The past twelve months have brought forth some examples of shameful behavior by professional athletes in regards to fans. The Randy Moss fake moon incident was preceeded by the Pacers' attack on the stands, was preceded by the A's pitcher throwing a chair into the stands, and so it goes.
Pundits have rightly criticized the athletes for their abhorrent behavior. But they have ignored the problem of the FANS. In two of the three incidents, the athletes' actions can be attributed to equally abhorrent actions by the fans.
In the case of Ron Artest, he was attacked ON THE FIELD OF PLAY, which should be off limits to fans, even when projectiles were involved. He responded irrationally and immaturely, though it could not be considered incomprehensible. When items were thrown from the stands, he had reason to feel provoked, even though he should have called for a stoppage of play and had the problem dealt with by stadium security, who are paid to address that sort of idiocy.
But the actions of Artest and others have caused people to all but forget that an action by a FAN spurred the incident.
In the case of Randy Moss, his fake moon was detestable and classless. But, was it any more classless than the fans who gather outside of Lambeau field to administer REAL moonings to the visiting team as they board the bus? Moss was responding to what he has seen twice a year (plus playoff games) in his tenure as a Vikes WR. Yes, it was inappropriate, yes, it was tasteless, but we hire these folks to play a game, we don't hire them for their diplomatic skills.
And again, FANS bear a share of the responsibility.
As for the A's incident, I have not, and will not speak out against heckling, which apparently provoked the attack. Heckling is a part of the game, on the field and off, and unless the language is excessively abusive or threatening (again, stadium security should be invoked), should be seen for what it is: part of a time honored tradition at the ballpark.
Fans are one of the most essential parts of the game. Fans are, and always will be, the reason the game exists at the level it does. But just as athletes are not above the game, neither are the fans. And this lesson is as imperative of one to learn as the one the athletes need to learn.
Respectfully submitted,
Gideon MacLeish