We are told it is one of the biggest in-state rivalries in the country. Most of us believe it, even though that is a pretty bold statement; however, for the sake of argument, let’s say it is true. As an Indiana Hoosier, I hate Purdue and everyone else on this campus hates Purdue. Most of us have developed such a hatred for that God-forsaken school that come game time, there is literally nothing the crowd will not say, and it is getting out of hand.
I know we are our rivals, and rival games are always the most fun games to attend. But when I turn my head and see the glares of Alumni as yet another “A$$HOLE, A$$HOLE” chant is being yelled at the ref, I understand why they are so upset. The environment in Assembly Hall has become toxic. The students will chant whatever they chose, whether it be towards the opposing school, coach, or referee and it needs to stop. The real question is how do they stop it? Let us see what has already been attempted:
- Threatening the crowd with a Technical Foul: From my extensive Google searching, I have not found one instance where this has ever happened to a college crowd, making it an empty threat that no one even pays attention to.
- Tweets and Tid-bits in the IDS telling us to not swear because “We Aren’t Kentucky”: This tactic seems to cause more eyes to roll than tongues to be held.
- Tom Crean: On many, many, many occasions he has reminded us that this is, in fact “Indiana” and we should show the world we respect the sanctity of our banners by displaying nothing but class during games. It isn’t working Tommy.
And so the chants of “F#$% Purdue” and “A$$HOLE” ring through Assembly Hall at the same volume as the “HOO HOO HOO HOOSIERS” chant and nothing is being done. I can’t take it anymore. I feel like a prude being the only one in the student section who isn’t caving to the mob mentality and participating in the chants. I just cannot force myself to scream obscenities in such a public environment.
Bottom line…T us up. We know we deserve it. I know we can still be an effective 6th man without all the cursing. Let’s just see if we can get a ref with the guts to do it.
Amy stay at home you prude
I agree with what you are saying and I also refrain from yelling the obscenities, but I just feel when Purdue comes to town, we have to kick it up a notch. It is IU-Purdue and there is nothing like it. Its a no-holds-barred atmosphere.
That being said, I definitely think the technical fouls should be called because at this point, we hear it every game and the call never comes. Why should the students take it seriously?
So basically while I agree, I don’t see a threat from anyone (IU, Refs, Fans) that will ever do anything about it. And you have to understand, it is probably the same or worse at colleges all around the country.
It happens all over sports. Go to any big-time or any game and you will see that it is all the same. I hate to single you out but too many people harp solely on Indiana but profanity is around every college town and every major sports league.