Real Fan or the Village Idiot?

If you know me personally, then you are well aware of my love of college football. In fact, I've previously blogged about my team loyalties. To me, there is no better Saturday than a sunny day, tailgating with beer, grilled food, and family/friends, then attending a game in a large stadium, sporting my favorite colors. Win or Lose, I wouldn't trade my Saturdays of college football for anything.

All colleges have die-hard followers. Especially in the south. College football is often compared to religion (boy could I be side-tracked on THAT thought). If you were born in the South, then most likely you were BORN into a certain color. I was born into Crimson. Hands down. My dad attended the University of Alabama. My uncle played football for "the Bear". 95% of my cousins, aunts, uncles, etc have diplomas from UA. My dad would take me to games in Tuscaloosa whenever we could. 40-something Kimbrell's would (and still do) sing Christmas carols around a Crimson and White christmas tree, with an Elephant on the top (or a national championship game ticket now). I was born with Crimson blood. And I'm proud to love the University of Alabama. Through good seasons and bad.


Then, I got a scholarship to Mississippi State University. One I could not turn down. Education paid for, I began to mix Maroon into my Crimson wardrobe. Being a Bulldog was great fun! I learned to love the sound of  Cowbells and that when I hear the word "maroon" shouted, I must return a loud and hearty "white!" It was always hard when the Bulldogs faced my Crimson Tide, but I would just be happy with any outcome...proud that both teams played well, and not lose sleep over it.

But, here comes the problem with loving my team(s) this much: It can be ruined by the village idiot. Each team has them. As a fan, you can't deny the fact that every single school (yes, even YOURS) has idiot fans. The ones who throw things, curse at visiting teams, rock the buses of a visiting band, post insults on facebook statuses, etc etc. And that can ruin the feel of college football for anyone. Especially the TRUE fans. The fans that, through thick and thin, purchase tickets, wear their colors, and at the end of the day...win or lose...say they love their team. But, the village idiot can completely ruin a team's reputation. It can ruin the image of classy fans. And it can create enemies and hatred like no other.

For example: During my time at Mississippi State, I travelled to MANY away games. I can proudly say I've been in every SEC stadium, with the excpetion of South Carolina. However, by far my worst experience was going to Fayetteville, AK. Arkansas actually beat Mississippi State by a good 40 points (a very common occurance for a Bulldog fan). It wasn't the cursing and mocking that got me during the game. It was the fact that during the 4th quarter, I had beer and nacho cheese thrown at me and my friends. Deliberately. Because I was wearing Maroon. Now, even though I know several very nice Arkansas fans, I cannot pull for them. Believe me, when they play Ole Miss or Auburn I try really hard. But I can't. Because two village idiots ruined my perception of the entire experience.

Another example: a friend of mine came to Starkville for the Alabama game. Mississippi State (somehow) won that game. And a few Bulldogs rang cowbells in the ears of my friend...causing his ears to actually hurt for 2 days. And he will never again come back to Starkville or pull for Mississippi State, even when they play Auburn. Can't say that I blame him either.

Alabama and Auburn? A great rivalry. Like none other. Two amazing and great programs with long history. Each team saying their fans have class and the other does not. Well, let me burst your bubble: you both have village idiots. And you both have classy fans. Get out of denial.

There is no need to make snide remarks. There is no need to give me a large dry-cleaning bill. There is no need to ring a cowbell in another's face. There is no need to yell and scream at other fans when you loose. There is no need to be rude on facebook. Pull for your team. Love your team. And protect your team and your fan's reputation by GROWING THE HELL UP. There are much bigger and real problems in life.