Even golfers and tennis players, both considered the most genteel of sports, are enduring behavior from fans that often crosses the line from taunting to criminal. It seems we are following the example set by our sports heroes. The Wrigley Field incident occurred within a day or so of Indiana University officials announcing that embattled coach Bobby Knight would keep his job, his punishment for a long list of violent misdeeds a mere promise to act with proper decorum in the future. Indiana rakes in millions because of Knight, and he keeps the college's name constantly in the media. Knight's behavior is certainly over the top, but we expect even our most respected coaches to glare and shout at the officials to help their team.
Coaches spend entire games working officials, a euphemism for yelling and taunting.
Even respectable guys like Coach K at Duke will get in a referee's face a few times a game. It has become part of the game, accepted as a necessary prelude to success. We've laughed for years over here in the U.S. at rowdy European and South American soccer fans and their violent behavior. Now look at us. Not only do we attend games to see who will win, but to see just what the crowd will be like and how it will react.