Fans preparing to attend the big game should bring the following: Tasers, pepper spray, brass knuckles, a first-aid kit and the phone number of a good lawyer.
Players getting ready to step onto the field or court are advised that bodyguards alone won’t protect them. Whenever possible, develop sources of reliable intelligence. Know where the bad guys are.
It’s come to this.
Professional athletes and the people who pay to see them perform are at odds. The chasm between them is larger than ever. Money is the reason. As television revenue has grown over the years, so have salaries. And so have ticket prices.
Resentful fans riding on full tanks of beer are letting young, wealthy athletes know that respect needs to be earned. It won’t be doled out like free basketball shoes from company reps.
Fans live vicariously through their sports heroes. When they disappoint them, fans take it personally. Then they get personal. They say whatever they need to say in order to provoke a reaction. Most of the time, it can’t be printed here.
The money only figures to increase. The rift will remain. How to cope is the issue.
Communication always helps. The more players can reach out to fans, either at games or on the airwaves, and let them know they’re appreciative of their support and willing to consider their complaints, the better chance there is for détente.
Both sides need to accept that we live in angrier times. A qualified sociologist can explain why. But there’s no disputing it’s out there – on radio talk shows, in bars, on the streets. Fans and athletes need to be continually reminded that sports should be fun, providing an outlet for entertainment rather than an opportunity to brawl. Public relations campaigns with a sense of humor could mend wounds, calm tensions and make a difference.
Beyond that, beef up security. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
It’s the new reality. It didn’t happen overnight, and it figures to linger until the parties involved commit to a new one.
We can only hope.
