the height of success while I attended the U (yes, I actually went there), and for awhile they took a bit of a nosedive. This year, they seem to be working their way back up. The Dolphins are just starting to taste some success for the first time in years. It's not always easy being a fan of the teams that aren't on top, but a fan always holds out hope. You brush off a loss and hope for better next time, or next season. You don't trash the other team.
Sports fans don't have to be assholes.
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| Image retrieved from sacredheartboosters.com |
