By Ryan “The Goose” Gosiker
This feels like an article, at least in my head, that most people can get behind. While we have discussed the misfortunes and minor successes of our favorite teams, it is time to spotlight those in the stands. Fans bring the excitement to each game with their cowbells, airhorns, and loud chants. They can help rattle opposing teams and coaches. They help create a true home field advantage. Oftentimes the stands are filled with family, friends, alumni, and/or friends of the program.
As a former athlete, I can testify, one of the most bone-chilling moments of every game was looking up and seeing my mom and dad at every game, siblings, and friends when they could make it. It gave me the energy to perform at the highest level when I needed it the most. Fans across all levels pay for tickets to the game and buy gear to support their favorite team. However, we have reached a point with some fans that attending games should not be in their future. It feels like the #1 trending video every week during the NFL season is a fan fight. In New England earlier this season, a man was involved in one of them and was killed after cracking his skull on the concrete. In New Jersey, a high school game at Hinchliffe Stadium could not be completed due to fights in the stands. We have seen several videos of umpires, at various little league games, walking away from games due to the criticism and abuse coming from the stands.
I would like to remind everyone what most already know: THE GAME IS NOT ABOUT YOU! It is about the players on the field and below the professional level, it is about the kids. These fans have made it about themselves and don’t realize how embarrassed their kids feel when they see things like that. At the NFL and professional level, I believe alcohol to be the main cause of the issue and believe the NFL should do something about all the access to alcohol around the stadiums. I know they won’t because all they care about is money and people throw stupid amounts of money at alcohol during each game. I just wanted to address that issue. I know 98% of fans are excellent and create that atmosphere I spoke about earlier in this article. For those that do follow the rules and enjoy the game: THANK YOU! We, as players, know you are passionate and want you as involved in the game as possible. If you see someone acting up, have them removed before they create a scene and take attention away from the game. Check out my sports show: “Game Time with The Goose” every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM on WTBQ AM 1110 FM 93.5 and on WGHT Radio with co-host Zach Kruk, Sports Director of WTBQ and WGHT!
