Thank you for taking time out of your busy finals week preparation to support our men's basketball team on Saturday. The atmosphere at the Bradley Center, energized by the passion exhibited by more than 4,000 of you, was incredible and no doubt a contributing factor in our victory. The team and coaching staff could not be more grateful for your dedication and support.
At the same time, you represent Marquette University at every home game, and just as we remind our student-athletes, your actions create a national perception of our university and student body. While I certainly understand it is easy to get caught up in the emotion of the game we must show respect for fellow and opposing fans alike by representing Marquette University with class and dignity. Offensive language and verbal abuse directed at other individuals will not be tolerated and result in immediate dismissal from the arena and potential limitations on future attendance.
Thank you again for your support of our program and best of luck with finals.
Larry Williams
Vice President and Director of Athletics
Well done. LW delivered the message but threw out some praise. No problem with email at all.
Its not going to be a problem for the rest of the season. Not because of the e-mail but because of the fact we dont play Madison at home for a while. That being said I would love to see them try to kick out 4,000+ students out of the Bradley Center.
So in two years we can look forward to a follow-on email, stating "this time I really mean it!". ;)
For what it's worth, the subject header of the email is:"Thank you for your amazing support."
A nice email that seemed to highlight the athletic department's appreciation of the student section rather than lecturing about foul language. Almost certainly Larry's response to the calls pouring into the Al about a certain F the B's chant.
These emails were sent out even when I was a student.
I really think the more important concern is that it sounds like people are chanting "Let's go badgers" on tv.
Quote from: Skatastrophy on December 11, 2012, 03:18:31 PM
These emails were sent out even when I was a student.
I really think the more important concern is that it sounds like people are chanting "Let's go badgers" on tv.
This.
It's one of those thing you gotta do even if you really think it's not that big of a deal...
Has to be done and it's the right thing to do. I think we can get the F the Badgers sentiment across with a bit of creativity.
I have been to the last 4 MU games at Wisconsin. UW fans have their moments, but you do not find them running through the halls shouting f--k Marquette.
I am sure the fan's age makes a difference on their opinion about this (I am 60), but I always thought my MU education was valued based and therefore would expect students to represent their school in a positive manner. Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
No issue, in fact a much better move and approach then Becky has taken in trying to stamp out swearing at Badger football games.
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
I have been to the last 4 MU games at Wisconsin. UW fans have their moments, but you do not find them running through the halls shouting f--k Marquette.
I am sure the fan's age makes a difference on their opinion about this (I am 60), but I always thought my MU education was valued based and therefore would expect students to represent their school in a positive manner. Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
Bilsu,
If this is what you call higher values, then by all means you should have gone to Wisconsin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyjO1ZDPg6c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyjO1ZDPg6c)
I don't really think his email is directed at "unnatural carnal knowledge the Badgers."
LW is clearly calling out the students going after Badger fans...
Offensive language and verbal abuse directed at other individuals will not be tolerated and result in immediate dismissal from the arena and potential limitations on future attendance.
Quote from: PTM on December 11, 2012, 03:37:58 PM
I don't really think his email is directed at "frack the Badgers."
LW is clearly calling out the students going after Badger fans...
Offensive language and verbal abuse directed at other individuals will not be tolerated and result in immediate dismissal from the arena and potential limitations on future attendance.
That's how I read it also. Seems the issue isn't chanting, but perhaps comments directed toward other fans.
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
I have been to the last 4 MU games at Wisconsin. UW fans have their moments, but you do not find them running through the halls shouting f--k Marquette.
I am sure the fan's age makes a difference on their opinion about this (I am 60), but I always thought my MU education was valued based and therefore would expect students to represent their school in a positive manner. Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
Wisconsin students are some of the crudest fans I have encountered insofar as football fans and their various chants. You may want to rethink the last line of your post.
For what it's worth, I also don't appreciate the "f the badgers" chant. It is juvenile, classless and needless. Moreover, the chant sounded so much like "Let's go Badgers" on TV, that I actually thought we were getting out voiced.
NOTE: As I posted this, robmufan posted a link corroborating same.
Was Larry wearing a sweat stained hat when this was sent out?
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PMMaybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
You have got to be kidding me. The home of the "F*** You / Eat S***" chant has higher values? The school that Playboy has said takes drinking and partying to an art form? The town where there has been discussion of banning Halloween celebrations because police have trouble keeping the unruly mobs under control?
If that is your definition of higher values, what on earth do you consider lower values? ?-( ?-( ?-(
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
I have been to the last 4 MU games at Wisconsin. UW fans have their moments, but you do not find them running through the halls shouting f--k Marquette.
I am sure the fan's age makes a difference on their opinion about this (I am 60), but I always thought my MU education was valued based and therefore would expect students to represent their school in a positive manner. Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
Wow.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NDhHq2KZsCs/TTF_3TqxLuI/AAAAAAAAAXE/8Lx2LbUiIPs/s1600/high%2Bhorse.jpg)
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 11, 2012, 03:52:46 PM
You have got to be kidding me. The home of the "F*** You / Eat S***" chant has higher values? The school that Playboy has said takes drinking and partying to an art form? The town where there has been discussion of banning Halloween celebrations because police have trouble keeping the unruly mobs under control?
If that is your definition of higher values, what on earth do you consider lower values? ?-( ?-( ?-(
Not to stir the pot any more, but Playboy did call MU the #1 Catholic Party school recently.
Quote from: chuncken on December 11, 2012, 03:58:22 PM
Not to stir the pot any more, but Playboy did call MU the #1 Catholic Party school recently.
I'm not at all saying our students are perfect. But trying to assert that UW students have higher values is ridiculous. And the "ES/FU" chant happens at pretty much every single football game. Our students having a chant like this one happens what...once every 2 years at most?
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 11, 2012, 03:52:46 PM
You have got to be kidding me. The home of the "F*** You / Eat S***" chant has higher values? The school that Playboy has said takes drinking and partying to an art form? The town where there has been discussion of banning Halloween celebrations because police have trouble keeping the unruly mobs under control?
If that is your definition of higher values, what on earth do you consider lower values? ?-( ?-( ?-(
And let's not forget their propensity for throwing coins—and sometimes batteries— at opposing players. Yup, those UW students are pure class.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 11, 2012, 04:02:19 PM
I'm not at all saying our students are perfect. But trying to assert that UW students have higher values is ridiculous. And the "ES/FU" chant happens at pretty much every single football game. Our students having a chant like this one happens what...once every 2 years at most?
+1, I agree with you. Just wanted to point it out.
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
I have been to the last 4 MU games at Wisconsin. UW fans have their moments, but you do not find them running through the halls shouting f--k Marquette.
I am sure the fan's age makes a difference on their opinion about this (I am 60), but I always thought my MU education was valued based and therefore would expect students to represent their school in a positive manner. Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
By all means go ahead, Badger Forums are calling your name. I don't think anybody will be opposed by the absence of your presence. Get real.
Maybe I'm getting old, but I didn't like the F*&^ the Badgers cheer. Why not come up with something creative, which is not so obviously profane? My suggestion is: Badgers Roadkill....
Quote from: Aaronj2005 on December 11, 2012, 04:14:00 PM
Maybe I'm getting old, but I didn't like the F*&^ the Badgers cheer. Why not come up with something creative, which is not so obviously profane? My suggestion is: Badgers Roadkill....
At least youre suggesting something rather than just ripping it. I appreciate that.
I must be getting old as well because F the Badgers does not do it for me either. Will admit that 20y ago would have had different opinion. I guess college kids will be college kids. I am sure my freshman son thought it was clever and was part of the chant. All said and done, wish they had different chant but not going to lose any sleep over it.
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
I have been to the last 4 MU games at Wisconsin. UW fans have their moments, but you do not find them running through the halls shouting f--k Marquette.
I am sure the fan's age makes a difference on their opinion about this (I am 60), but I always thought my MU education was valued based and therefore would expect students to represent their school in a positive manner. Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
I just read that Wisconsin is once again the leading State in binge drinking so maybe you should just move States if you don't like the results of a bunch of liquored up college students or drunk people in general.
I have no problem with the e-mail. Bilsu, that may be your worst point ever.
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
Obviously a typo. What bilsu was referring to is that UW students have glaucoma. Lots and lots of glaucoma.
Not a fan of the "Eff the Badgers" chant especially when it was done repeatedly. I would have loved to hear the Badgers serenaded with "NIT! NIT! NIT!" as the game drew to a close.
Quote from: Aaronj2005 on December 11, 2012, 04:14:00 PM
Maybe I'm getting old, but I didn't like the F*&^ the Badgers cheer. Why not come up with something creative, which is not so obviously profane? My suggestion is: Badgers Roadkill....
When I was a student, I tried to shy away from the BullS*** chant after a bad call and go for the "Nuts and Bolts, Nuts and Bolts, We Got Screwed!" or the "I'm Blind! I'm Deaf! I Wanna Be A Ref!"
Quote from: JDuquaine on December 11, 2012, 04:12:26 PM
By all means go ahead, Badger Forums are calling your name. I don't think anybody will be opposed by the absence of your presence. Get real.
Ok, ok, Bilsu is a good chap, adds value here. Some people were turned off at what the students did on Saturday....understandable. I think the mistake is thinking that other students aren't doing it (doesn't make it right, either). Wisconsin students certainly have their issues at times as well, which has been documented in this thread pretty well.
No need to drive folks away.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on December 11, 2012, 05:55:30 PM
Ok, ok, Bilsu is a good chap, adds value here. Some people were turned off at what the students did on Saturday....understandable. I think the mistake is thinking that other students aren't doing it (doesn't make it right, either). Wisconsin students certainly have their issues at times as well, which has been documented in this thread pretty well.
No need to drive folks away.
So because of one 3 hour game, a person feels the need to turn in their 4 year + life experience due to some liquored up students? yeah... sounds right not me.
We all over-react, i'll take it as that, and hopefully he didn't mean that. My appologies Bilsu. Man do i hate the F***in Badgers.
Not only do they chant ES/FU they have tshirts with it as well.
Quote from: LancesOtherNut on December 11, 2012, 03:57:23 PM
Wow.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NDhHq2KZsCs/TTF_3TqxLuI/AAAAAAAAAXE/8Lx2LbUiIPs/s1600/high%2Bhorse.jpg)
Bilsu is MU avenue's dad.
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
I have been to the last 4 MU games at Wisconsin. UW fans have their moments, but you do not find them running through the halls shouting f--k Marquette.
I am sure the fan's age makes a difference on their opinion about this (I am 60), but I always thought my MU education was valued based and therefore would expect students to represent their school in a positive manner. Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
Gambling is Illegal at Bushwood.......
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on December 11, 2012, 03:43:55 PM
Was Larry wearing a sweat stained hat when this was sent out?
Worse! I'm figurin' he was bare-assed naked.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on December 11, 2012, 07:56:51 PM
Worse! I'm figurin' he was bare-assed naked.
With the sweat stained hat or without?
I have been to Camp Randall and been shocked at the behavior of fans...not students, mind you, but grown ass men throwing ice at opposing fans. However, and this is the first time I can recall saying this, the Marquette fans were worse behaved at the BC on Friday than anybody I saw from UW. And I am not talking about the students.
Quote from: bilsu on December 11, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
I have been to the last 4 MU games at Wisconsin. UW fans have their moments, but you do not find them running through the halls shouting f--k Marquette.
I am sure the fan's age makes a difference on their opinion about this (I am 60), but I always thought my MU education was valued based and therefore would expect students to represent their school in a positive manner. Maybe I should of went to Wisconsin, because as a whole their students seem to have higher values.
If you have been to UW events(bball, football or hockey) in the last 10 years as you have said--you have certainly heard the creative Assh**e........Assh**e chant because you are correct those are indeed good representation of higher values. Good point. Yeah, and maybe you should Of.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on December 11, 2012, 08:21:20 PM
I have been to Camp Randall and been shocked at the behavior of fans...not students, mind you, but grown ass men throwing ice at opposing fans. However, and this is the first time I can recall saying this, the Marquette fans were worse behaved at the BC on Friday than anybody I saw from UW. And I am not talking about the students.
Whew, thank god they got it out of their system on Friday. ;)
It's not an excuse for the adults, but.......you see all the drivel, piousness, and hate speak coming from badger fans in public forums such as the JS posting boards, I can understand some MU fans being tempted to share their "frustration" with the nearest badger fan.
Agree with PRN and others. The adults should be above this.
Quote from: real chili 83 on December 11, 2012, 08:52:58 PM
Whew, thank god they got it out of their system on Friday. ;)
It's not an excuse for the adults, but.......you see all the drivel, piousness, and hate speak coming from badger fans in public forums such as the JS posting boards, I can understand some MU fans being tempted to share their "frustration" with the nearest badger fan.
Agree with PRN and others. The adults should be above this.
It's pretty easy to avoid JS posting boards though if it bothers you that much.
People think saying a swear word = poor "values?" Is anyone over the age of 11 really that sheltered?
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on December 11, 2012, 08:55:02 PM
It's pretty easy to avoid JS posting boards though if it bothers you that much.
Never said it did. Just sharing an observation.
Quote from: Jajuannaman on December 11, 2012, 08:59:54 PM
People think saying a swear word = poor "values?" Is anyone over the age of 11 really that sheltered?
It's all in context and how you use them...right?
Where was Larry during the game? Usually they have AD monitors in the student section to shut this down.
I think the problem lies in unrealistic expectations. Do you really think that because you went to a Catholic institution that you should be held to a higher standard than fans of secular schools?
Maybe its time for a wake up call. Its a swear word. You hear them every day. You hear them on TV. If this is because you are worried about the kids, I can promise you that every 8 year old has heard the F word. They've used it, even. The F word is used so casually that I overhear people saying it in public all the time. Get used to it, and get over it. And if you are worried that your child or grandchild is going to pick up some bad language from a basketball game, you better just lock them in your basement now and put some headphones.
While I probably wouldn't have done it, and I found it to be in poor taste I don't begrudge the students for doing it.
"Should of went"? Jeez.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on December 12, 2012, 06:56:30 AM
I think the problem lies in unrealistic expectations. Do you really think that because you went to a Catholic institution that you should be held to a higher standard than fans of secular schools?
Maybe its time for a wake up call. Its a swear word. You hear them every day. You hear them on TV. If this is because you are worried about the kids, I can promise you that every 8 year old has heard the F word. They've used it, even. The F word is used so casually that I overhear people saying it in public all the time. Get used to it, and get over it. And if you are worried that your child or grandchild is going to pick up some bad language from a basketball game, you better just lock them in your basement now and put some headphones.
While I probably wouldn't have done it, and I found it to be in poor taste I don't begrudge the students for doing it.
Again, the issue doesn't seem to be chanting a few naughty words. Re-read LW's email. He writes "Offensive language and verbal abuse
directed at other individuals" is the problem. So, if it's a situation of students targeting individual UW fans (or fans of any opponent) for verbal abuse, then that is out of line ands I do begrudge the students that.
Put it to you this way .... I wouldn't get all that upset if my 8-year-old hears the "Bullsh*t" chant after a bad call. I would be very upset if someone directed a vulgarity toward her for wearing the wrong color sweatshirt.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 12, 2012, 09:43:58 AM
Again, the issue doesn't seem to be chanting a few naughty words. Re-read LW's email. He writes "Offensive language and verbal abuse directed at other individuals" is the problem. So, if it's a situation of students targeting individual UW fans (or fans of any opponent) for verbal abuse, then that is out of line ands I do begrudge the students that.
Put it to you this way .... I wouldn't get all that upset if my 8-year-old hears the "Bullsh*t" chant after a bad call. I would be very upset if someone directed a vulgarity toward her for wearing the wrong color sweatshirt.
There were quite a few individuals yelling f**k you Jim Burr...
I agree with that, Pakuni. Personally, I feel after every game you should be able to shake the hands of opposing fans. Maybe that's just me but I think it's part of good sportsmanship. These sorts of chants are never going to go away, but there is a big difference between directing them at an individual and directing them at the fan base and team as a whole.
It was/is in bad taste. Maybe it was shocking for students to do this in the 60's or 70's, but today, it is just in poor taste. I'd expect more of our students. I hope they don't repeat it. Represent better students!
It wasn't so much the chant as the harassment of Badger fans before, during and after the game. My guess is that LW saw or heard about students ripping into anyone wearing red and/or received some complaints about it from MU boosters and Badger fans. That is what prompted the e-mail. If the chant was really that "abusive" then there would have at least been something done in an attempt to stop it at the time.
I have always gotten pleasure when I ask a friend with a kid at UW if their kid sits in Eat Sh*t or F*ck You. It's a subtle jab at UW.
Not sure I have the upper hand any more.
Don't get me wrong. As a student, I probably would have been in the mix, but as a parent and alum, I hope for better.
Boys will be boys