Article on MU Student Section

[TallTitan34]

http://onmilwaukee.com/sports/articles/layofftherefs.html

By Andrew Wagner
OnMilwaukee.com Reporter
Published Dec. 2, 2008 at 10:03 p.m.   


There are a lot of things I like about college basketball.

The atmosphere, the sound of a pep band, the two, 20-minute halves ... even the cheerleaders are all aspects that make the college game special. And most importantly to the college game is a passionate and involved student section. It's what sets college basketball apart from any other sport.

But one thing that gets me more and more annoyed with every game I go to -- either as a "fan" or for work -- is fans riding the refs.

OK, don't get me wrong, I'm not some purist good boy that doesn't think heckling is a part of the game. But it's starting to get a little ridiculous.

Take tonight, for example. At Marquette men's basketball games, the media is seated in tables along the north baseline, directly in front of the student section. Pretty good seats, I have to admit and the pregame spread isn't that bad, either.

But every game ... every single game, the same group of knuckleheads in the front row make absolute fools of themselves every time a whistle is blown. They're ragging the refs, ragging the opposing coaches, harassing the players ... even their own.

Every foul is stupid. Every call is wrong. Every single thing is greeted with a string of larynx-straining vulgarity that would make my father, a former Marine, cringe. Personally, I'm curious to find out what these "fans" think is a good call.

Here's just a smattering of that the front-row geniuses had to say:

"Go back to high school, ref."

"I've seen better officiating at Foot Locker."

"Get off your knees, ref you're ..." well, you can figure out where that was going.

"How much are they paying you?"

"Blow the &^%$#@! whistle" and, conversely, "What are you blowing the &^%$#@! whistle for?"

My personal favorite came late in the first half, when it seemed one fan was particularly confused about a possible violation.

"That's a travel, isn't it? It looked like a travel. Wasn't it a travel? HEY, REF, THAT'S A TRAVEL!"

Those are just the printable ones, too. And it goes on. And on. And on. For 40 minutes straight. It's almost as if the game doesn't matter, just the officials. Just the opposing coach. Never mind the action on the court, let's just focus on the officials.

As the crew came off the court at halftime Tuesday night, there were greeted with a barrage of insults, catcalls and f-bombs. Sure, these guys are probably used to it, but what kind of impression do you think you're making on these guys, who will travel the nation over the next few months?

Then, of course, there's the berating of your own players. In particular, one guy who's struggling to find his way this season. It's got to really improve your self-confidence and desire to improve when your own fans are hurling insults from the front row.

While I haven't exactly been the biggest Golden Eagles fan during the Tom Crean era, I do think Buzz Williams has a good thing going and have actually enjoyed the atmosphere generated in recent years for some of the bigger games, so this isn't a knock on Marquette in particular.

To be fair, there are boneheads attending every sporting event in the country, no matter the teams involved or the venue. I've had the opportunity to travel to a lot of college basketball arenas and sit in and near a lot of student sections ... but this is getting out of hand.

It's not just me, either. Other media members that graduated from Marquette have the same complaints. I can see the looks on cheerleaders' faces every time these clowns pipe up. I've seen disgusted looks from fellow fans, too.

"Nobody said you have to be smart," my friend Todd, an employee with another local media outlet and a Marquette grad, said. "You just have to be loyal to be a fan. But this is kind of annoying."

The occasional, well-timed rip is appropriate. Sometimes, it can even be pretty funny. But when you're constantly riding the officials every chance you get with the same complaints every single game, you've ceased being funny. You come across like an ignorant fan with little basketball acumen and it's an embarrassment to your team, your fellow fans and your school.

No one, especially me, is suggesting that fans need to be polite and courteous church mice at games, but there is room for sportsmanship and decorum. Either start watching the games or maybe the school should put fans up front that will.

[mviale]

This guy is a total loser. Come to my hometown Philly with a Dallas or NYG jersey and you will meet some great fans.

[Markusquette]

"Go back to high school, ref."

I hope this vulgarity doesn't continue 

[Gwaki]

Wow I agree 100% with that.  Muwarrior87 and I were discussing that the whole time on the way back to campus last night.  It is out of hand and ridiculous. 

[chcsportsfan]

While I do not know if this is as prevalent as this reporter says, I do agree there is something to be said about not complaining about correct calls...the "bullsh***" chant is way way way overused...and in general fans complain way to much, although i will say the refs have not been fantastic so far to date...lots of ticky tack fouls, both sides of the ball in my opinion, not really preparing us very well for BE play...

[mviale]

wasted seats if you ask me.

[The Lens]

As opposed to the Kohl Center where 18,000 UW-Oshkosh grads wearing red & white painters pants complain about every call.

[Gwaki]

I think the thing the student's need to do is to lay off Burke.  I think the article hit that right on the money.

[TallTitan34]

I think the thing the student's need to do is to lay off Burke.  I think the article hit that right on the money.

+1

Burke is struggling with his confidence right now and the home crowd yelling at him won't help.

[Big East Warriors]

I think the thing the student's need to do is to lay off Burke.  I think the article hit that right on the money.

Agreed, I felt bad for Burke when he finally drove to the lane (something that I havent seen from him in a while) only to get a foul. You could tell the coaches were excitied and proud that he did that and upset a foul was called, even though his knee did just about slam someone in the face. But the reaction from the students didnt help the situation.

[Wareagle]

Burke seems to be trying his hardest out there.  I would only boo a college player if it was evident that they didn't care, were playing lazily, or was named Caracter.  You can tell that Burke cares.  Players get booed at 50% of the games they play regardless, and he shouldn't be booed at 100% of the games. 

[marquette09]

Burke seems to be trying his hardest out there.  I would only boo a college player if it was evident that they didn't care, were playing lazily, or was named Caracter.  You can tell that Burke cares.  Players get booed at 50% of the games they play regardless, and he shouldn't be booed at 100% of the games. 

Completely agree, hopefully Burke will break out on Saturday

[mviale]

Burke has been known to shock in games like this.

[JSwarriors08]

I couldn't agree more.  Although I get frustrated sometimes at Burke, it's because I genuinely want to see him do well.  I feel bad for him  because he is in such a tough spot.  He's playing out of his natural position, and has worked his butt off trying to step up for the team.  In general I do not understand it when people boo individual players like they owe them something.  I am ashamed of my fellow MU fans when this occurs.

In addition, Burke's one-handed dunk off the missed three on Tuesday made me stand up and scream in the middle of my living room.

Also, the sick dunk he had toward the end of the Georgetown game last year was awesome.  He has really had some great moments in Warrior blue and gold, and I for one appreciate his contributions.

That said, I would have no objection if he decided to pulverize the Badgers on Saturday.

[jaybilaswho?]

In addition, Burke's one-handed dunk off the missed three on Tuesday made me stand up and scream in the middle of my living room.

One word:

AWESOME!

Hopefully it is exactly what he needed to get his season started. Looking forward to seeing DB (aka Jay Z) bust out of his shell and converses' saturday.

[Strokin 3s]

I don't even know where to start.  First of all, "Get off your knees ref, you're blowing the game is both hilarious and insightful".  Secondly, the student section has a lot more problems to worry about than people yelling mean things at the referees.  Seriously compared to some of the things that were often yelled during my time at MU, this student section sounds like they are sitting around having a tea party.  MUwarriorz87 basically yelling at some of the students to be quiet during Tuesday's game, I mean are you serious?  You want all 50 of them that were there to quiet down more?  Finally, if more students actually showed up no one would even here most or any of the "bad words" that were being yelled, its only at games where no one is there that you actually even here any of that stuff outside the student section.  Vent over.

[Gwaki]

I don't even know where to start.  First of all, "Get off your knees ref, you're blowing the game is both hilarious and insightful".  Secondly, the student section has a lot more problems to worry about than people yelling mean things at the referees.  Seriously compared to some of the things that were often yelled during my time at MU, this student section sounds like they are sitting around having a tea party.  MUwarriorz87 basically yelling at some of the students to be quiet during Tuesday's game, I mean are you serious?  You want all 50 of them that were there to quiet down more?  Finally, if more students actually showed up no one would even here most or any of the "bad words" that were being yelled, its only at games where no one is there that you actually even here any of that stuff outside the student section.  Vent over.

First of all, yelling at the refs is not a bad thing, but sometimes it is used more than it should be.  Muwarrior87 was telling people to quiet down because they were making fun of a manager who had only 1 arm.  Are we as students not supposed to represent Marquette??  The reason Muwarrior87 and me are telling students to quiet down is also because the security staff at the BC has told us that people will be kicked out if they don't clean up what they are yelling.  Some of the stuff some of the kids yell are not funny at all.  They are just disrespectful and is something that needs to be addressed.  If people want examples I can post them, but I would rather not.

[Strokin 3s]

Students at games are there to cheer for their team and against the other team and make as much noise as possible.  Bradley Center staff is there to control crowd, provide safety, etc.  In other words why not let each stick to what they do best.

[MU gimp ONE]

i am a supporter of off color comments yelled in the direction of the opposing players.  the refs should get their fair share (when deserved).   The "get off your knees" comment works on so many levels.  If anyone thinks our student section is worse than any other in the country in terms of complaining or lack of respect, you're nuts.  as strokin 3's said, our section is weak compared to the nation.  maybe an 8:30pm tip that gives ample time to pregame will spark the crowd. 

here's to a full student section saturday and endless comments about Hughes mom making really dry meatloaf.

[Gwaki]

Students at games are there to cheer for their team and against the other team and make as much noise as possible.  Bradley Center staff is there to control crowd, provide safety, etc.  In other words why not let each stick to what they do best.

I have no problem ripping on players on the other team, but to make fun of people for disabilities, color of skin, or using other slang derogatory terms is just wrong.

[MU B2002]

I have no problem ripping on players on the other team, but to make fun of people for disabilities, color of skin, or using other slang derogatory terms is just wrong.

+1

[JSwarriors08]

Gwaki, very insightful.  I agree wholeheartedly.  God knows I love causing a ruckus sometimes (e.g. screaming back and forth at Brian Butch's mom in '07), but it's possible to be a jerk with morals sometimes.  I have heard some obscene things come out of our corner at the BC.

[That Guy]

I am in agreement with GIMP. The whole point of putting the students so close to the floor is because they give the home team an advantage over their opponents. It seems as of late that the students are afraid to really let loose and let the other team really have it. To be honest, in the last 5 years it has become more difficult to get into Marquette. Hence more wieners getting into the school and into the student section. The student section, in my opinion, is EXTREMELY tame from what it used to be. You may still have "true" fans in that section, but there certainly arent any DIE HARD, CRAZY MOTHER Fers that were in that section when I was a student.

I feel a big part of this comes from the lack of alcohol that is being consumed in the student section. When I was at school pretty much everyone would drink at the games, what else are you supposed to do when you are in the BC 2 hours before tip off? Is this because wiener kids don't drink beer? Beer definitely makes everyone more rowdy. Now I am positive it also causes more problems (fights, etc) but the BC is no where near as loud as it used to be. We will see how that changes this Saturday when all the fairweather fans make it to a "real game". If you are reading this, and have tickets in the student section, and you're not drinking, ask yourself why? You're a man at a sporting event.....grow a pair and grab a brasco.
Its time to have a cocktail or 2 at the game and let an opposing player know that his mom "works at IHOP".

And as for getting on Burke....Are we supposed to coddle him and tell him everything is gonna be ok? I am all for riding a player that isnt producing, everything works for me EXCEPT for booing. If you ever boo your own team you should be kicked in the testicles.

[Gwaki]

I am in agreement with GIMP. The whole point of putting the students so close to the floor is because they give the home team an advantage over their opponents. It seems as of late that the students are afraid to really let loose and let the other team really have it. To be honest, in the last 5 years it has become more difficult to get into Marquette. Hence more wieners getting into the school and into the student section. The student section, in my opinion, is EXTREMELY tame from what it used to be. You may still have "true" fans in that section, but there certainly arent any DIE HARD, CRAZY MOTHER Fers that were in that section when I was a student.

I feel a big part of this comes from the lack of alcohol that is being consumed in the student section. When I was at school pretty much everyone would drink at the games, what else are you supposed to do when you are in the BC 2 hours before tip off? Is this because wiener kids don't drink beer? Beer definitely makes everyone more rowdy. Now I am positive it also causes more problems (fights, etc) but the BC is no where near as loud as it used to be. We will see how that changes this Saturday when all the fairweather fans make it to a "real game". If you are reading this, and have tickets in the student section, and you're not drinking, ask yourself why? You're a man at a sporting event.....grow a pair and grab a brasco.
Its time to have a cocktail or 2 at the game and let an opposing player know that his mom "works at IHOP".

And as for getting on Burke....Are we supposed to coddle him and tell him everything is gonna be ok? I am all for riding a player that isnt producing, everything works for me EXCEPT for booing. If you ever boo your own team you should be kicked in the testicles.

So you are fine with yelling "Burke you F&*!@#% suck get off the damn court" everytime he takes a shot? Because that is what the author was talking about

[jaybilaswho?]

Is this because wiener kids don't drink beer?

YES.

I have posted before the lack of drinking prowess by the students these days. MU used to be an outstanding institution when it came to preparing its students for any beer olympics. today's MU classes just dont drink as much as previous years. Students these days should be ashamed of themselves.

To stop any of the thats not true replies to this, I know that there are kids in MU that do get obligatoraly (word?) drunk on a Friday at 1 just for the fun of it, but they are few and far between these days.