Hating for the love of the game

For those not aware, I did not begin my commentary career giving opinions on the sports world at IU, nor do I limit myself to this realm now. \nFor three semesters, I have been an opinion columnist for the IDS. In the tackling of topics that have been at times controversial, from politics to alcohol consumption, I have received personal e-mails and angry letters from people who disagree with my writings.\nBut for no topic area have I received more reaction than my ventures into the realm of athletics. From praise to death threats, it is clear that in the minds of many in the IU community, messing with their social and political views is one thing. But to disagree with them about their favorite teams or athletes is a death wish.\nAt IU, sports have been a part of our culture since the beginning of time, when Robert Montgomery Knight was hired as the men’s head basketball coach (doesn’t he have a basketball court named after him yet?). And who can blame the Hoosier faithful? With the hard-nosed competition that comes with playing sports in the Big Ten conference, a strong fan base is necessary to the success of the team.\nOr is it?\nProfessor Lynn Jamieson found that while athletes have effects on fans, fans have little effect on athletes. Supporting the team as the sixth man probably means little to helping the team win. Athletic support is for our own narcissistic gratification and social club.\nThat’s not to say we should stop doing it. I so often yell at the television during IU and professional sporting events that my throat is sore and my friends cower in the corner for fear that my flamboyant arm flailing will connect with their skulls.\nBut the threat of violence as a result of something that happens in sports? It might be time for us fans to take a step back and chill out. Keep in mind that a seemingly harmless joke (which I am guilty of cracking from time to time ... stupid Purdue fans) can have real-life implications. \nTake for example the 2000 death of Michael Costin, a Massachusetts man who was beaten to death by another father at his son’s hockey game. \nJamieson also claims that violence in regard to sports is reflective of the violent era in which we live. Talk about getting hit in the face with the evidence. \nIt’s quite fine to be passionate about sporting events. It’s one of the most exhilarating experiences to watch as a team, to watch your favorite team rally for victory over their opponent. But when that passion boils over into uncontrollable rage that leads to violent intent, then the wholesomeness of that is sport is gone (perhaps some of the reason there still isn’t a Robert Montgomery Knight Center).\nIU has a long tradition to protect, one that is full of great athletes and better fans. Please continue to be passionate about that tradition (though sacrificing the passion for issues with more direct influence on everyday life in light of sports seems a bit crazy to me) and represent IU with the utmost sportsmanship, whether it be in regard to intramural, collegiate or professional sports.