This letter is in response to the letters from Brian Gunsolley and Paul Stanley, which attempt to justify negative comments directed toward players on opposing teams, specifically, yelling “rapist” at Pierre Pierce during the Iowa game.

Though I detest his actions and am astonished that he is still on their team, such comments during a basketball game are inappropriate.

Mr. Stanley encourages the student section to create that kind of negative atmosphere at every game. If we do this, opponents will dislike playing at Hilton Coliseum for all the wrong reasons, and we will be ridiculed for our poor sportsmanship.

Good fans should show good sportsmanship. The way I see it, fans are there to cheer for their team, not cheer against the other team.

You aren’t really supporting your team by taunting opponents.

Supportive fans can be just as distracting to an opponent as fans who are slinging insults. Positive cheering can also motivate your own team.

Good fans who show sportsmanship can not only help their own team win, but can also gain respect from the opposing team and fans.

Adam Nelson

SophomoreComputer Science