I am writing this today broken hearted not just because Syracuse is losing a game they could win if not for the turnovers but I am also pissed off at the fan base who I look at as part of my extended family for their actions in "support" of this team. We the Syracuse Orange bloggers, did a PSA the other day on fans doing the wave to support the team. I have heard discussion on how fans love to celebrate with the team in victory, singing with them in the end zone. How can some of these same people call themselves fans when the first site of a loss or bad game sends them running for the doors?
It is like a reflex for people that when times get tough, people split. However, when it's time to celebrate, everyone comes running and this has to stop. This is why fair-weather fans ruin sports because a true fan sticks with their team in good times and bad. You don't leave your wife when had a bad day, you support her and help her to see tomorrow will be better. The same loyalty should apply to your sports teams if you want to consider yourself a true fan. Hell, many times some of these so called "fans" leave with still plenty of time left on the clock and the score is not completely out of hand.
If you are one of these people, do us all a favor and stay the hell at your house next time Syracuse plays (or any team for that matter). We do not need fans like you in our stands representing the fan base. I would rather have a half empty Carrier Dome full of passionately devoted fans who will be loud when they need to and stay even during rough times to show this team some true support.
When you get up and walk out, you are not setting a good example. You are saying that you only like them when they win and screw you when you have a bad day. Yes, I know the past has made being a Syracuse fan rough to tolerate at times but there are signs of progress and fans need to stop looking more for signs of weakness. Stand up and be loud in support of the team. Encourage them to be better and sometimes they may just listen and be inspired by you instead of seeing you run out which will only add to the problem.
I understand the feeling of depression and sorrow following a loss, as any fan should and will do if they truly care enough. However, the sign of a good fan and a fan that the team would love supporting them is to be there even when they fail. This is when they need our encouragement the most and if that is too hard for you, please stay at home and be that person who only wears their Syracuse Orange gear when they win and we can all see through you. A real fan will celebrate with their team when they win and cry with them when they lose, not run for the doors to get to their car so they can be home a couple minutes sooner.
Anyway, I had to rant and if you don't like what I had to say, maybe you should be looking in the mirror and asking yourself why you are a fan of this team. Go support some front runner because things have a way of turning around and when this program does return to it's winning way, you will be the one who looks like a jackass for not supporting them all along.
Be Loud! Be Proud! In Good Times And Bad; True Fans Are The Best Fans To Have.