Posted by  Isthis Thingon, Alabama on 09/17  at  10:37 PM

I understand most residents of Tampa refer to themselves as Tampans. 

This article makes it clear some of Tampa’s residents should be referred to as Tampons.

Posted by  Mark, Lutz on 09/17  at  10:27 PM

Tom,

I’m very certain you’ve rode with someone who has been under the influence. It’s very comparable to this situation with USF. Out of 65,000 people who attend Buc’s games, I promise you more than half the crowd are drunk leaving. After attending my first professional game when I was 14, I then knew why kids weren’t supposed to be at games. I’m not saying it should be “NO KIDS ALLOWED” but if you take your kids to the game, it’s your own fault for allowing them to view some of the things that happen. Ok now, going back to the people leaving games drunk, are you okay with your kids being in that car? Just an opinion

Posted by  Dan Alatorre, Tampa on 09/17  at  10:19 PM

LETS just clear a few things up.

A lot of the drunk and obnoxious young people at the USF games are local high school dropouts who can’t afford the Bucs. Ask the cops.

I have been a season ticket holder since day 1 and I very rarely miss a game. We got ABUSED by the drunk and obnoxious Mountaineer fans a few years ago. They were REALLY poor sports, and would be still if we didn’t own them for the last few years.

NOBODY is worse than UCF, except Miami back in the day.

BUT AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, IF YOU ARE GETTING OBNOXIOUS, I AM CALLING THE USHER AND GETTING YOU THROWN OUT, AND I DON’T CARE WHAT TEAM YOU CAME TO CHEER FOR. I SUGGEST THE REST OF YOU DO THE SAME. WE DON’T NEED THAT CRAP HERE.

Go Bulls!

Posted by  Mark, Lutz on 09/17  at  10:17 PM

Just remember while you like taking shots at me, its true. Anytime you enter the outside world things can happen. To fuss about it is just a waste of time and effort. Steve, you can take your kids to the game if this kind of stuff doesn’t bother you, but it will continue to happen. By the way, I don’t drink or act inappropriate at games fool making assumptions. Making a simple connection to what happens at sporting events, concerts, night clubs, etc.. anytime you enter the world things can happen.  Why is USF taking the blunt of what happens everywhere?

Posted by  Michael Spears, Tampa on 09/17  at  09:24 PM

USF fans have no reason for animosity with Kansas fans.  I too apologize for the actions of those Bulls fans.  When we went to Auburn last year we were treated like royalty, even after the game was over and we had won.  My friends and I made the decision to treat most (not all - sorry UCF, WVU, Rugers) visitors with the same level of respect and warmth.  Perhaps Grothe can film a spot to play on the scoreboard about sportsmanship.

Posted by  Ben Forlaw, Atlanta on 09/17  at  09:13 PM

All I can say is, on behalf of myself and my friends and family (I am one of 3 USF alumni in my immediate family) that attended USF, I apologize for the behavior of some of our fans.  We should not point out bad behavior to justify other bad behavior.  It isn’t right.  I am all for good natured heckling, but I am sorry for the good KU fans that had to experience this.  The USF fans responsible should be ashamed.

Posted by  Befundis Jackson, gainesville on 09/17  at  09:12 PM

I was at the game and was appalled by the behaviour. I have never seen such antics in Gainesville even with the Vols in town.  It boils down to the fact that the fans don’t know how to behave since they have never been there as a national program.  To many bandwagon fans that think that acting like it is the NFL.

Posted by  Geoff Silpa, Tampa on 09/17  at  09:07 PM

This is not only here at USF.  I had drinks thrown at me when I was in Orlando for the UCF USF game.  This is deplorable that my fellow Bull fans acted in such a manner. But people need to understand that this goes on at every school.  Mix rowdy people with alcohol and you have an explosive situation.

Posted by  Allen Brown, Tampa on 09/17  at  07:23 PM

Suck it up, Jay.  Verbal abuse is to be expected, sad as it is.  It’s a football game.

Many WVU fans were equally bad.  I was there as well.

Posted by  Jay Schlehr, Naples on 09/17  at  07:01 PM

This isn’t the first complaint about this from USF that I’ve heard.  I’m a born/bred Mountaineer.  Last year’s game in Tampa was my first USF game, and it will also be my last as a visiting fan.  There was so much verbal abuse that I was embarassed that I had brought my girlfriend with me.  I’m not saying that WVU doesn’t do this as well, because it happens everywhere. USF students obviously cannot handle being highly ranked responsibly

Posted by  Jip Stevens, California on 09/17  at  06:54 PM

It’s uncalled for, but Kansas fans are just as bad. Ask them what they traditionally chant as KU is kicking the ball off.

http://www.kansan.com/stories/2007/oct/09/vulgar_kickoff_chant_draws_criticism/

Point is, USF is wrong here, but few fan bases are right. This is a sick, sad world we live in.

Posted by  Tom Sabol, Tampa on 09/17  at  05:53 PM

Mark: To your point about WVU…who cares how bad it is there or anywhere else. It’s how we represent ourselves. I’m not saying USF is unique in this situation but we don’t have to accept it. I know how I acted when attending USF and it wasn’t always with class and I regret some of the things I said and did but your argument about accepting the responsibility and the consequences because you ride with a friend that drinks and drives is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Your responsibility is to stop your friend from drinking and driving. Just because someone else is doing something wrong doesn’t make you doing it right.

Posted by  Tom Sabol, Tampa on 09/17  at  05:52 PM

To Richard and Mark: First of all I have no idea what point Richard was making because it mad no sense but at least he used his last name. Mark on the other hand avoided using his last name so that people won’t know who is making those ridiculous statements. We all know what it’s like to be young but that doesn’t excuse flat out idiocy. What kind of moron says that USF games are no place for children. How do you think schools like FSU and UF have built loyal followings. Many years of kids growing up cheering their respective teams.

Posted by  Steve O'Neal, Valrico,Fl on 09/17  at  05:45 PM

Mark in Lutz, that is one of the stupidest posts I’ve read on this subject. I’m a USF fan and I bring MY kids to the games. There is always going to be inconsiderate idiots that act up and make it unenjoyable for others. You sound like one. I speak up when I see inappropiate behavior by fans. I have 16 season tickets just so I can bring my family and friends to game for a fun time. Why don’t you do everyone a favor and STAY HOME yourself. The game is a place for fans, including CHILDREN, not for obnoxious jerks like you.

Posted by  Brian, Tampa, FL on 09/17  at  05:44 PM

Just proves how classless the USF fans are.  Grow up!

Posted by  Mark, Lutz, FL on 09/17  at  05:07 PM

If you don’t like it, Stay Home! Whether you’re a USF alumni, USF Fan, or an opponents fan…Stay Home. First of all, it isn’t a place for children to be anyway.  We all know that because we were young at one point, these things happen at big events like this one. It happens at every school, I’ve heard some real stories that put this one away about WVU with a friend who went there. When you drink and drive or ride with someone who drinks and drives,  you accept the responsibility of a possible DUI or let’s hope not worse. When you drink or go to a football game where alcohol is served you must accept what could happen. VERY SIMPLE to understand.

Posted by  Doug Vorbeck, Clearwater on 09/17  at  03:56 PM

I would love to travel to all the away games and spend money in the other teams towns if they just treated the visiting fans with respect.  Treat them how you would want to be treated if you were at an away game visiting your team.  Your a stranger to the town and your judging the city and college by what you experience while your there.  I sure don’t want them to Think that Tampa is like what they experienced the other day.  If there Mothers heard them talk like that they would surely get a mouthful of soap.

Posted by  Rob Flohr, Tampa on 09/17  at  03:52 PM

USF fans learn how to be fans from the Bucs games. Unfortunately, the Bucs fans are pro fans and at every pro game the behavior is awful. I think pro football is an excuse to drink alcohol and gamble, everytime I go I regret it and witness more people drinking and carousing than taking interest in the contest.

Most college atmospheres are far better than that, but our society is teaching our young people that this behavior is acceptable at sporting events. We all need to hold each other accountable.

Posted by  Richard Todd, Mimns,Fl on 09/17  at  03:45 PM

News media blows up another non-story.

If you act like an idiot at the game you to grow a pair and learn how to support you team.  Otherwise go somewhere else to work out your problems.

If you don’t like insults keep your KU or UCF gear or what ever gear home and wear your skirt to the game.

Posted by  Jordan Howes, Lakeland on 09/17  at  02:47 PM

I have been to different stadiums many times.  My first love is USF since it’s where I graduated, and I hate to say this, but it is probably the worst place I have personally been too.  As a grad student, I still sit in the student section, and I still see them as the biggest problem.  Beer is not readily available at most college games, but it is easily found for anyone who wants it at Ray Jay.  And have you ever tried to get a drink behind the pirate ship at half time?  What a mess!  And I am often appalled at the mess I see on the streets after the game with no thought or cares as to who will clean it up.  The be RespectaBull campaign is a great idea, but I am afraid it may be too little too late.

Posted by  Penny Nagel, WPB on 09/17  at  02:20 PM

Totally agree w/ the last comment from Mr. Sabol.  My husband and I are both alumni and are very PROUD of our association w/ USF, which has always stood out as having character and class. 

Last year, we brought a 15-yr old friend to experience her first college football game.  We too had to walk to the student parking lot and it was disgraceful!  I was so embarrassed to subject the kids to the ridiculous, shameful behavior going on there.  Not to mention fear for our safety w/ all of the objects flying and the broken glass EVERYWHERE. 

As USF students you should hold each other to a higher standard!  POSITIVE peer-pressure to behave responsibly is needed.  The schools name is getting broadcast like never before.  MAKE YOUR SCHOOL PROUD

Posted by  Tom Sabol, Tampa on 09/17  at  11:24 AM

First of all there are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the Truth. The truth is that regardless of how bad or similar it was elsewhere, it’s not acceptable for us to behave that way. However I saw KU fans giving as good as they were getting on my walk to the stadium. I made the mistake of letting my wife lead us through the student dominated parking lot 4 with my 4 year old son. The screaming f-bombs flying about made me recoil and I curse like a sailor, but not in front of my son. I have to say that it is my fault as it is all of our faults for not telling the offenders to knock it off. We can’t let the minority tarnish our image. We’re not UCF! Lets have some class.

Posted by  Ronnie Conrad, Clarkesville,Ga on 09/17  at  10:55 AM

Over my 40 plus years of attending any sports event , college, pros and yes even HS there has always been a few in the crowd that makes everyone else just wonder why these types things are needed at a sporting event. Tampa is no different then any other place, Gainesville,Knoxville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Miami,Baton Rouge, Orlando, Jacksonville,Nashville, St. Pete. I’ve been there and was right in the middle of it. It’s sad that we have young adults but what about the so called adults that think their still in school acting like a bunch of jerks. Stop selling beer so they don’t get so jack up over a game that suppose to be fun   Go Bulls ! Go Gators !

Posted by  Jon McKee, SRQ on 09/17  at  10:46 AM

It’s a 2-way street.  I sat next to a older Kansas mom who seemed to think it was cool for her to wave her hands in front of me “Chalk Rock” everytime they made a play.  It wasn’t obnoxious but it was inconsiderate and “in your face”.

I also remember the Louisville fans sitting 2 rows in front of me in RJS the year we upset them.  They were screaming every curse word in the book and yelling at the USF fans around them.  I was surprised a fight did not break out.

A partial solution is limit beer consumption.  Stamp their hands, limit 2 beers.

Posted by  JCM, LAKELAND, FL on 09/17  at  08:18 AM

I went to a UF vs Tennessee game in the swamp a few years ago. My friend had his drink spit in while being past down the row.  There were treating Fulmers wife as if her was a terrorist.  We had some KU fans by us and we had a good time and they were good sports.  Friendly trash talk in good fun.  The swamp for me was the worst I had ever experienced by FAR!  Gator fans for the most part are delusional.