MLB: Poor Sportsmanship Continues To Infiltrate Our Fun And Games

By JOE FRISARO UsFANS.com Managing Editor

John Rocker returned to New York the other night. But the controversial Atlanta Braves’ relief pitcher didn’t make news. The idiot in the stands who tossed a bottle did.

For hurling a bottle at the direction of Rocker, the ticket-buying bum was arrested.

Chalk up another reminder that the decline of sportsmanship is upon us. Sadly, the ticket-purchasing public feels the price of the seat entitles them to act like a hooligan.

We should be far above that right now. Unfortunately, we’re not. What does it say about us when bomb-sniffing dogs have to roam a visiting baseball clubhouse because a certain loudmouth pitcher is in town? It should tell us as sports fans to grow up – to clean up our act, because the nonsense is well out of hand.

Bomb-sniffing dogs, for those who didn’t know, were at Shea Stadium making sure the Braves-Mets series went off without a blast.

Fortunately, the furor over Rocker has died down in New York.

But fan anger continues to spread across the country.

In Dallas Sunday, San Francisco 49ers receiver Terrell Owens introduced us to a new TD celebration. It occurred on the 50-yard line on the star at Texas Stadium. Not once, but twice, Owens gave an “in-your-face” gesture to the 63,000 Cowboys’ fans.

Taking exception, Cowboys’ safety George Teague smacked Owens in the back as the receiver was preparing to celebrate. Teague was ejected, but applauded by Cowboys’ fans for not tolerating such unacceptable gloating.

Embarrassed, the 49ers suspended Owens without pay for a week and are holding him out of Sunday’s game.

Authorities at Texas Stadium were shocked that Owens’ actions didn’t set off a stadium riot. Security escorted Owens off the field with a couple minutes left, to prevent further incident.

Why are we seeing so many examples of unsportsmanlike conduct?

Players lack respect for each other, their coaches, teams and the game. Owens still believes he did nothing wrong. (Some guys never get it.)

Fans, in turn, have zero tolerance. We’re paying more for tickets, and expecting more for our dollars.

In some cases alcohol is the problem, as it was in Chicago a few months ago when Cubs’ fans swiped the hat of a Dodgers’ player, causing a brawl in the bleachers. Too often fans are sauced up before the games begin.

But more than booze is involved here. Too many people feel they have carte blanche to do whatever they want whenever they want. There’s a lack of respect for each other and authority.

Instead of getting better, things only seem to get worse.

Article courtesy of UsFANS.com