The "We" Epidemic Amongst Fans: Can It Be Stopped?

There is a growing epidemic amongst fans that needs to be stopped.

The use of the word "we" when talking about one’s favorite team has completely changed sports society.

Whenever I hear it...I cringe. Whether people like it or not, it’s here to stay.

Constantly the sound on my local sports-talk station, KNBR 680 AM, is people calling in and dropping "we" like they are popping Tylenol when they have headache.

When speaking about the San Francisco Giants, a caller would say something like, “You know, I think we need to sign this guy because he would be a great fit for us. We need some power and I think this guy is the perfect fit in our lineup.”

Wait, what? When did you become an assistant to Brian Sebean?

These are the same people that suggested that the Giants trade Marvin Benard, Russ Ortiz and a couple other garbage players for Vlad Guerrero when he was still with the Expos. So obviously their sports knowledge might not be up to par with other people.

However, it’s not just these nut jobs that are doing it. Everybody does it these days. Even if somebody drops knowledge about the Jamestown Jammers did in 1993, they still drop the ‘we’ without even knowing it.

Now it’s understandable that sports coverage is nothing like it was ten years ago and fans feel as close as ever to their favorite teams, but come on, say the team names.

Is it really that hard to do? Just a couple of syllables, that’s it.

And with sports-talk shows as popular as ever and homers all over the airwaves, it’s impossible that this trend will stop.

A prime example of this is Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, a lifetime Giants fan and a classic homer. As co-host of WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog, he has the perfect platform to say whatever he wants and however he wants. And he does it without hesitation.

However, there are exceptions to the use of it.

The only time "we" should be used is when people talk about their college or high  school alma maters. Because you attended the school and most likely spent your parents’ hard earned money for at least four years, you are allowed to use this dreaded word.

However, this "we" problem is not just limited to American sports.

Soccer fans are just as guilty as anybody when using "we" and being complete homers. The location doesn't matter, the same problem is taking place.

The Internet has made reading sports from across the world easy and completely accessible. Go to any website that allows readers to respond to articles and the comments will be filled with people dropping "we" with ease. Even while editing articles on Bleacher Report, I have spotted many people being guilty of doing within their articles.

It’s just something that needs to end. It’s one thing for an announcer or a former player to say it (Ron Santo anyone?), but it’s another thing for some Average Joe to pretend they are actually part of the team. When somebody drops ‘we’ and then makes an idiotic statement, people lose respect for you. It’s that simple.

Rooting and being passionate is fine. Being a complete homer is a total different ballgame.

So fans please, do me a favor and use your favorite team names when talking about them. It will make you sound a lot smarter in the process.