YOU CAN'T REASON WITH IDIOTS, JOE.
This is an opinion column.
_____________________
Alabama basketball fans created an electric buzz during the Crimson Tide’s game against Auburn last weekend. But did the students section go too far?
I love a good and raucous crowd. Student sections create an atmosphere unique to college basketball. Alabama hosts Kentucky on Saturday at 5 p.m., and I’m hoping the crowd brings the noise after Alabama’s recent back-to-back losses. One respected former Alabama football captain hopes the students lose the obscenities, though.
Kerry Goode, captain of the 1987 Alabama football team, emailed me this week about the behavior of students during the basketball game against Auburn. Goode is one of the most beloved players in the history of Alabama athletics. He was named SEC freshman of the year in 1983.
Goode was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. Despite the debilitating disease, Goode remains a powerful voice for the University of Alabama.
Kerry in Fairburn, Ga. writes …
At the risk of sounding like an old man who just got his checkerboard game kicked over, I have two takeaways from the Alabama vs Auburn basketball game. Neither has anything to do with the team’s performance.
I know emotions run high when playing rival schools, but this game had that and much more. What I didn’t see, however, was class and respect among the student section and a few fans in general. Chanting “F*ck Auburn” and throwing things on the court is simply classless.
It has been said that “Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.”
The irony here is Alabama’s own Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant said, “Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” Even in defeat, these principles should still hold true.
When fans carry themselves with class, it elevates the entire experience to something truly special. It’s not just about rooting for your team; it’s about embracing the essence of sportsmanship and community.
During my time at the University, the fan base embodied class. It started with respect — respect for the opposing team, their fans, and the sport itself. Class was cheering loudly and proudly without resorting to insults or derogatory chants.
Let’s not forget the ripple effect class or the lack of it has on the team. Players often feed off the energy of the crowd. When they see fans showing class, it can inspire better sportsmanship on the field or court. It promotes a positive atmosphere where talent and effort are appreciated, making the game better for everyone involved.
Next time you’re gearing up for a big game, think about how you can be a beacon of class. Lead by example in how you react to the highs and lows of the game. The dignity and respect of fans truly make a difference, not just in the stands, but in the fabric of society itself.
Yes, you have kicked over my checkerboard game and I don’t like it one bit. Have a little class will you!
ANSWER: Kerry’s perspective as a leader of the University of Alabama is appreciated. I love receiving emails from former players about their days in college and the current state of collegiate athletics.
For some, the student section went too far against Auburn. Obscenities were chanted throughout the game. Auburn coach Bruce Pearl was the subject of constant harassment. At one point, Alabama coach Nate Oats grabbed a microphone and told students to stop being “stupid” by throwing things on the court.
I never saw what the students tossed onto the court, but everyone witnessed Oats breaking that clipboard in the game against Missouri. Pieces went all over the hardwood and Oats received a technical foul. The moment had more than a touch of irony considering Oats scolded the students at Coleman Coliseum because the refs threatened to give Alabama a tech.
I’m not the fan police. Alabama fans love their school and hate Auburn. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it should be. Fan support is what pushes college sports in the SEC to be the best in the country. Kerry, of course, has known this since his days as a player. An Alabama fan threw a brick through the office window of football coach Bill Curry in 1988, Kerry’s senior year.
Did Curry deserve that brick after losing to Ole Miss? No. Should fans throw things? No. But there’s a reason supporters of a team are called fans. It’s short for fantical. Alabama fans doxxed my home address a couple years ago and posted that I was having a yard sale at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning for vintage adult magazines. Did I cry about it? Nah, it kinda goes with the job of being a sports columnist.
People love their teams and fans are going to be fans. Fans are the reason why I started the mailbag. The more vocal the better.
Alabama basketball needs a better home-court advantage. Students should be animated every game and not just against the rivals. Auburn’s home-court advantage has helped the Tigers transform their basketball team into the best in the country. The energy is so exceptional at Neville Arena that the football team schedules recruiting visits around games.
Since the University of Alabama apparently has no immediate plans to build a new arena, it would be nice to see a reconfiguration of Coleman Coliseum. Put students closer to the action. Give them free pizzas before games and encourage new traditions.
Never forget, fans are the culture and they decide what that means.
Goodman: Former Tide captain calls out fans for ‘classless behavior’
This is an opinion column.
_____________________
Alabama basketball fans created an electric buzz during the Crimson Tide’s game against Auburn last weekend. But did the students section go too far?
I love a good and raucous crowd. Student sections create an atmosphere unique to college basketball. Alabama hosts Kentucky on Saturday at 5 p.m., and I’m hoping the crowd brings the noise after Alabama’s recent back-to-back losses. One respected former Alabama football captain hopes the students lose the obscenities, though.
Kerry Goode, captain of the 1987 Alabama football team, emailed me this week about the behavior of students during the basketball game against Auburn. Goode is one of the most beloved players in the history of Alabama athletics. He was named SEC freshman of the year in 1983.
Goode was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. Despite the debilitating disease, Goode remains a powerful voice for the University of Alabama.
Kerry in Fairburn, Ga. writes …
At the risk of sounding like an old man who just got his checkerboard game kicked over, I have two takeaways from the Alabama vs Auburn basketball game. Neither has anything to do with the team’s performance.
I know emotions run high when playing rival schools, but this game had that and much more. What I didn’t see, however, was class and respect among the student section and a few fans in general. Chanting “F*ck Auburn” and throwing things on the court is simply classless.
It has been said that “Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.”
The irony here is Alabama’s own Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant said, “Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” Even in defeat, these principles should still hold true.
When fans carry themselves with class, it elevates the entire experience to something truly special. It’s not just about rooting for your team; it’s about embracing the essence of sportsmanship and community.
During my time at the University, the fan base embodied class. It started with respect — respect for the opposing team, their fans, and the sport itself. Class was cheering loudly and proudly without resorting to insults or derogatory chants.
Let’s not forget the ripple effect class or the lack of it has on the team. Players often feed off the energy of the crowd. When they see fans showing class, it can inspire better sportsmanship on the field or court. It promotes a positive atmosphere where talent and effort are appreciated, making the game better for everyone involved.
Next time you’re gearing up for a big game, think about how you can be a beacon of class. Lead by example in how you react to the highs and lows of the game. The dignity and respect of fans truly make a difference, not just in the stands, but in the fabric of society itself.
Yes, you have kicked over my checkerboard game and I don’t like it one bit. Have a little class will you!
ANSWER: Kerry’s perspective as a leader of the University of Alabama is appreciated. I love receiving emails from former players about their days in college and the current state of collegiate athletics.
For some, the student section went too far against Auburn. Obscenities were chanted throughout the game. Auburn coach Bruce Pearl was the subject of constant harassment. At one point, Alabama coach Nate Oats grabbed a microphone and told students to stop being “stupid” by throwing things on the court.
I never saw what the students tossed onto the court, but everyone witnessed Oats breaking that clipboard in the game against Missouri. Pieces went all over the hardwood and Oats received a technical foul. The moment had more than a touch of irony considering Oats scolded the students at Coleman Coliseum because the refs threatened to give Alabama a tech.
I’m not the fan police. Alabama fans love their school and hate Auburn. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it should be. Fan support is what pushes college sports in the SEC to be the best in the country. Kerry, of course, has known this since his days as a player. An Alabama fan threw a brick through the office window of football coach Bill Curry in 1988, Kerry’s senior year.
Did Curry deserve that brick after losing to Ole Miss? No. Should fans throw things? No. But there’s a reason supporters of a team are called fans. It’s short for fantical. Alabama fans doxxed my home address a couple years ago and posted that I was having a yard sale at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning for vintage adult magazines. Did I cry about it? Nah, it kinda goes with the job of being a sports columnist.
People love their teams and fans are going to be fans. Fans are the reason why I started the mailbag. The more vocal the better.
Alabama basketball needs a better home-court advantage. Students should be animated every game and not just against the rivals. Auburn’s home-court advantage has helped the Tigers transform their basketball team into the best in the country. The energy is so exceptional at Neville Arena that the football team schedules recruiting visits around games.
Since the University of Alabama apparently has no immediate plans to build a new arena, it would be nice to see a reconfiguration of Coleman Coliseum. Put students closer to the action. Give them free pizzas before games and encourage new traditions.
Never forget, fans are the culture and they decide what that means.
