Weis Guy Blog
Technological tactics: The future of fan trash talking
By Michael Weisman, Senior Sports Writer
October 18, 2007 | 12:48 p.m.
Fans are going to new levels to get into their opponents' heads. They're using the latest technology to get any advantage they can. They're dropping the face paint and picking up a laptop, and the Weis Guy thinks it’s great.
“The times they are a-changin’.” I believe that's how the saying goes. But when Bob Dylan wrote his song, he was making reference to the government and American culture. Forty years later, the song-turned-catchphrase is still referenced often. Only now it can be applied to technology, the environment and sports fans.
That's right, sports fans. Even body-painted, wig-wearing die-hards are changing their ways. Much of that can be attributed to the aforementioned technology. Fans are coming up with new, creative ways to get an advantage over their opponent and get into the players' heads. They'll do whatever it takes to help their team and make the upcoming team on the schedule miserable, and although it's a bit cheesy, I think it's great!
Kudos to fans for taking advantage of new technology. The days of holding up signs and yelling names at opponents are a thing of the past. Those tactics are OK for during the game, but it’s during the week that the damage is done.
Thanks to the social networking Web site Facebook, fans can get the inside scoop on college athletes and become friends with the stars they cheer for each week or, in some cases, become friends with their rivals and opponents.
This week, South Florida quarterback Matt Groethe was overwhelmed by Central Florida students "poking" him on Facebook (the Knights face the Bulls Saturday). Although the pokes don't hurt physically, I'm sure it made Groethe giggle at first and then, a bit frustrated as he had to go one-by-one to click "ignore poke," so it didn't take up the entire right side of his Facebook home page. And the best part of "poking": you don't even need to be friends with the person to do it.
So all you Bobcat fans out there, take note and poke away at Eastern Michigan quarterback Andy Schmitt (E. Michigan '09 under his name when you search for him). Or any Eagle for that matter. After all, the Bobcats can use any help they can get these days. And this way, you can support your team from home since most don't make it to the game anyway.
But be creative. Don't stop at the pokes. If you’re granted access to the enemy's cyber-life, the options are endless. Talk trash on their wall. Send them a skull and crossbones or a heart with a circle around it and a slash through it using the "Gift" application. You could even sucker punch, head butt, or trip them using "Superpoke." And with the new "Superpoke" options, fans can score or slam dunk on their opponent.
The taunting doesn't have to stop away from the computer, however. Last year, one Bobcat student printed off a picture of Bowling Green basketball star Martin Samarco wearing a dress that the person found on Samarco's Facebook profile or MySpace. He or she then made copies, brought them to the Ohio and Bowling Green basketball game, and distributed them to fans to hold up during the game. Genius!
The internet isn't the only technology that determined fans can use to pester the opponent.
Tim Tebow has a new phone number now. He had to get a new one because LSU fans continually called him after the Tigers' 28-24 victory over the Gators last week. Tebow brought it on himself, though, when he taunted LSU fans by making the "call me" signal with his hand after rushing for a touchdown that put the Gators on top, for what seemed to be, for good.
Live and learn Timmy. Obviously, the LSU fans did. They learned a new trick to annoy the opponent.
And while I suppose calling an athlete is a bit extreme, a subtle text message here and there never hurt anyone.
So keep showing your support fans and get in the opponents head. Face and body paint is great. Signs and yelling are a good touch, too. But nothing beats creativity and subtlety. Take advantage of the changing times and evolving technology. Who knows what the future of opponent taunting holds?
One thing's for sure, though. Come the week of Nov. 11, Brian Robiskie will be getting "poked" by yours truly.