"The two suspects cursed and taunted three men in Giants gear as thousands of fans left the stadium after the 2-1 Dodger victory, Detective T.J. Moore said. The Giants fans ran and two got away, but the assailants caught up to one in the parking lot, struck him on the back of the head and as he fell, he hit his head on the asphalt, Moore said."
This isn't the first time acts of violence have erupted at a baseball stadium over a team rivalry. "Southern California ballparks have seen violence in recent years. In April 2009, a man stabbed his friend in the Dodger Stadium parking lot after the team's home opener... Two months later at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, an off-duty police officer shot and wounded two men who assaulted him in the parking lot after a game."
How can team rivalry over what is supposed to be a fun, friendly sporting event grow into violence? Alcohol and crowd mentality may have something to do with it. Why beat up a rival? To display pride and loyalty to your own team?
When you hear about tragic stories like this, you have to wonder: How could someone think that a man's life is worth that short display of pride? Has sports fandom gotten too out of hand?
I just read about this story last night and could not believe my eyes as I read the details. How could grown men be so immature? It pains me to think that Bryan Stow and his family have to go through something this tragic all as a result of ridiculous fandom.
ReplyDeleteI think fandom can absolutely go too far, and this story is just one instance of when it does. I wouldn't have thought to even bring this up in my blog, Morgan-- good point.