Oregon Football: Ban on Duck Lips Leaves Tradition in the Parking Lot

One of the most enjoyable aspects of college football that really sets it apart from the NFL is tradition. 

It doesn't matter if that tradition is found in a certain uniform that has been worn for decades, or in a team that now has 600 different uniform combinations. 

Tradition is what makes up college football’s soul. 

Now, here in Eugene, I am reading about a “new interpretation of an old conference rule,” according to Oregon spokesman Dave Williford. 

What this means to a Duck fan is that the duck calls known as “Duck Lips,” otherwise known to the Pac-12 as “artificial noise makers,” are no longer allowed within the stadium. 

Not only is the new interpretation squashing a long standing and beloved tradition at Oregon, an important fund-raising tool for the marching band is now dead.

So now, the far-reaching impact of a poorly-written and -interpreted rule is that now the band needs to find a new fund-raising method. Perhaps more important, a rich tradition is now gone.  

At a place like Oregon where there isn't much tradition to begin with, it has a jarring effect.  

Keep it On the Field 

I completely understand the desire to limit actions on the field such as taunting and showboating.

I have a four-year-old son and I have a new appreciation for potential role-models that he comes into contact with, both positive and negative. 

The decisions made by the University of Oregon, Pac-12 and NCAA give the appearance of being afraid to show emotion, both on the field and off. 

The message that I want to send to the leaders of college football is to stop worrying about the silly stuff and maybe focus on things that really affect the game.