Letters

Letters in response to Cyd  Zeigler's column describing how Ohio State fans did not win anyone over at the Fiesta Bowl.

Buckeye Fans Show No Class

I am writing in response to what is probably an old article by now but still want to address the article written "Ohio State Fans No worse Than Anyone Else." I want to support Cyd Zeigler's article that it is easier to hate Ohio State. 

I grew up in Ohio and was an Ohio State fan. I always was 'til the night of the Fiesta Bowl. I moved to Miami in 1985 and went to school at UM and GRADUATED! I've been to every Orange Bowl game except four in this being my 19th season as a 'Cane. Believe me the four I missed was because of family events in Ohio! 

Anyway I also go to a lot of away games (Florida, Florida State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Tennessee-nicest people), and have been to a Bowl game every year, sometimes two and I have to say I was so angered at the lack of class the Ohio State fans displayed this year! I know they are not used to championships like we are, but I've never been treated so bad! I invited my sister, who is an Ohio State alum to attend this great historical game and I can't believe she even said I was secretly rooting for Miami because I can't believe the way the Ohio state fans are behaving. Also the booing of our band, even though a private little school of ours don't stand a chance to a big state school, showed a lot of poor sportsmanship. 

I experienced an Ohio State fan literally putting a sign in front of my face so I couldn't see the game and another one would run down the aisle and knock into me on purpose screaming and acting like a total idiot. Another one sitting behind my sister, used way too many four letter words and finally my dad in his Ohio State hat and Miami T-shirt told him to knock it off! 

Anyway it was a great game, even though it was a robbery in the desert. If you can't beat us, CHEAT US!!!!! Ha ha! I know the Ohio State fans hate hearing that. Their season was a lucky fluke, we will be reloading for another championship. I might add 13 first round draft picks in the last 3 years and still competing at the top. 

I really am sorry, being an Ohioan, that I will never cheer for OSU again. I just can't seem to get over how I was treated. See you in New Orleans!!!!

Keith Buehner RN 

Buckeye Fans No Worse Than Anyone Else

I couldn’t help but respond to your article about the Buckeye fans in Tempe. I’m not sure whether to liken your words to a sophomoric Internet rant or hack journalism. Quite honestly, I felt like I was reading an editorial written by a third-grader who was taking their ball and going home. 

I am sorry your experience was negative enough to compel you to write such a negative article. However, I could easily write the same article about my experience with drunk, arrogant, and obnoxious Miami fans (the few that made it to the presumed coronation). My favorite encounter was with the Miami fans who inquired as to why I had nuts on my cheek (referring to the Ohio State logo) and the homophobic taunts that came with it. As I turned to reply, a group of Ohio State fans (strangers) quickly grabbed me and coached me to leave the comment alone and avoid confrontation. This was an act of class by a group of Buckeye fans. My response was not to post a rant on a national Internet site or call GLAAD to give Miami fans sensitivity counseling. I had a good chuckle with friends, attributed the comments to a few drunk Miami fans, and continued to soak up the incredible atmosphere of a National Championship game. 

You could have drawn your impressions of OSU fans from the Mayor’s report from police indicating overall good behavior from the 70,000 (10,000 who never made it inside the stadium) fans in Tempe versus a few loudmouths you encountered during the game. 

Your statement about the intelligence of OSU fans only serves to lessen your credibility. One of the refs actually did raise two arms for a brief moment before quickly correcting himself. Not to mention when you are on the other end of the stadium one arm looks just like two behind a pile of players. 

What you, Tempe, and all who watched the game on national TV witnessed was the passion the city of Columbus, the state of Ohio, and all of the OSU alumni have for their school and for the game of football. To quote Jeff Mille of the Miami Herald, “They made a stadium shake with sound and turned the baddest, bestest, loudest program in college football silent.” The emotions you interpreted as “tying one’s personal worth to the football team” were natural reactions by most any fan watching a historical upset slip through their team’s fingers. Emotions heightened by 34 seasons of what ifs and six weeks of total disrespect by the national media, Miami fans, and players. Do Ohio State fans take their football a little too seriously? Probably. But it is really any different in Austin, Athens, Tuscaloosa, or College Station? 

I have encountered drunk, obnoxious, and classless fans at every sporting event I have ever attended. I had the privilege of attending the SEC Championship game two years ago, like you, as a non-partisan. When LSU was coming from behind in the second half to beat Tennessee, I did not notice many UT fans pausing to wonder in awe about what a great game they were watching. I witnessed much hand wringing, loud criticisms of players and coaches and many LSU fans whose post game celebration was less than genteel. Despite all I witnessed, I left in awe of the passion and spirit the fans had for their teams. It is the passion, loyalty, and unique traditions that make college football special! 

I’m sorry you will be rooting against the Buckeyes next year. Here in Columbus, we will eagerly anticipate the date when The Best Damned Band in the Land marches out of the tunnel, drives down the field, and kicks off defense of OSU’s first National Championship in 34 years. Go Bucks! 

Sincerely, 

Brian Lawrence
Columbus, OH 

Emotional and Grammatical Support provided by: 

Craig Little
Paul Feeney
Jeffrey Ayres.