When an individual purchases a ticket for a sporting event, what rights does he or she have? Apparently according to most sports writers this does not include the right to boo. However, if this is the case then they must not have the right to cheer either.
LeBron James had a great first half the other night. However, in the second half he missed seven free throws in a row. His team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, eventually lost the game and James was booed heavily by the crowd. Sports writers have come to his defense claiming that overall he had a good game. They have claimed that Cleveland fans should not have been so callous because James is a free agent after this season and could possibly leave for another team. This thought process, however, ignores the fan’s perspective.
Many sports writers have been known to be critical any time fans boo the home team. Nonetheless, as ticket holders, the fans have the right to react in any civilized manner that they please. They are not restricted to cheering for the home team and booing the opposition, they have a right to react any way they see fit. The ticket gives them that right.
Also, I have previously discussed the “wisdom of crowds”. This situation is no different. If I attend a game and I am disappointed with the performance I can express my displeasure. However, there are also 10,000 other people that have an opinion. These other people have no obligation to join in my expression. So when the entire arena is echoing with boos, it would seem that there is a consensus.
As a ticket holder an individual is allowed to respond to the performance of the players any way that he or she see fit (within limits, obviously no one can throw things onto the playing surface, at players, etc.). Sports writers should not dictate the rules of the spectators. And why should anyone question a consensus opinion?
The next time you attend a game feel free to express you opinion.