If you’ve ever been to a sporting event, then the following has probably happened to you: You’re sitting in your seat and cheering for your team. You shout things that make sense and apply to what’s happening on the field or rink.
Near you, however, is a person or persons who have no clue what is going on. They fail to realize this, though, and as a result they either yell the same thing that you just shouted seconds later or, even worse, they scream things that make no sense.
And so, due to the idiotic ramblings of these fools, your intelligent cheers are lost. The spirit of your section is crushed as these morons have drowned out any attempt you’ve made at a “good” cheer, and your efforts at motivating your team.
Well, I for one am sick and tired of letting these dunces ruin sporting events for me. I’m making my New Year’s resolution early: Every time I get stuck next to one of these imbeciles, they’re going to hear about it.
In fact, I’ve already started. At last Friday’s men’s hockey game, Chris Hussey took a penalty in the waning seconds of the third period. This penalty was, in fact, a very obvious penalty and deserved to be called. It was also taken at an extremely inopportune time as the score was tied and little time remained.
This, however, did not dawn on a fellow spectator who was sitting two rows in front of me. He berated the referee for making the correct call, and then decided to congratulate Hussey for a job “well done.” This spectator happens to be a season-ticket holder too, and needless to say it was not the first time this season he has made such remarks.
So, after dealing with his brand of stupidity for the entire season, I decided to set him straight. I explained to him that what had occurred was certainly not a “good job” by Hussey, and was in fact a good call by the referee. Of course, to be fair, I did not say these things with a cool or calm demeanor—admittedly a mistake on my part. But, I got my point across, and I felt quite satisfied after my explanation.
So, I ask of you, a sports fan who knows what they’re talking about and is forced to deal with these dimwits: help end it. When you’re stewing in your seat because of the guy sitting next to you, tell him that he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Who knows, you might be able to educate him and turn him into a competent fan.
And, for any of you reading this who are the type of fan that I’m complaining about, I have one thing to say to you: Shut up! If you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t say anything! Learn the game first, then you’ll have the right to speak.
Either that, or stay away from my section.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those expressed by the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of The Rensselaer Polytechnic or the sports department.
