San Francisco 49’ers Loss Draws Line Between Passion and Stupidity
By Scott Allen
In just about every sport, every team, has seen its share of passionate fans, however has also seen its share of stupid fans too, including the Arizona Cardinals. What happened last night after the San Francisco 49’ers lost to the New York Giants though 20-17 in the NFC Championship Game was just downright criminal. Receiver turned punt returner thanks to the injury to Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams ended up muffing not one but two punts, including one in overtime that ultimately cost the Niners the game. Williams, of Arizona State fame actually saw the same thing happen to him in the University of Arizona-Arizona State game in 2009 when a muffed punt cost them the game. Let me say that last word again – game. Williams received a number of reported death threats after the loss from so called “fans”. Uncalled for. Many of you undoubtedly have seen some of the tweets that came out last night. Sad.
I realize sports is a passion for many, myself included. However there is a line that is drawn from being passionate and then being stupid. Last night it went one step further to criminal. Williams did not deserve the death threats. He made a couple of mistakes. Yes, they were costly, however, it is just a game.
I thought it was ironic and even laughed when reminded of the ASU-UA game in 2009 last night after the Niners game. That was before I saw all the death threats. Williams is human like you and I. Even though he makes a lot more money at what he does than what you or I do, that does not change that fact.
I was even appalled at some friends who were calling for Williams to be cut on the spot. Really? I realize this is a business, but maybe some people don’t realize the contributions this young man made to the Niners this season. I don’t remember anyone asking for him to be cut or to die when he was killing (pardon the pun) the Cards back in November. So, let’s get serious. Let’s grow up. This is just a game people.
There are some bad apples that associate themselves with every team, maybe by reputation it seems like more for some than others. However, that excuses no one from making death threats. It should never come to that. If the Cards were in that situation last night and then someone started making death threats, I would be severely disappointed. Arizona Cardinals fans are better than that and quite honestly, so are San Francisco 49’ers fans. Those death threats allowed the actions of a few speak for many and that is unfortunate.
Show your passion but remember there is always a line to stop at. Last night, some crossed it and should look long and hard at themselves in the mirror as to why. If you can’t answer why, then it is time to find a new hobby or get some help. Seriously.
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