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Commodore Notebook - Boo Birds in the Bluegrass

by Rod Williamson

Dec. 29, 2006

A couple of years ago, I wrote a column lamenting the deteriorating state of sportsmanship in athletic events. It was my observation that behavior had really tumbled from the ideals of Vanderbilt graduate and sports writing legend Grantland Rice, who wrote "When the One Great Scorer comes along to write against your name, He writes not if you won or lost but how you played the game."

That opinion was actually reprinted in a variety of places, including the NCAA News, to my surprise. Unfortunately, it hasn't appeared to have done much good - not that I expected it would.

"I am proud of the generally good conduct of VU fans over the years. With rare exceptions, Commodore faithful have not jeered the young men and women wearing their colors."

We can all find embarrassing examples nearly every week, yet the downward spiral continues. I ran across an article written just prior to Christmas by Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald-Leader, one of the Southeastern Conference's veteran writers. It seems that Kentucky basketball zealots have been booing specific Wildcat players before they even get into the game, apparently for past sins they committed on the hardwood. The targeted players admitted hearing the boo-birds and that it stung; Kentucky's President was asked to comment on the fan behavior and a former Cat star was quoted as being "livid" at the shoddy treatment.

I point this out to illustrate what happens much too often in today's bleachers, not to isolate Kentucky fans as sole offenders. The article went on to mention Louisville personnel overheard discussing how their fans are tough on Rick Pitino these days, apparently forgetting what he has accomplished.

Former Vanderbilt Coach C.M. Newton has a theory: the professionalization of college athletics. He points to pro-like game operations such as snazzy player introductions and video boards, priority seating - which produces courtside seats for the wealthy - and higher ticket prices across the board.

"Rather than support the program, it puts them (fans) in a pro mentality," Newton remarked. "You owe me more than that."

Tipton also quoted Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe, who is disgusted with rowdy fan conduct.

"The other team is never just allowed to be better, even for a day...," Ryan says. "No, no. Blame must be affixed. Heads must be severed. Once upon a time, losing brought a brief period of sorrow. Now it brings rage."

Alas, I agree with nearly all of the above. Some of you will point out that coaches such as Pitino and Tubby Smith make millions of dollars and get paid to take the heat. That is true up to the point where a fan's own common sense and lack of good manners take over. Booing or taunting collegiate players has little to do with a coach's salary.

I am proud of the generally good conduct of Vanderbilt fans over the years. With rare exceptions, Commodore faithful have not jeered the young men and women wearing their colors. It should be noted that the vast majority of our fans realize they are there to enjoy a highly competitive game and cheer for our team. Grantland Rice would be pleased and let's strive to keep it that way.