Booing gives Auburn fans a bad image
Auburn fans claim to be extremely dedicated to their school and football team, but some students displayed very poor sportsmanship by booing as we lost another game to Arkansas this past weekend.
Obviously no fans want to see their beloved tigers lose, but that is when they need the most support from fans.
Despite Dean Green’s request for Auburn students to be respectful of our team at home football games, students showed very little class as they booed their own team. In his email to students a few weeks prior, Green said, “First, please join me by agreeing to demonstrate your support for, and not criticism of, our football team. That means no booing! Remember, the team isn’t trying to lose the game—the players work hard all spring and during fall camp to be ready to compete in the S.E.C. Let’s show our appreciation for their hard work by encouraging them with loads enthusiasm! Secondly, help me show the world what I get to experience everyday: that Auburn men and women are special, dedicated, loyal, fun loving, bleed orange and blue, are compassionate, and demonstrate good will to others, even our competitors.”
As a devoted Auburn fan, I was completely disgusted as the group of guys sitting behind me booed throughout the entire game on Saturday. But they definitely weren’t the only ones doing it. As Wes Byrum missed a field goal, the student section roared with derogatory comments towards the Auburn football player.
I heard comments such as, “Even I could kick better than Byrum” and “He is worse than John Vaughn.”
Not only is this behavior inappropriate, but it also gives Auburn fans a bad image. This past weekend, many possible recruits came to the game to see what Auburn football is all about. I’m sure they heard as students booed at the team’s loss to the razorbacks.
Why would anyone want to come play for a school whose “loyal” fans boo their own team?
Sports commentators have also brought attention to this appalling behavior. With many Auburn football games televised on national TV, everyone watching the game could see the poor sportsmanship displayed by fans.