Bad Sportsmanship: Oklahoma State and Oregon Disrespected By Opposing Fans on Saturday

In every college game or professional game I have ever attended, both as a member of the media and a fan there is always that annoucement about being a good fan, displaying good sportsmanship toward both teams that are playing. There were two instances over the weekend where emotions were running high in both the Oregon game vs Arizona State and the Oklahoma State game vs Texas Tech. With the Ducks, cooler heads ultimately prevailed.

Feb 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Jason Calliste (12) shoots against Arizona State Sun Devils guard Jahii Carson (1) Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Guard Jason Calliste had several hard fouls during the game that the Ducks would lose in the end by two points. Oregon Head Coach Dana Altman’s team has not had an easy Pac-12 season. After starting the year 12-0 Oregon has fallen off the map with 8 conference losses. Calliste drew the attention of the Arizona State student section after a play at the rim. Following the game several Oregon Assistant coaches were spit on leaving the floor. ASU Police investigated the incident, caught the student involved and no charges were filed against him. The Sundevils are one of several areans in the country where the opposing teams entrance to the arena is by the student section where security was a concern.

Oregon next takes on Oregon State next Sunday at Matthew Knight Arena. Arizona State hosts #2 Arizona.

Feb 8, 2014; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Robert Tuner (14) tries to block Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) in the second half at United Spirit Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

In the other game dealing with bad sportsmanship there was a bigger, and as of Sunday morning, a more noticed incident than the one at Arizona State. Oklahoma State Guard Marcus Smart toward the end of the game on Saturday night against Texas Tech had an altercation with a fan, with time still to play in the game. Texas Tech had a 63-61 lead with under 10 seconds to go when the Red Raiders picked up the ball off a OSU turnover. Following a foul Smart had an altercation with a fan and pushed him. He said the Texas Tech fan used a racial slur. Regardless of what was said to the Sophomore that reaction was not appropriate. A Technical foul was issued on Smart and Texas Tech went on to win the game 65-61.

The win for Texas Tech depending on the rest of the season may have added enough to the resume to play in March, but that will not be the storyline. Following the game media members on social media were talking about a suspension for the Oklahoma State guard anywhere from 1 to 3 games,

When it comes to the homestretch of the season, regardless of the sport both fans and athletes alike need to be more aware of their actions. There is a certain amount of professionalism that comes when you buy a ticket to watch your favorite team play in person and these types of incidents should not happen, but they do. In some venues around the country they may happen every game. Just because we don’t hear about them does not make it right. Sure, cheer for your team and boo all you want and be respectful of not only other fans and the players, but ultimately be respectful of yourself.

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