Obnoxious fans, you know who you are

[oldschooler]

[quote][size=5][b]Obnoxious fans, you know who you are[/b][/size]
Jerry Greene | FROM THE CHEAP SEATS
June 8, 2008


Hell hath no fury like a sports fan scorned.

That's still being proved to me as e-mails continue to burn holes in my virtual mailbox from fans reacting to my recent claim that your shouting and pounding of Thundersticks won't change the outcome of sporting events.

Actually, most of you were quite nice about calling me a fool. I particularly liked this thought from David Crumbley of Apopka: "It's really cool when your team wins and the crowd was so into it that you feel as if you somehow changed the fate of the gods."

Well said, David. But now we enter Stage Two of our examination of sports fans. All sports fans are not created equally. Some are jerks. You must have your list of "Most Obnoxious Sports Fans," as I have mine.

Here are some excerpts from my list:

*The Bandwagon Driver -- He's the most obvious but must be mentioned. You've supported your team through years of disappointment (Hello, Magic Nation) and suddenly this guy shows up acting as if he's been around forever. And he'll disappear just as quickly when things go bad again. (Note: It's OK to be a bandwagon guy, but just admit it.)

*The Contrarian -- The exact opposite of bandwagon guy. He delights in ripping the home team, especially in sports bars. If the team is popular, he automatically hates it. And he wonders why he hasn't had a date in 12 years.

*The Excuse Maker -- He has never seen a game when the other team simply outplayed his team. Not once. The refs were crooked and/or blind. His team was flat. His coach was a moron. The sun was in their eyes.

*The Doomsayer -- He says he's a fan but always expects the worst. Even after a victory, he's bemoaning the next loss. He sucks the life out of everyone around him.

*The Camera Prostitute -- They are normal human beings until a camera turns their way. Suddenly they do an imitation of a chimpanzee in heat. It's as if a TV camera has the ability to lower anyone's IQ by 100 points. (Actually, now that I stop to think about that . . . )

*The Beer Splasher -- You want to drink beer, fine. But drink it, don't splash it. Actually, this is about a guy years ago when I was writing my story at a Predators game. He leaned over to look at my screen -- and poured his beer into my laptop. "Uh, sorry, bro, that ain't gonna hurt it, is it?" Oh, no, it always smokes like that.

Do you have others -- or are you one?[/quote]






[url="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/columnists/orl-greene0808jun08,0,6443494.column?track=rss"]http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/colu...olumn?track=rss[/url]

[mongo]

I disagree with his article about fans not changing the outcome of a game. Homefield advantage is real, and has a lot to do with the fans energizing the team.

As far as the obnoxious fans go:

I hate the Asshole Lifers: These are the people who have been going to the games (particularly Bengals games) since the early 80's, and had their souls eaten by the 90's. They sit their badmouthing everything and everyone, adding in some doomsaying from time to time. The only time they cheer is for a touchdown... Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to sit through an entire game (one we win, by the way), listening to constant bashing of your team? There's a group who sit in front of me, and a group a few rows behind me.

[Jason]

The person who refuses to sit down the entire game and thinks it's ok to be rude to those around him because he is a "real fan".

(Yeah, I know, we have had this discussion before)

[mongo]

How about the Spectator: They watch the entire game as though they were at home watching a movie on TV. They don't move, they don't make noise, and they get a little annoyed with those that do.


Standing all game would be a bit rude. Stand for celebrations, for something really exciting on the field, or for big 3rd/4th downs (maybe even for the opening kickoff). However, standing for the whole game is a bit silly.


Not sure they deserve their own name (probably just lifestyle fans looking to be seen), but the people who make craploads of noise when the offense is on the field, and quiet for the defense.

[USN Bengal]

[quote name='mongo' post='671806' date='Jun 10 2008, 09:15 AM']How about the Spectator: They watch the entire game as though they were at home watching a movie on TV. They don't move, they don't make noise, and they get a little annoyed with those that do.


Standing all game would be a bit rude. Stand for celebrations, for something really exciting on the field, or for big 3rd/4th downs (maybe even for the opening kickoff). However, standing for the whole game is a bit silly.


Not sure they deserve their own name (probably just lifestyle fans looking to be seen), but the people who make craploads of noise when the offense is on the field, and quiet for the defense.[/quote]

You're right mongo, they do deserve a name... I say we call them assholes!

[Patmo]

[quote name='mongo' post='671806' date='Jun 10 2008, 08:15 AM']How about the Spectator: They watch the entire game as though they were at home watching a movie on TV. They don't move, they don't make noise, and they get a little annoyed with those that do.


Standing all game would be a bit rude. Stand for celebrations, for something really exciting on the field, or for big 3rd/4th downs (maybe even for the opening kickoff). However, standing for the whole game is a bit silly.


Not sure they deserve their own name (probably just lifestyle fans looking to be seen), but the people who make craploads of noise when the offense is on the field, and quiet for the defense.[/quote]


Mongo,you just described the Bengals fans of the 60's and 70's. Dressed in sport coats or suits with button down shirts and ties,they sat on their hands and clapped for TD's.I could be wrong but as I recall,"the ice bowl" game marked the evolution of the present day face painted,wacky outfitted,Bengal gear wearing,cheering fan.

[BengalSIS]

Ok, I'm silly. But I stand the whole game. Can't help it. It just happens. I wanna be ready to jump, scream, kick the chair in front of me (as long as no one is sitting in it), bang my hands on my seat to make noise, whatever.

When I sit, my legs get cold, my feet go numb, and I miss the chance to lean WAY over to help TJ catch a pass, or lean to the left to help shayne's kick move inside that right goalpost.

I don't get to many games, but when I'm there, I don't want to be numb for any of it.

So....call me silly

[mongo]

[quote name='Patmo' post='671817' date='Jun 10 2008, 10:12 AM']Mongo,you just described the Bengals fans of the 60's and 70's. Dressed in sport coats or suits with button down shirts and ties,they sat on their hands and clapped for TD's.I could be wrong but as I recall,"the ice bowl" game marked the evolution of the present day face painted,wacky outfitted,Bengal gear wearing,cheering fan.[/quote]


Then I sit with the old guard, and their children, and their children's children... My memory of the 70's are a bit hazy, but I remember fans being a bit more lively than you describe. Of course, our season tickets were red seats back then (I loved being allowed to hold the binoculars back then. Made me feel important, and cool ).

[Patmo]

[quote name='mongo' post='671822' date='Jun 10 2008, 09:29 AM']Then I sit with the old guard, and their children, and their children's children... My memory of the 70's are a bit hazy, but I remember fans being a bit more lively than you describe. Of course, our season tickets were red seats back then (I loved being allowed to hold the binoculars back then. Made me feel important, and cool ).[/quote]


Good point Mongo.We had prime seats( one of first season ticket holders) @ Nippert and River Front.Fans in those seats were really button down.

[mongo]

[quote name='Patmo' post='671830' date='Jun 10 2008, 11:00 AM']Good point Mongo.We had prime seats( one of first season ticket holders) @ Nippert and River Front.Fans in those seats were really button down.[/quote]

I hear ya. I guess that's probably still true for the prime seats now. I'm in club now, surrounded by the by the asshole lifers and the librarians who only cheer a TD.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='BengalSIS' post='671819' date='Jun 10 2008, 10:22 AM']Ok, I'm silly. But I stand the whole game. Can't help it. It just happens. I wanna be ready to jump, scream, kick the chair in front of me (as long as no one is sitting in it), bang my hands on my seat to make noise, whatever.

When I sit, my legs get cold, my feet go numb, and I miss the chance to lean WAY over to help TJ catch a pass, or lean to the left to help shayne's kick move inside that right goalpost.

I don't get to many games, but when I'm there, I don't want to be numb for any of it.

So....call me silly [/quote]


the only standing that bothers me is during timeouts and between quarters.. when NOTHING is actually going on to even see.. other than that, where i sit, (which i actually near where you sit, lots of family seats down there near the goalline, ) you need to stand to really see everything going on...

im fine sitting through the offense, but it rarely happens, someone always stands and starts the wave of standing behind them.

[BengalSIS]

[quote name='GoBengals' post='671839' date='Jun 10 2008, 10:47 AM']the only standing that bothers me is during timeouts and between quarters.. when NOTHING is actually going on to even see.. other than that, where i sit, (which i actually near where you sit, lots of family seats down there near the goalline, ) you need to stand to really see everything going on...

im fine sitting through the offense, but it rarely happens, someone always stands and starts the wave of standing behind them.[/quote]

I guess i just don't like to sit/stand/sit/stand.

I do see it both ways though. I can understand how those who want to sit (or have to due to health, etc) should be able to see. I won't stand the whole time if I see a kid or parent sitting behind me who can't see. Or I'll make sure to move out of the way.

[oldschooler]

Personally, I think the seats are just there to tell you where to STAND.
To me, a Bengals game is like a Rock Concert. Which I don' sit at
those either. Riverfront didn't get nicknamed "The Jungle"
because fans were worried about sitting and being able to see.
If you want to sit and watch a game, stay home (IMO).
If you do go to a game and want to sit, that's your prerogative.
But by no means should you tell others that are up and in to
the game to sit. And if you want to sit on your hands, then
you should stay home or go to church. PBS needs fans that are there
to make an impact on the game (12th man). If you can't do that,
then why the hell are you even there?

[LudwigVan Kubrick]

[quote name='oldschooler' post='671954' date='Jun 10 2008, 09:46 PM']Personally, I think the seats are just there to tell you where to STAND.
To me, a Bengals game is like a Rock Concert. Which I don' sit at
those either. Riverfront didn't get nicknamed "The Jungle"
because fans were worried about sitting and being able to see.
If you want to sit and watch a game, stay home (IMO).
If you do go to a game and want to sit, that's your prerogative.
But by no means should you tell others that are up and in to
the game to sit. And if you want to sit on your hands, then
you should stay home or go to church. PBS needs fans that are there
to make an impact on the game (12th man). If you can't do that,
then why the hell are you even there?[/quote]

[img]http://www.americanrhetoric.com/images/patton.JPG[/img]

[mongo]

I don't care to stand too much. I clap and yell just fine from my seat... Which is nice, because I get to clap right in the ear of the dildo in front of me.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='oldschooler' post='671954' date='Jun 10 2008, 09:46 PM']Personally, I think the seats are just there to tell you where to STAND.
To me, a Bengals game is like a Rock Concert. Which I don' sit at
those either. Riverfront didn't get nicknamed "The Jungle"
because fans were worried about sitting and being able to see.
If you want to sit and watch a game, stay home (IMO).
If you do go to a game and want to sit, that's your prerogative.
But by no means should you tell others that are up and in to
the game to sit. And if you want to sit on your hands, then
you should stay home or go to church. PBS needs fans that are there
to make an impact on the game (12th man). If you can't do that,
then why the hell are you even there?[/quote]

there is 60 minutes of actual gametime, about 35 minutes of which is actual gameplay, timeouts, reviews, between quarters, commercial breaks, etc.. 2 hrs and 25 minutes of pointless standing, your not cheering 90% of the time on offense, on defense i think everyone should be up, all the time. but they arent, not even half the crowd is, and frankly most of the people standing while offense, are sitting on defense.

no one is complaining about people being there and into the game,. but about people who have no clue. no clue what to do on offense, or defense, or at ANY point in the game.

if people are complaining about standing and making noise on defense. fuck em...

if they complain about people standing on offense, seriously, theres probably 400 people standing in front of them, what do they expect to happen? fuck em

if someone is complaining cause one dude is standing infront of him 100% of the time during dead time, between quarters, halftime, etc, he should punch him in the back of the knee.

being coureous to those around you and enjoying the game as you should, should really go hand in hand.


PS: spilling beer on my camera and/or leaving a pile of peanut shells on my seat back while i go to concession stand is rather white trash.... im surrounded by it...

hopefully they all lost thier jobs in the last 12 months and gave up their seats.

[|Tigers Johnson|]

[quote name='GoBengals' post='671999' date='Jun 11 2008, 08:59 AM']there is 60 minutes of actual gametime, about 35 minutes of which is actual gameplay, timeouts, reviews, between quarters, commercial breaks, etc.. 2 hrs and 25 minutes of pointless standing, your not cheering 90% of the time on offense, on defense i think everyone should be up, all the time. but they arent, not even half the crowd is, and frankly most of the people standing while offense, are sitting on defense.

no one is complaining about people being there and into the game,. but about people who have no clue. no clue what to do on offense, or defense, or at ANY point in the game.

if people are complaining about standing and making noise on defense. fuck em...

if they complain about people standing on offense, seriously, theres probably 400 people standing in front of them, what do they expect to happen? fuck em

if someone is complaining cause one dude is standing infront of him 100% of the time during dead time, between quarters, halftime, etc, he should punch him in the back of the knee.

being coureous to those around you and enjoying the game as you should, should really go hand in hand.


PS: spilling beer on my camera and/or leaving a pile of peanut shells on my seat back while i go to concession stand is rather white trash.... im surrounded by it...

hopefully they all lost thier jobs in the last 12 months and gave up their seats.[/quote]

Actually my section is not all that bad....and usually on night games we get a few tit shots as well!!


[quote name='oldschooler' post='671954' date='Jun 10 2008, 09:46 PM']Personally, I think the seats are just there to tell you where to STAND.
To me, a Bengals game is like a Rock Concert. Which I don' sit at
those either. Riverfront didn't get nicknamed "The Jungle"
because fans were worried about sitting and being able to see.
If you want to sit and watch a game, stay home (IMO).
If you do go to a game and want to sit, that's your prerogative.
But by no means should you tell others that are up and in to
the game to sit. And if you want to sit on your hands, then
you should stay home or go to church. PBS needs fans that are there
to make an impact on the game (12th man). If you can't do that,
then why the hell are you even there?[/quote]

Are you going to be back in Ohio for this coming season?

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='Tigers Johnson' post='672002' date='Jun 11 2008, 09:08 AM']Actually my section is not all that bad....and usually on night games we get a few tit shots as well!! [/quote]


where do you sit?

there are some good areas, the lower level sideline isnt it tho.

as silly as it sounds, they should pass out a guide for fans on what to do when and WHY. some people just dont know.... it would help the dynamic of the game.. a lot..

[|Bengal Migration|]

[quote name='GoBengals' post='672006' date='Jun 11 2008, 11:17 PM']where do you sit?

there are some good areas, the lower level sideline isnt it tho.

[b]as silly as it sounds, they should pass out a guide for fans on what to do when and WHY. some people just dont know.... it would help the dynamic of the game.. a lot..[/b][/quote]
Luckily, the folks in nosebleed land with me seem to know when to make noise, and when to stfu...

The only time I hear complaining about folks standing during the game is when I bring my grandfather along... at 81 years young, I let him bitch all he wants.. I'm still standing, though

[|Tigers Johnson|]

[quote name='GoBengals' post='672006' date='Jun 11 2008, 09:17 AM']where do you sit?

there are some good areas, the lower level sideline isnt it tho.

as silly as it sounds, they should pass out a guide for fans on what to do when and WHY. some people just dont know.... it would help the dynamic of the game.. a lot..[/quote]

I am nosebleed as well....but I like it under the canopy when is raining!!

[Farbeyonddriven]

"*The Bandwagon Driver -- He's the most obvious but must be mentioned. You've supported your team through years of disappointment (Hello, Magic Nation) and suddenly this guy shows up acting as if he's been around forever. And he'll disappear just as quickly when things go bad again. (Note: It's OK to be a bandwagon guy, but just admit it.)

*The Doomsayer -- He says he's a fan but always expects the worst. Even after a victory, he's bemoaning the next loss. He sucks the life out of everyone around him."

I think we all know a lot of these types.

[Farbeyonddriven]

[quote name='mongo' post='671994' date='Jun 11 2008, 07:49 AM']I don't care to stand too much. I clap and yell just fine from my seat... Which is nice, because I get to clap right in the ear of the [b]dildo[/b] in front of me.[/quote]



You bring those to games mongo?