An outsiders observation of our fans

[Mustangsabu]

I took a couple of work colleagues to the Houston game last Thursday, guys who have no connection to SMU at all, but fans of college football who were interested in seeing a game at SMU. Obviously my SMU obsession is rubbing off on them because the first thing they did when we got to Dallas for the game was go buy some SMU gear. And then we go and score 72 points. They were impressed. But they had to listen to people screaming nonsense at JJ, especially towards the end, and it left them with the opinion that SMU fans are terrible fans. I think that people don't realize that creating a negative atmosphere in an attempt to basically "get what they want" makes SMU fans seem selfish, ignorant and whiney, and we already have to deal with a certain stigma out in the world. We don't need this.

So to all the June Haters, please don't go to the game, especially if you are going to scream your opinion of what JJ needs to do. Support the team. It will help them, it will help the atmosphere and (and this is where I am going to be selfish) I won't have to apologize for you to others.

As an aside, if I were JJ, listening to the vitriol coming from the stands when I've already put 60-odd points on the board, I wouldn't be inclined to run the ball at all

[Rebel10]

You do realize that June is kind of reaping what he has sown by putting his self in this position.

[SMUSIC 07]

creating a negative atmosphere in an attempt to basically "get what they want" makes SMU fans seem selfish, ignorant and whiney

I'm pretty sure SMU fans have always been selfish, ignorant, and whiney. It comes from living in the Park Cities for 4 years. Unavoidable I'm afraid.

[RyanSMU98]

That may be true, Rebel10, but we also have to realize that screaming insults at our own coach at the game does nothing to change the situation and clearly from Mustangsabu's experience leaves the very people we are trying to attract with a negative impression of our school rather than the coach. I'm as disappointed as anyone with a lot of the JJ nonsense, and while I think there are various ways to express that displeasure to him directly and to others that matter, screaming from the stands about it where the only people who hear you are the folks around you (many of whom might be trying to make up their minds about going to future games) probably is not the most effective way to do it and has other impacts that hurt the team and the school more than they hurt the coach.

[AusTxPony]

of course JJ is responsible, but screaming at him doesn't HELP the team in any way. It only helps you feel better. Cheer the players, forget the coach!

[Mustangsabu]

Let me also say that I am not saying JJ does not deserve criticism, my post was not about his performance, it was simply passing on the opinion of our fans by a couple of what would have to be called classic examples of the casual Texas fan, guys from Abilene and Dublin with no college affiliation (that plays football) and who just want to watch a good game and enjoy themselves.

[Mustangs35SMU]

Sorry, but anything said at an SMU game towards any coach is nothing compared to what is being screamed at one of the upper level programs (or any other program averaging more than 40,000 fans).

[ponyboy]

Cheer the players, forget the coach!

I choose to cheer the coach. Here's why:

Early 2008, June Sheldon Jones, to *EVERYONE'S* amazement accepts the job at what may be *the* NCAA's lowliest footbal program after leading Hawaii to a regular undefeated season and a BCS bowl berth against Georgia. SMU football congnoscenti can hardly believe our unbelievable great luck, an undeserved redemption, a moment of grace after years of penance.

His first year, June brings an entirely new culture to the Hilltop, a culture of personal responsiblity and professional attitude. Many on the team are dismissed of their football responsibilities and the team ekes out one win. Fans are happy despite the record.

Year two, June Jones brings about one of college football biggest ever single season turnarounds (the other of which he accomplished at Hawaii in 1999) and to everyone's amazement (see the theme here) takes the team to a win in the Hawaii Bowl. Fans are ecstatic.

Bowl games in years three and four, including a thumping of Pitt, have him on everyone's coaching radar. His buddy, agent/legend Leigh Steinberg, is in big financial trouble and needs a quick sell to avoid financial disaster. He convinces ASU to pick up June, who's more than done what he was asked to do at SMU and isn't getting along well with the SMU athletic director, his boss. After a verbal acceptance which goes public, ASU reneges and causes a very big embarassment for all involved.

June patches relations with the administration at SMU, a process that may have ultimately led to Orsini's dismissal, and he makes all right with his team. He can't however, make up with the few very vocal haters who forget where we came from and how June has so radically changed expectations here.

I say we build him a statue in thanks for all he's done. We'll see at the end of this season whether it may be time to move on, whether the rebuilding job is complete.

[skurtn]

Sorry, but anything said at an SMU game towards any coach is nothing compared to what is being screamed at one of the upper level programs (or any other program averaging more than 40,000 fans).

Well, I guess that makes it ok then.

[Mustangs35SMU]

Sorry, but anything said at an SMU game towards any coach is nothing compared to what is being screamed at one of the upper level programs (or any other program averaging more than 40,000 fans).

Well, I guess that makes it ok then.

When it is more than deserved, yes it is ok.

Telling those who don't support June not to go to the games, when we're averaging embarrassing numbers as it is, is not ok.

[skurtn]

Triple negative. Good job on that one. I see what you did there.

[redpony]

mustangsabu- As you know I am one who wants JJ gone a the end of this yr. regardless of how this season turns out. I am really hoping that he will retire because he knows he has not done anything to recruit players that can play at the next level. However, I totally agree with your comments. You go to the game to cheer for the team, not the coach. Comments about the coaches should be directed to those who have the authority to make changes and not done at the game. Unfortunate that your friends got a bad impression..

[goldenstang]

So this is what SMU football has become, 27-32 gets you a statue. This makes me sad.

[Samurai Stang]

I took a couple of work colleagues to the Houston game last Thursday, guys who have no connection to SMU at all, but fans of college football who were interested in seeing a game at SMU. Obviously my SMU obsession is rubbing off on them because the first thing they did when we got to Dallas for the game was go buy some SMU gear. And then we go and score 72 points. They were impressed. But they had to listen to people screaming nonsense at JJ, especially towards the end, and it left them with the opinion that SMU fans are terrible fans. I think that people don't realize that creating a negative atmosphere in an attempt to basically "get what they want" makes SMU fans seem selfish, ignorant and whiney, and we already have to deal with a certain stigma out in the world. We don't need this.

So to all the June Haters, please don't go to the game, especially if you are going to scream your opinion of what JJ needs to do. Support the team. It will help them, it will help the atmosphere and (and this is where I am going to be selfish) I won't have to apologize for you to others.

As an aside, if I were JJ, listening to the vitriol coming from the stands when I've already put 60-odd points on the board, I wouldn't be inclined to run the ball at all

The only person I heard screaming obscenities was you.

[skurtn]

So this is what SMU football fans desire; instant gratification. This makes me sad.