Foul words taint school image, reputation
Victory is a feeling that everyone strives for. Our Carolina Gamecocks know this feeling well. However, with victory comes two distinct paths: sportsmanship and obnoxiousness.
By the fourth quarter in Saturday’s bloodbath, the Gamecocks had more than proven themselves, so when the student section began to chant “over-rated,” our victory took a sharp left turn into obnoxiousness. The football players on the field gave the crowd the signal for quieting down but the damage was done.
I love my Gamecocks as much as the next student and agree that any team that dares to enter the Cockpit deserves to feel the wrath of USC. However, our actions on the field should be enough to claim a title and leave it at that.
Let visitors and alumni be sure that our fans are as devoted as they come, but respectful as well. Being respectful doesn’t require less cheering in favor of the Gamecocks, but please, leave the trash talking at home.
On the Horseshoe, while being filmed by ESPN College GameDay, a vulgar chant broke out among students: “F--- Georgia.” Over and over. Families from around the state had brought their impressionable children to cheer on our team, and ESPN was there. A nationwide broadcast was taking place and our reputation became defined by two simple words.
Passion is great. If you’re not losing your voice cheering for your Gamecocks, something is wrong. But let our passion be positive. We can bring home a victory and the visitors will know who the better team is without our fans saying a single foul word.