Yankees Fan Kills Red Sox Fan: Sports Fans Need to Be More Civil

Ivonne Hernandez has been charged with killing a man with her car.  She is a Yankees fan, and she drove her car into a group of Red Sox fans who had been taunting her. 

This is an extreme example of the extremes to which some sports fans go.  Most folks would never do something like that, but a lot of people get carried away when it comes to sports.  This is especially true at the present time, because the internet makes it possible to post nasty messages anonymously. 

If you talk smack to somebody face-to-face, you might get your butt kicked, or have your windshield smashed in.  But when you're in your living room typing on your keyboard, knowing that the people on the receiving end of your wrath will probably never find out who you are, much less find out where you live, there's no limit to what you can get away with. 

The worst thing that can happen is for an administrator to delete your post, or even ban you from the site.  But so what?  There are thousands of other sites you can go to, and start the process all over again.

People have always argued about politics and religion, but an increasing number of people have started taking the same approach with sports.  People who pull for a team you don't like, or pull against your favorite team, are seen as enemies.  Anybody who disagrees with your opinion is subject to a vicious verbal attack.

Any time you present your opinion on the internet, you should expect it to be challenged.  And there's nothing wrong with that.  I'm sure some commentators will take issue with this article.  

The key is not to let your ego get wrapped up in the situation.  For many people, their favorite sports team is an extension of their ego.  For others, their opinions serve the same function.

Am I saying we shouldn't have spirited debate on sites like this?  Absolutely not.  I'm all for people having the chance to put their two cents in.  I just wish the hotheaded folks would calm down and stop taking these things so seriously.