West Virginia fans have been known to be pretty wild at times, and during last night's game against Pittsburgh, they reared their collective ugly head again. Fans threw items on the court at multiple points during the game, hit a Pitt assistant coach in the face, and even got yelled at by Bob Huggins. It was an ugly scene, and FSN's Mark Adams got a tad bit upset about the whole ordeal....

Wow. He almost lost his voice during that whole exchange. I mean it's a little beyond ridiculous that the fans started throwing stuff on the court when their team was up ten points and ultimately won by 19. Welcome to West "F**kin" Virginia!

Pitt vs. WVU hoops crowd gets out of hand (The Morning Freak Show)

Clemson lost to Georgia Tech two weeks ago, but this video just recently hit the webs. A Tigers fan was a little upset about said loss, and Chris Fowler, Jesse Palmer and Craig James, got quite a kick out of it. For four whole minutes....

I love how they hammer the kid forever, and then Fowler has to get all serious and say that they don't want to make fun of him. The kid was acting like a three year old, guys....have at him.

(via Hot Clicks)

I always find it hilarious when reporters get pissed at fans during on-site reports. For some reason they think people aren't going to go crazy when they go live, and the decide to get all upitty. One of those people is Mike Irwin, a reporter from Northwest Arkanas, and here is his exchange with SEC fans in Omaha....

Oh come on, Mikey. You don't need no stinking security! Just drink a few before your next report, and join in the fun!!!

Great find by reader JF this afternoon. Tim Brando was on the "Paul Finebaum Show" this past Tuesday, and after an Auburn fan questioned his credentials, he want on a pretty intense tirade directed against the caller. Here is the audio....

Hilarious. It's rare that a broadcaster completely loses their cool like that, but always funny to hear. Good times down there at Auburn....Goooood Times.

Tim Brando Interview (Paul Finebaum Show)

If you're looking for a slight distraction during halftime, I've got one for you: the wonderful men at the Stephen A. Smith Heckling Society of Gentlemen recorded what happens when you decide to catch some Z's at a Mets game: people balance empty beer cups on your head.



So wrong, yet so wonderfully right.

Thanks to reader TE for the tip and Red Sox Monster for finding the video for this morning. NESN decided to show some Sawx fans in the stands at the Trop near the end of last night's game and it seems they timed it perfectly....

That guy has a little Kerry Wood in him doesn't he? I know you're not having fun as of late Red Sox fans, but calm down....it's only July 1st. Plus the Yankees are only five games back and you know they're coming into town this weekend. Okay sorry....you can panic. It's more entertaining that way.

We really need to work on this 'grace in defeat' thing (Red Sox Monster)

I know you looked at that title and said, "You have to be shitting me"....but alas.....the headline is true and very unbelievable. Nelva Deeke of Hubbell, Nebraska won a Home Depot contest where the choice of an all expense paid trip to California for the Rose Bowl or College Gameday hosting a BBQ at her house. She chose the cookout. From the Star-Herald via Fanhouse....

"I could've gotten tickets, with all the amenities, to the Rose Bowl, but since Nebraska wasn't playing, I decided not to use that one," she said. Instead of a barbecue in Hubbell, Deeke and some friends met the GameDay crew for lunch at a Lincoln restaurant, May 21.

"Rather than have the barbeque, I don't think anyone wants to come to Hubbell - it's only 50 people - they picked up eight, including myself, (and) we had lunch at Vincenzo's in the Haymarket in Lincoln and the limo took us home."

She described Fowler, Herbstreit and Corso as "very nice", "open" and "friendly".

Friendly?! They should have been worshipping the ground this lady walks on. She passed up Rose Bowl tickets to hang with a bunch of Sportscasters. Unbelievable. As much as I enjoy Gameday there's not a chance I'm passing up Rose Bowl tickets.

Nebraska Woman Chooses Corso Over Rose Bowl (Fanhouse)
Nebraska woman has lunch with 'GameDay' crew (Star-Herald)

I still think there are dumb and drunk fans in every stadium, but this video might put the Cubs fans a little bit ahead of every other team. From the "throwing the balls" series in which Brennaman flipped out, comes this clip of a hot dog eating contest in the stands.

It's never good when you A) Lose to a woman in an eating contest and/or B) Almost dying and needing the Heimlich Maneuver. Via Frog Soda....

I love how it's a Reds fan that saves the guy. See you CAN get along with fans from other teams at the stadium! If you're reading Marty Brennaman....you're welcome.

Hot Dog Choke (Frog Soda)

All of Chicago is cursing the name Brennaman these days, but Marty has a message for you Chicagoans.....he doesn't care. Late Friday MB was on WMVP-AM 1000 and wasn't taking ANY of his comments back....

"If they can't understand what happened Wednesday night was completely over the top, then I'm sorry," Brennaman said. "I said how tough it is to root for the Cubs. I think a lot of people feel the same way I do, but they won't articulate it. I'm not afraid to say what I think."

Later on, Brennaman said, "[Compared to Cubs fans] Cardinals fans are hands down the best in baseball. They respect the game. They don't go to the game to do stupid stuff.

"The Cubs have some great baseball fans. But the ones who act like idiots (ruin) it for people like me."

The thing I don't understand is that there are drunk asses in every single stadium. I don't know how you could single out Cubs' fans as the worst, especially when the crime was throwing batting practice baseballs on the field.

Oh and I also heard a rumor that Brennamania cursed at Jeff Brantley on-air this past Saturday, but can't find it anywhere. If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.

Brennaman maintains criticism of Cubs fans (Chicago Tribune)
Get Off Marty Brennaman's Lawn You Cubs Fans! (Awful Announcing)

This my friends is FSN's Sideliner Jim Knox. He's in Manhattan, Kansas for the Kansas State - Missouri game and wants to take part in the KSU tradition that is......well, I don't know what it is...."Couch Crowd Surfing"?

Anyway(s), you can see this coming a mile away.....

Via the ever-rocking Joe Sports Fan.

I'm going to echo D. Lamothe's sentiments about the following video...."No Words...."

Ode to Funky Okajima (Rox and Sox Octoberfest)

I think this about sums it up.....

Jimmy Kimmel's PSA to Red Sox Nation (Red Sox Monster)

I personally don't have time for message boards since I've devoted myself to this site full-time, but a lot of other people head to them to keep up with the times. One of those people just happens to be University of Maryland alum Scott Van Pelt. SVP frequents a great number of College Football boards but most notably the Rivals.com offshoot Terrapin Times.

Another person who frequents that site is the Washington Post's Dan Steinberg who just happened upon a heated "internet" exchange between SVP and another Maryland fan (I'm going to highlight a few things here, but you have to head over to the DCSB for the whole exchange).

SVanPelt, Saturday, 9:21 pm
Title: You Are So Weak

So far today you have trashed....one of our feature backs...and a kid whose dad frequents the board...and someone else in a thread that got pulled. You are the worst thing about internet sites...an idiot with 10 bucks a month. You claim (in caps no less) to love UM football and basketball. Really? Then why weren't you there tonight? Anyone who is local that WANTED to be...was. You are a piece of garbage and I loathe you and all your kind.

loudterp, Saturday, 9:33 pm
Title: Re: You are so weak - Van Pelt - You make me sick

You come out of your little ESPN hole and make your comments. I don't care enough about you to loathe you. You really need help. If his dad frequents the board - good for him and this is part of the risk you take when your kid plays at a high profile school at QB. He'll hear worse things and I don't think he'll play, but I hope he proves me wrong. I did not trash him - you are so damn dramatic. I am the worst thing about internet sites? I'd say this to your face as well, so I'm not worried about your position. I do love MD and I think Keon gives us much more and should play the majority of the time. It showed today. I had health reasons - you piehole..- for not making the game and gave away my tickets..I do not care for you..

SVanPelt, Saturday, 9:41 pm
Title: I make YOU sick?

you internet joke....I will worry when Ralph or Gary has a problem with me. juggle, clown....juggle.

Ha...the juggle comment is actually very funny, but I think there's a much bigger issue here. Where do Announcers, Anchors, and Analysts draw the line when it comes to their fandom? There are two trains of thought when it comes to the exchange above....

First, I would go as far as to say that Scott Van Pelt is one of the Top 5 personalities that ESPN has on their network. The fact that he is such a fan is awesome. I think the majority of MD Fans (like myself for Basketball) know he loves the team, and I think he does a great job of balancing that love with his job. It comes across in his broadcasts and that's what makes him enjoyable.....unlike just about everyone else at that network. I also think it's cool that he posts under his real name. What does he have to be ashamed of?

But on the other hand, isn't a bit hypocritical to call someone out for posting his opinions on a Message Board when you're doing the same thing? It's tough not to stick up for yourself in certain situations, but in the end it's really counterproductive (like when I argue with Anon commenters). It's his "job" to be unbiased and most sports journalists and television personalities lose their allegiances when they go into the business.

That's one of the reason I read blogs before mainstream media. There's no spin or angle....they're just telling the truth and how they feel about the team. And even better....you can disagree with them right to their face, er in the comments. That's why the meshing of MSM and Blogs will eventually be the best thing to happen to Sports.

Well lucky for us Steinberg was thinking along the same lines, and brought all of this to him and more. Here's just a snipet of what Dan got from an impromptu conversation with Van Pelt (again head over to the WAPO for ....

"Is it stupid for me to do it when my name's attached to it? I suppose it is, and I'll quit," he told me. "I won't post again, because I don't want to be misunderstood. But as a guy not representing ESPN, just as a fan, I think it's incredibly pathetic for a guy just to anonymous[ly] rip on a scholarship athlete who's doing the best he can. And by the way, I think I'm right....

It's a tough spot to be in for sure. I guess the biggest no-no was SVP using the words "one of OUR feature backs" and that's what could ultimately get him in hot water with his employer. But is that really so wrong? I think it's a shame that he has to hide his devotion to a team he grew up with. You shouldn't have to pull any punches when it comes to Sports....that's the best part about them.

I guess Scott's the one that has to do the actual juggling.

On Message Boards, Scott Van Pelt and Fandom (WAPO: DC Sports Bog)

UPDATE: For another take on the situation head over to Run Up The Score. Just another angle to explore...good stuff.

(posted by OMDQ)

What's that? They're still in first place? And they have the best record in baseball? Well shiver me timbers, that's fantastic. But somebody better tell Willy here.

If I could pick one deranged Boston fan to be friends with, it might well be freekinwilly. Right or wrong, satire or no (and the more I watch, the more I hope it's satire), the man has a message, and he's doing his level best to spread it to anyone who will listen.



See everyone? The Red Sox lead in the division didn't narrow because the Yankees played absolutely lights out for two months straight. It narrowed because the Sox can't win a game. Hard hitting analysis is what you want, hard hitting analysis is what Willy gives you.

I'm not a violent man, but I do believe I would kill to see Willy and Kige Ramsey in a one-on-one debate/death match.

(posted by OMDQ)

Know how I know he's a real fan? Because he's wearing a Fenway Park T-shirt with Red Sox and Yankees logos on it (I think I bought that for my dad last year). He CARES about this rivalry, and will not rest until the Evil Empire has been vanquished. Hardcore.

This video was delivered from heaven on June 14, when the Boston Red Sox had an 8.5 game lead on the second place New York Yankees. Let the record show that five weeks later, Boston's lead in the East has shrunk drastically...by a whopping 1/2 game. Morale of the story? Chill out, my fellow Sox fans. This negative energy helps no one.

Also, it always tickles my special place when fans completely write off players who are battling through bad slumps. Last year it was Coco Crisp, this year Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew. Was Lugo absolutely painful to watch in the first half? Absolutely. Is Drew's lack of power a disappointment thus far? Without a doubt. But you know what? They're not going anywhere (and Lugo in particular has improved greatly at the plate), so again, relax and enjoy the fact that you're rooting for a first-place team.

Just a quick post here on something I came across at SbB....

You may remember this story back in March that CSTV uncovered. Well there's an update. Apparently the well endowed girl sent an email to Elton Brand expressing her displeasure for him leaving Duke early. Elton's response.....

From: Elton Tyron Brand
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 1999 8:05 PM
To: Taylor, Jennifer
Subject: Re: Leaving Duke

Thank you very much, for reminding me of the reason why I left Duke. People like you can not and will not ever understand my situation. I'm sure daddy worked very hard to send your rich self to college. While real people struggle. Never being considered a part of your posh group of yuppies really hurts me to the heart.

Sincerely, Elton Brand #42 NBA"

Oh Snap! I love the sign-off too....#42...N-B-A B***h!!! And what?!?!


Head to A Sea of Blue for the whole story.

HUGE-BOOBED DUKE GROUPIE NOT CRAZY ABOUT CRAZIES (SbB)

WE REALLY WANT TO BE ELTON BRAND, AND HERE'S WHY (SbB)

I wish this was a joke, but apparently Baseball Parks are going to begin giving out red cards to fans. The first stadium to do so is Safeco Field in Seattle, and they'll be given out for varying reasons and infractions....

Last summer, Andy Wattula and two friends settled into their outfield seats at Safeco Field to watch the Mariners play the Boston Red Sox. The warm, sunny Saturday afternoon was perfect for a ball game and was rendered even more ideal when the Sox opened up a big lead, to the delight of Wattula, who had just moved from Cambridge, Mass. As they stockpiled empty beer cups, Wattula and his friends—one a fellow Sox fan, the other a die-hard Mariners fan—bantered and joked with one another.

Near the end of the game, a seating host (Safeco's term for "usher") appeared, holding a red slip of paper. She presented it to Wattula and his friends and informed them that they needed to leave. "You violated the code of conduct," she said.

Wow...if New York instituted this policy over half the stadium would be kicked out (Hey-O!). But seriously, here's the list of things they can kick you out for...

•Foul/abusive language or obscene gestures

•Intoxication or other signs of impairment related to alcohol consumption

•Displays of affection not appropriate in a public, family setting

•Obscene or indecent clothing

•Any disruption of a game or event, including throwing of objects or trespassing on the playing field or other restricted areas

•Fighting, taunting or making threatening remarks or gestures

•Smoking or the use of tobacco products, in any form

.....and most importantly (and damaging to my baseball viewing experience)

•Sitting in a location other than the guest's ticketed seat

Finding an empty section in the lower level and moving there is an art form in my eyes. I've practiced this feat since about 8 years old, and I have never been denied.

(P.S.- Umm, about that third rule....some of us in DC might take objection to it as well.)

Ballpark Bleachers Are No Longer a Heckler's Paradise, Especially At Safeco (Seattle Weekly)

(OMDQ is a Red Sox fan who tries not to be as dumb as the one you will read about below.)

We here at Awful Announcing give broadcasters a lot of crap around here, but it's important to remember that sometimes the fans are just as bad.

Case in point: while heading out to run some errands about an hour ago, I caught the tail end of the filler being played by the local radio station during the Red Sox rain delay. Not a lot was going on - the game was just about ready to begin and it was obvious that the host was just trying to hold down the fort until the time came to kick it over to Dave O'Brien and Joe Castiglione.

One of the last things I heard was a caller who, after some small talk about when the game was going to start, announced that he expected the Red Sox to "fold like a cardboard table." For the record, this is not a completely ridiculous pronouncement. The team hasn't been decimated to the extent the Yankees have, but with Josh Beckett on the disabled list, a couple of minor leaguers making spot starts this week, and Manny Ramirez yet to break out, the potential for a significant letdown is there.

This fan, however, had different reasons for expecting disaster at some unspecified point in the season: "I'm thinking of the Celtics, the Bruins and the Patriots."

I'm pretty sure Bill Simmons has said something like this before, but isn't this line of reasoning sort of like being dumped four or five times in a row by girls who were never good for you anyway, then ruining a potentially great relationship with an awesome girl because you keep waiting for the other shoe to drop? (In fact, I'm almost positive Simmons said that, and it makes a lot of sense.) Maybe the problem isn't the team, in this case, but the fans who refuse to think positively no matter how good things become.

Mr. Fan also made some comment about the championships getting farther and farther away. Yeah, it's been three whole years since the Red Sox and Patriots won titles, and the Patriots came within a second-half meltdown of playing for one last season. Our teams are FAILURES!