As we evolve in society our human nature is becoming more aggressive, and this aggression is sometimes difficult to see. Sport is separated into two components. The first is participating in sport. The second is spectating in sport. Since competitive aggression is normal when participating in sport, it is more important to examine how people take the passion they have for the game and how aggression is sometimes the result. In society, we hold our professional athletes and teams in such high regards to succeed that if failure occurs, we become outraged and full of hate.
Both participating in sports, as well as spectating in sport helps shape who we are as people. It gives us an identity and characteristics that we can share with other people. Being a sports fan gives you a feeling of acceptance; you begin to connect to something that makes you feel happy to watch. Culture is defined as "the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent". It is when we hold this sport culture in such high esteem, that if excellence is not the final outcome, we as fans can become angry and perhaps irrational.
A prime example of how sports fans push the limit of their passion is evident this past weekend when two players received death threats after the loss in both the AFC Championship game and NFC Championship game. The AFC game came down to a game-tying field goal to force overtime from Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff. Cundiff missed the 32-yard kick as Raven nation bowed their heads in disgust. The NFC game was decided in overtime when wide receiver/kick returner Kyle Williams fumbled the football which led to Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes kicking the game-winning field goal to earn the Giants a place in the Superbowl.
Earlier in that game, Williams was preparing to return a kick when it went horribly wrong. The football bounced and just grazed his knee. However, this is ruled now a fumble once it touches any part of his body. The football was recovered by the Giants and 3 plays later from 29 yards out the Giants scored a touchdown. Statistically Williams attributed to the Giants earning 10 points off of his two turnovers. The final score of the game was 20-17 for the Giants. It is reasonable to place a share of the loss on Williams.
Following that loss, Williams received death threats via social media outlets for his two turnovers. One early threat, via Twitter, wished harm on Williams wife and children. Williams is single with no children. Other tweets go as far as exposing his living quarters, "Hey SF fans in the city: Kyle Williams #10 156 Filmore St, San Fransicso, CA 94117. Billy Cundiff was also targeted via Twitter, "R.I.P Billy Cundiff (Ravens kicker), R.I.P Kyle Williams (49ers WR #10).
Both the Ravens and 49ers organization have acted accordingly with NFL security in protecting the lives of these two people following their recent losses. The teams are backing them up accordingly trying to protect their pride as best they can, making comments like, "We win as a team, we lose as a team", and "Mistakes happen in life, mistakes can happen in sport".
The news of these threats has spread around the world like wildfire. NFL Players, other athletes, and public citizens are personally backing Williams and Cundiff via Twitter and other social media outlets, giving them positive remarks and strength to move on with their lives. It is good to know their are still people in this world that hold people's lives and feelings above a game, because at the end of the day it is just a game. A life is more valuable than that and should never be under the fear of threat(s) from a "loyal fan". My thoughts and prayers go out to these two individuals, for I hope they can move past the ridicule and hatred, and find a positive light in their life to keep moving forward.
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