Student section needs to learn courtesy at games
The great Alabama game was marred, in my opinion, by fan behavior.  
I have season tickets in the north end zone. Most of the section sitting above me is filled with students.
After an early field goal, the Tiger Band struck up the popular “Neck.” The students, and some other fans, began chanting, “____ that Tiger ____!” (You can fill in the blanks). That is embarrassing to me.
I asked a few students to stop it. One responded that he was “carrying on a tradition.”  C’mon, man! A tradition!? That chant started a few games ago. That “tradition” needs to go the way of segregation and banging on Mike’s cage.
It got worse. At halftime, the “traditional” student decided to leave the game, but not without a parting shot, “____ you, _____!” to my wife (again, fill in the blanks).
I lost my temper and jumped up. Thankfully, my brother-in-law grabbed my belt and kept me in my seat.
To be fair, one student did approach us and say that the other wasn’t representative of all. I appreciate that.
A Sheriff’s deputy saw the incident and talked with my wife while I stewed. While we talked, another student yelled “Old people ____!”
You may think so, but would you say that to your parents? Would they tolerate that behavior from you?
We are actually tolerant of a wide range of outlandish behavior at football games. The games are supposed to be fun and build camaraderie among students and alumni. You can have a lot of fun without cursing, throwing anything or embarrassing the rest of us.
That’s another thing! Who thought it would be fun to throw drinks in the air when we score a touchdown? It’s no fun to us sitting below you, and some people get hurt by flying ice and bottles of water.
The deputy told us that they had taken out 50 students that day. That’s too many! It’s a shame that so much manpower has to be spent on this kind of duty.
By the way, the “old people” pay taxes that fund TOPS that supports many of you in school. I’m wise enough to realize that I can’t buy your respect, but a little common courtesy shouldn’t be out of the question.
Haven’t you noticed that the Tiger Band doesn’t play some popular songs anymore? Two simple rules: Don’t curse, and don’t throw anything.
Rick Buller
University alumnus
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