Last year, Fox Sports ranked LSU No. 3 on a list of the top 10 “most obnoxious fanbases” in college football. Needless to say, this only served to make most of us more proud to be rowdy Tiger fans. Louisiana may be toward the bottom of the list in meaningless statistics — health, education, roads — but we are at the top where it really counts: annoying supporters. Visiting fans hate coming to Tiger Stadium and facing chants all over campus. But while it’s acceptable to leave “Tiger bait” ringing in opposing fans’ ears, some other actions toe the line for acceptable fan conduct. Throwing objects, offensive language and fighting have all been known to occur on game days. People get excited — and intoxicated — and lose all semblance of self-control. And while this reflects poorly on us at home, we spread our bad reputation when we travel with this kind of behavior. We’ve managed to keep said reputation mostly in the South, but this Saturday the football team will make its longest trip yet. And everyone should make an effort to make a good impression. There has to be a way to be both classy and obnoxious.Washington fans probably think they know how to tailgate, but be polite enough to teach them what it really looks like. Offer them some boudain balls or a sausage po-boy — they are deprived of such staples up North.If you’re staying for the whole weekend, ask them where to visit — Seattle is a pretty cool city. And when they are mourning the loss after the game, be there with a shoulder to cry on.—-Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at [email protected]
Our View: Traveling Tigers fans should take it easy on Washington
September 2, 2009