Root-Root-Root for the Home Team... or Don't.

I love this time of year! The weather is getting warmer, the grass is greener, the flowers are starting to bloom and best of all, baseball season is here! You're probably thinking ‘all of those things sound pleasant, so what could they possibly have to do with this blog?’ Well...

A few weeks ago, I asked my Facebook friends to give me some ideas for new blog posts about who should not be allowed out in public. I got a ton of wonderful responses and I can tell my friends have some pent up anger... you're welcome for the cathartic activity.

Anyway, one of my roommates promptly responded "Dodger Fans." I just about died laughing! (Just so you know, I am a San Francisco Giants fan. I also live with a bunch of ladies, who, if they ever cut themselves, I'm sure would bleed orange and black!) 

From: http://bleacherreport.com/gallery/Atlanta+Braves+v+San+Francisco+Giants,+Game+2

I got to thinking in the midst of my laughter... maybe they (Dodger fans) really shouldn't be allowed out in public, and I'm not just saying that because I would rather eat worms than cheer for them! 

Here's my reasoning: Bryan Stow. 

If you don't know the name or don't know the story, you're probably not a Giants fan and I suppose I can forgive you for that; everyone has their flaws.

Bryan Stow is a father, a husband and a Giants fan. Until last year he was also a paramedic, but he is no longer someone that is responsible for helping save the lives of others. Instead, Stow, is in a health care facility recovering from brain damage that he endured after a brutal attack on opening day last year at Dodgers' stadium.

He proudly sported his team’s colors and rooted for them as they took on the Dodgers that day. As he was leaving he was attacked in the parking lot and beaten to within an inch of his life by two Dodger fans. They too were husbands and fathers (maybe they should go on my poor parenting post too. I hate to think what they do at their kid's games). 

Now, I love my team as much as the next person, but I am in no way willing to cause another person physical harm because they cheer for another team (yes, even Dodger fans)! Don't get me wrong, I'll probably give you a stink-eye, maybe heckle you a little bit, but that's it. Physical violence is completely unacceptable. 

Bryan Stow on Opening Day at AT&T Park 2012

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first, nor will it be the last, instance of violence or threats to fans or athletes, because people are such incredibly poor sports and often they are just plain stupid… yeah, I said it. 

Some other instances of CRAZY fans:

• Death threats via Twitter to San Francisco 49er, Kyle Williams.

From: http://divadeesdiscussions.com/2012/01/23/san-francisco-fan-threatens-49ers-wide-receiver-when-tweeting-goes-too-far/

     - First, these came from 49er “fans.” Ok, I can understand being incredibly disappointed and pissed off but to threaten another human being’s life is just ridiculous! 

     - Second, clearly these people were not pro athletes, and heck, they probably never even made it further than their high school team… reserve your judgment, because you clearly weren’t good enough to ever know what that kind of pressure is like.

     - Three, via Twitter, really?! Cowards. 

     - Oh, and even if you added an apostrophe to 'you're' it would still be wrong. Figure it out

• Raider Fans in "The Black Hole", ‘nough said.

Jed Jacobsohn - Getty Images

I will say this, I know that not every fan is a nut! Plenty of us, Dodger fans included, can go and sit through a game (yes, it's only a game) without getting into an altercation. However, my point is: If you can’t control yourself at sporting events YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUT IN PUBLIC. No one should have to be worried about what they wear, or when they choose to clap during a game. 

One more person who isn’t specifically mentioned, but that SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUT IN PUBLIC: John Steigerwald, I'm looking at you! Blaming a victim for his attack because he was wearing an out of town jersey?! And publishing your stupid comments while he is fighting for his life? Class-less. Find a new profession.