On Friday, Nov. 9, the St. Bonaventure basketball 2013-‘14 season took off with flying colors. The men played a solid game against South Dakota, winning 68-46, and the WolfPack was louder–and more disrespectful–than ever.
The WolfPack has a reputation for being over the top with its intimidation antics and cheers, but the performance of some of the students at the season opener was appalling. Some didn’t even give the game a chance to start before screaming out profanities, even going as far as to start acting out during the National Anthem.
At a Bonnies game, it’s typical to hear people cheer and clap when the singer says “and the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air.” But at this game, some students were singing the wrong words out loud and mocking those who were putting their hands over their hearts. The man who sang the National Anthem did an amazing job, and it’s abhor rent that some were too inconsiderate to be respectful of his performance.
When the game actually started, some of the WolfPack didn’t even give the referees a chance before they began to chant “bulls***” at every call made against the Bonnies, even though some of the calls were accurate.
Sometimes, the referee’s call does warrant a strong word or two. But if someone has the ball and runs without dribbling it, it’s a travel, and the referee has every right to call a foul.
The disrespect to the people on the court was awful, but the disrespect to the other people in the WolfPack was just as bad. Everyone has a right to have fun at the games, but keep it controlled so you don’t ruin it for someone else.
Bonaventure basketball games are supposed to be fun and loud. Let’s keep it clean and respectful instead of trashy and sloppy.
