I have been to many sporting events, amature and professional, and have yet to see a cheer that is less offensive than at the Denver Broncos stadium. You would never notice it on TV, unless you have actually been to a game in person.
The first Denver Bronco game I attended was Denver vs. Chicago Bears a couple of years ago. It was a great day for football: freezing cold (the high was like 19 degress) and grey skies. I believe it was the first posession by the Bears when I was shocked at what happened.
When the opposing team throws a pass that is incomplete, the stadium announcer leads the crowd in a cheer. The announcer starts out with:
The pass from “insert quarterback here” to “insert receiver number and name here” was…
Then the announcer stops talking and the crowed collectively yells:
IN-COM-PLETE!!!
I couldn’t believe that:
- The announcer would lead a cheer
- The cheer would be so obnoxious
- The cheer would be used for every play and not just red-zone plays
Where has our decency gone? You can call me old and stuffy, which I am becoming, but this is just rude behavior to exhibit, especially at an event that is attended by many children. The same kids that we expect to treat others with respect. The same kids that we punish for talking back. The same kids that will be the future for our society.
Here they witness it is OK to make fun of and even attempt to humiliate another person for their failed attempt at success. Where does this garbage come from?
Other sporting teams use cheers to *support* their teams, not attack the opponents. I guess I should not expect so much from the Denver fans. These are the same fans that are quick to boo their own players. I do expect more from the Denver Broncos management, however.
Next time you watch on TV as the Broncos play at home, listen carefully, you can still hear it at home. Maybe you too will join me in our own little cheer:
The Denver Broncos Management morals are: IN-COM-PLETE