To boo or not to boo

[Mozart]

Well in last night's NJ Net game, the boo-birds finally got under the Kings' skin, Bibby in particular. Good!


I actually quit on the Kings mid-way through third quarter, only to miss out on an exiting finish, but, thanks to CSN, I was able to catch the re-broadcast of the third/forth quarters later on last night after I was told by my housemate that the Kings won, afterall. It seems that every time I walk away from the game in disgust, they win it unexpectedly, so I think that I'll stick around from now on.


While I would not boo in a game and never have boo'd in a game, the boo-birds certainly DO have the part/role to play in the game, as evidenced by last night's effect on Bibby, who was clearly upset with the booing going on. The booing clearly gave Bibby additional motivation to improve his game enough to win this game.


But as some of you pointed out, Bibby's game should not need the added motivation to show the boo-birds that they are wrong to boo...yet Bibby DID need the added motivation to show up and shut up the boo-birds by elevating his game, finally.


I certainly do think that the boos for the team was very well deserved, as the play has sucked far, far too many times this season. If a team has been playing well over-all with consistency, then the boo-birds really don't need to boo at all over an occasional bad play or bad stretches of badly-performed game non-runs; however, if a team has consistently sucked with just occasional good play, then the boo-birds ought to start booing with good reason.


Apathetic play is not acceptable at any time on the court and there's been too much of that kind of play this season already. Why? It's one thing to play hard and still get beaten, but it's another to not care about one's game on the court. Coach ought to have a policy of yanking anyone out of a game--starter or not--for apathetic play. And I'm talk'n about apathetic-don't-give-a-damn play, not the occasional poor play that ALL players do once in a while. There's only 48 minutes of game-time in each game with hours and hours of practice time inbetween, so, really, there's no excuse for apathetic play, especially if a player earns tens of thousands of bucks in each game.


In Bibby's case, he's making, what, $137, 500 PER FREAK'N GAME! He has no excuse for any sort of apathetic play of ANY KIND! Most of the players in the NBA earn MORE money in one 48-minute game than the average Joe makes in a year, sheesh. I don't think that Bibby's reaction to the boo-birds was "childish", as it showed that he did care, I think. I just hope that Bibby--and all other players on the team, regardless of how much money they make--would play their hearts out and put out energy in every game from now on, like how Garcia and Salmons did last night.


We fans who support the Kings no matter what with the meager, hard-earned money that many of us struggle to earn deserve no less. Fans have already earned the right to boo--it's up to the players to earn the deserved boos or the cheers in games.

 

[BudWright]

Everyone has the right to boo but that does not make it right. I will never boo my team. It is a personal preference. And the money thing: One person makes $137,500 per game vs. one person makes $500 a day. Both should give 100% and do their best. Is the person making the big bucks more accountable than the other? I don't think so.
We have two loud big-mouths sitting up behind us about 5 rows at every game. One hates Miller and the other Bibby. They yell all the time throughout the game: "Sit down Miller" "You Suck Bibby" "You're Terrible Bibby", etc. They also have a right to yell, but Miller and Bibby can't hear them and the rest of us have to listen to their diatribe all night every game. It gets so tiresome and is causing a lot of fan annoyance from most around us. We get the message, so now shut up! Acutally an occasional boo from them instead of their constant rant would be refreshing! Annie.

 

[uolj]

A couple thoughts on your thoughts:

* I really don't like the idea of booing your own team, even if they appear to not care at all and even if they have no energy and aren't trying. If I am still supportive and think they are going through a rough patch, I will cheer them in the hopes that it boosts their energy. I think this has a better effect long-term than booing. If I have given up on their ability to bring effort, then I will do nothing and let them wallow in the apathy.

* Basketball players are people. They have emotional highs and lows just like most other people do. Sometimes people just don't have the energy (physical or emotional) to bring consistent effort to their jobs. That doesn't mean its ok in that they can play without effort all the time, but it does make it understandable in the team's current situation.

* The amount of money has nothing to do with the issue, in my opinion. If you are getting paid to do something, then you have a responsibilty to do it to the best of your ability. The fact that basketball players are paid so much money doesn't mean that they should be held to a higher standard, though.

* I don't know if there is a such thing as "earning the right to boo". Fans are there to watch a game and to watch professionals play hard and try to win. If they don't see what they want, they complain about it. This is normal, we do it all the time in all walks of life. If you think people have the right to complain about others not doing a good job, then it would make sense to think that fans have a right to boo their own team. I just don't think it makes sense to do so.

 

[Warhawk]

Everyone has the right to boo but that does not make it right. I will never boo my team. It is a personal preference. And the money thing: One person makes $137,500 per game vs. one person makes $500 a day. Both should give 100% and do their best. Is the person making the big bucks more accountable than the other? I don't think so.
We have two loud big-mouths sitting up behind us about 5 rows at every game. One hates Miller and the other Bibby. They yell all the time throughout the game: "Sit down Miller" "You Suck Bibby" "You're Terrible Bibby", etc. They also have a right to yell, but Miller and Bibby can't hear them and the rest of us have to listen to their diatribe all night every game. It gets so tiresome and is causing a lot of fan annoyance from most around us. We get the message, so now shut up! Acutally an occasional boo from them instead of their constant rant would be refreshing! Annie.

See, this I don't agree with, but an appropriate round of booing for extended stretches (in this case, games) of play is OK in my book. Not just shots not going in, but poor playmaking decisions, lack of effort, and/or shoddy substitution decisions.

I don't want to drag this topic up again (just throwing it out for context for my comments) but I was one of "them" that infamously boo'd Webber. Agree or disagree, I thought he deserved it as well.

 

[BudWright]

To uolj: Amen.

 

[Elise10]

Well in last night's NJ Net game, the boo-birds finally got under the Kings' skin, Bibby in particular. Good!


I actually quit on the Kings mid-way through third quarter, only to miss out on an exiting finish, but, thanks to CSN, I was able to catch the re-broadcast of the third/forth quarters later on last night after I was told by my housemate that the Kings won, afterall. It seems that every time I walk away from the game in disgust, they win it unexpectedly, so I think that I'll stick around from now on.


While I would not boo in a game and never have boo'd in a game, the boo-birds certainly DO have the part/role to play in the game, as evidenced by last night's effect on Bibby, who was clearly upset with the booing going on. The booing clearly gave Bibby additional motivation to improve his game enough to win this game.


But as some of you pointed out, Bibby's game should not need the added motivation to show the boo-birds that they are wrong to boo...yet Bibby DID need the added motivation to show up and shut up the boo-birds by elevating his game, finally.


I certainly do think that the boos for the team was very well deserved, as the play has sucked far, far too many times this season. If a team has been playing well over-all with consistency, then the boo-birds really don't need to boo at all over an occasional bad play or bad stretches of badly-performed game non-runs; however, if a team has consistently sucked with just occasional good play, then the boo-birds ought to start booing with good reason.


Apathetic play is not acceptable at any time on the court and there's been too much of that kind of play this season already. Why? It's one thing to play hard and still get beaten, but it's another to not care about one's game on the court. Coach ought to have a policy of yanking anyone out of a game--starter or not--for apathetic play. And I'm talk'n about apathetic-don't-give-a-damn play, not the occasional poor play that ALL players do once in a while. There's only 48 minutes of game-time in each game with hours and hours of practice time inbetween, so, really, there's no excuse for apathetic play, especially if a player earns tens of thousands of bucks in each game.


In Bibby's case, he's making, what, $137, 500 PER FREAK'N GAME! He has no excuse for any sort of apathetic play of ANY KIND! Most of the players in the NBA earn MORE money in one 48-minute game than the average Joe makes in a year, sheesh. I don't think that Bibby's reaction to the boo-birds was "childish", as it showed that he did care, I think. I just hope that Bibby--and all other players on the team, regardless of how much money they make--would play their hearts out and put out energy in every game from now on, like how Garcia and Salmons did last night.


We fans who support the Kings no matter what with the meager, hard-earned money that many of us struggle to earn deserve no less. Fans have already earned the right to boo--it's up to the players to earn the deserved boos or the cheers in games.

Just a clarification: This isn't the first time Mike has talked about being booed

 

[Variant]

When the team is playing as it has been, I can't criticize ANYONE for booing.

If Mike and the rest of the guys are out there giving it their all and simply falling short, it's one thing... the lackadaisical mental breakdowns responsible for most of the team's woes though are enough to drive anyone crazy. The fans deserve better and I have no problem with someone displaying that vocally.

That said, I've never booed Well, on my couch I have....

 

[KingDog]

I have absolutely "0" problem with fans booing this team. And yes , I have been a fan since year one in Sacramento with this team. Am I less of a fan than you who would never boo thier team? I seriously doubt it.
When I boo for this team, it is especially meant for the ears of the brothers Maloof. I want them to hear the vocal dis-satisfaction from fans who seem to be more loyal to their team than the very owners.
I want thier skin to crawl everytime they hear that awful sound.
Maybe after they have had enough, they will then do something about the humiliation they face.
KD

 

[Bricklayer]

Despise booing of your own team as counterproductive and basically selfish. You are upset so you pour your venom onto somebody else. Eats at a franchise, damages relationships, not much different than somebody who doesn't know how to fight fair in a relationship. Eventually that other person is just going to tune you out and look elsewhere rather than continue to take the abuse.

I entirely understood why people were booing last night -- I was booing from my couch. But I would never do it in person anymore than I would make a remark about somebody's weight to their face or catcall at a pretty girl. Its rude, boorish, and selfish. And its appearance at Arco has been a significant part of the story of the end of the fairy tale relationship between fans and team in Sacramento.

 

[Viking]

if you have to boo to motivate your team to win against a not good team in a crap conference AT HOME (especially when ~95% of the time it doesn't work), it's obvious there's something wrong with the team that needs to be dealt with in other ways than booing

 

[fnordius]

I don't think that booing makes a better team, I see it as unreasoned and counterproductive. It's like dealing with a bad mood by cutting yourself.

 

[love_them_kings]

Despise booing of your own team as counterproductive and basically selfish. You are upset so you pour your venom onto somebody else. Eats at a franchise, damages relationships, not much different than somebody who doesn't know how to fight fair in a relationship. Eventually that other person is just going to tune you out and look elsewhere rather than continue to take the abuse.

I entirely understood why people were booing last night -- I was booing from my couch. But I would never do it in person anymore than I would make a remark about somebody's weight to their face or catcall at a pretty girl. Its rude, boorish, and selfish. And its appearance at Arco has been a significant part of the story of the end of the fairy tale relationship between fans and team in Sacramento.

BRAVO!! I completely agree with your take on this Brick. My main problem with booing is that it is completely destructive. Could the booing have prompted Bibby's turnaround, resulting in a win? Sure, but long term the damage it inflicts on the team and the franchise far outways the one win it may have contributed to.

And, I agree, I understand the desire to boo. Heck, I even understand the desire to shout things like "Brad Miller sit down" or worse, because I get very frustrated at times when I'm watching the team play. But, I will never boo my team in Arco. I just don't see the point.

I do understand the point of one of the posters that booing will let the Maloofs know that change needs to be made, however, I think the Maloofs can figure that out by looking at our record. And, to the players on the court, the booing is going to feel personal. There is no way the players are going to listen to booing and not feel like their fans have turned on them.

 

[Warhawk]

When I boo for this team, it is especially meant for the ears of the brothers Maloof. I want them to hear the vocal dis-satisfaction from fans who seem to be more loyal to their team than the very owners.
I want thier skin to crawl everytime they hear that awful sound.
Maybe after they have had enough, they will then do something about the humiliation they face.

I think this is an important point. Not explicitly stated in previous arguements, maybe more of an implicit assumption, but very important for the ownership to understand that in addition to many folks no longer showing up for games, the ones that do are increasingly upset about the product on the floor.

I think this hits at a different level than another email/letter saying "We aren't going to buy another ticket".

 

[uolj]

However, one of the Maloofs just mentioned that apathy was their real worst fear. I think silence and empty seats would do nearly as good of a job of getting their attention, and would do it without the all the negative consequences already mentioned.

 

[Warhawk]

However, one of the Maloofs just mentioned that apathy was their real worst fear. I think silence and empty seats would do nearly as good of a job of getting their attention, and would do it without the all the negative consequences already mentioned.

You might be right.

Some folks feed off the crowd. You give the crowd something to cheer for, anything at all to cheer for (blocked shot, hustle dive for a loose ball, etc), you'll get the positive ARCO feedback. You see it all the time. I clap and whistle and cheer every basket and good play at a game, and I am not alone by any means in my support. It's what makes ARCO such a fun environment.

I don't like booing, but in some cases I think it's warranted for those inclined to do so. Rare instances. It's also not for everyone. And I'd go no farther than booing, at least very loudly. I might make some comments to whoever is at the game with me.

BUT: You sleepwalk through a quarter with the crowd trying to get you going and it isn't enough, apparently, to give a flying rat's behind about putting out some effort. You get boo'd and it fires you up (in this instance, anyways). What conclusion do you want me to pull from this? Cheer more for lousy play and apathy?

 

[uolj]

BUT: You sleepwalk through a quarter with the crowd trying to get you going and it isn't enough, apparently, to give a flying rat's behind about putting out some effort. You get boo'd and it fires you up (in this instance, anyways). What conclusion do you want me to pull from this? Cheer more for lousy play and apathy?

Booing might "inspire" some players like Bibby in the short term, but in the long term it creates a negative atmosphere that will not make the team or any of its players better. If you've given up on the idea that cheering and encouraging won't help the effort, then as I said earlier I would choose to be quiet or even leave before I chose to boo.

I think I understand why people boo, that's just not a good enough reason for me. Some people like to complain negatively to a waiter or waitress when they forget to bring a drink or mess up an order. I personally would prefer to not worry about it, and if the service is consistently poor then I just won't go back to the restaurant (maybe I'd tell the manager first to see if something is done about it). The point is that I understand that it is human nature to want to react negatively when somebody is not doing their job well and it affects you, I just don't think that's it's the best decision.

 

[Wuster]

I feel I have the right to boo if I want, without all the complicated analysis. It kinda comes with the price of admission.

BUT... I choose not to boo. At times when the team is not performing well, for whatever reasons, I of course get upset with them and voice displeasure to those around me. If booing actually solves problems for the team, there are even bigger problems to be addressed..

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I don't boo my own team. I think its tacky and a waste of my energy.

I don't begrudge people who do, I guess that's their right. There's plenty of other behavior that I consider imbecellic at games going on as well (booing correct calls is a personal pet peeve and I was at Arco for a game where the fans cheered Paul Pierce going down on the court and that really struck a nerve) so I just chalk it up to the emotions and mob mentality of being in a crowd of people ticked off that they paid good money to see a team put up a lousy effort.

I'd be pretty embarassed if I was at the game last night and booing though. Even though I would have prefered losing by 1 based on where I think we'll be at the end of the season

 

[Jerryaki]

I feel I have the right to boo if I want, without all the complicated analysis. It kinda comes with the price of admission.

BUT... I choose not to boo. At times when the team is not performing well, for whatever reasons, I of course get upset with them and voice displeasure to those around me. If booing actually solves problems for the team, there are even bigger problems to be addressed..

i don't boo at games because, well, i don't attend kings games out here on the east coast. but i can only imagine the frustration of those who do attend, and in the absence of some real way to affect changes on the team, you boo, because it's the only non-passive thing that you can do.

if my only recourse were to be quiet as this team has gone down hill these past few years, i'd probably have an aneurysm. besides, what is the difference between booing, and coming onto this board to vent about the players and management? they must read this board at some point.

 

[Warhawk]

Some people like to complain negatively to a waiter or waitress when they forget to bring a drink or mess up an order. I personally would prefer to not worry about it, and if the service is consistently poor then I just won't go back to the restaurant (maybe I'd tell the manager first to see if something is done about it). The point is that I understand that it is human nature to want to react negatively when somebody is not doing their job well and it affects you, I just don't think that's it's the best decision.

I do not complain to the waiter or waitress/manager (except in very rare instances, say once every few years or so), I just politely ask again for whatever it is I wanted, for example. I always tell a manager if I recieved excellent or terrible service - I figure in either case they would want to know.

But this isn't a restaraunt with teenagers in polo shirts. There I expect competency and a friendly demeanor and little else.

These people are professional atheletes paid to put forth effort to win a game. That's all I ask for, and in those very rare situations where nobody on the floor (when the game is still in play) gives a darn, I am sometimes open to let management know that I expect better. Not perfection, just effort.

I love this team. I want a championship just like everyone else. I want a team that has character and cohesion and talent and drive. I do not think an occasional booing for lousy play will drive these men to tears and nervous breakdowns.

I get called to task at work when my staff guys screw up or I don't get a report out in time. I think a little criticism (at times) can be constructive. It sure seemed to me that Mike got the message....

 

[VF21]

A couple thoughts on your thoughts:

* I really don't like the idea of booing your own team, even if they appear to not care at all and even if they have no energy and aren't trying. If I am still supportive and think they are going through a rough patch, I will cheer them in the hopes that it boosts their energy. I think this has a better effect long-term than booing. If I have given up on their ability to bring effort, then I will do nothing and let them wallow in the apathy.

* Basketball players are people. They have emotional highs and lows just like most other people do. Sometimes people just don't have the energy (physical or emotional) to bring consistent effort to their jobs. That doesn't mean its ok in that they can play without effort all the time, but it does make it understandable in the team's current situation.

* The amount of money has nothing to do with the issue, in my opinion. If you are getting paid to do something, then you have a responsibilty to do it to the best of your ability. The fact that basketball players are paid so much money doesn't mean that they should be held to a higher standard, though.

* I don't know if there is a such thing as "earning the right to boo". Fans are there to watch a game and to watch professionals play hard and try to win. If they don't see what they want, they complain about it. This is normal, we do it all the time in all walks of life. If you think people have the right to complain about others not doing a good job, then it would make sense to think that fans have a right to boo their own team. I just don't think it makes sense to do so.

Excellent points, IMHO, and ones I totally agree with. I also get frustrated but I cannot boo my own team.

 

[BigWaxer]

Okay money aside, when your having a bad day or week at work does someone sit next to you and boo...Obviously two different and uncompairable situations but just a thought.

I am against booing your own team, never would and never have. Silence would speak or just not showing up to the game. Money matters and when the seats are empty the Maloofs would do something. (hopefully not baltimore colts on us)

I don't care if people boo, thats there right. They paid for the ticket and as long as they don't toss out personal insults I don't mind. As for me its MOOOVERS not Boo

 

[Jerryaki]

I am against booing your own team, never would and never have. Silence would speak or just not showing up to the game.

LOL, but my silence is ineffective with all of your cheering!

 

[Larry89]

Ask yourselves this, when the Kings utterly sucked in the Richmond days, Did anyone boo?

 

[SacKings384]

Boo'ing is ok but heckling is not. And there is a huge difference

 

[Viking]

As for me its MOOOVERS not Boo

Nice as cheesy as that is im still happy about the colts so it gets A+ from me

 

[G_M]

Ask yourselves this, when the Kings utterly sucked in the Richmond days, Did anyone boo?

I think the issue is effort. In the "old" days the effort, at least at home, was almost always there. The team sucked because they had no talent.

Today people BOO IMO because they perceive there is lack of effort. It's not about winning it's about how you play the game. The reason JB and Pollard were so popular is the perception that they played hard. I would say the same for Corlis.

 

[Larry89]

Hehe I'm glad someone brought the effort thing up, was hoping someone would get it...

Even when we sucked we gave it our all and the crowd was pleased... but now.....

 

[ShatteredVision]

This sort of thing is pretty common on the East Coast, where the most devoted sports fans boo the crap out of their teams.

I used to think that the West Coast being a younger sports community would just show its displeasure by not showing up to games.

For the Kings, I think that's the price of a fervorous crowd. They will cheer you when you are at your highest point, and they will really let you know that they are not very happy.

It means a lot that the fans are still showing up in great numbers despite the fact that a team like the Kings in other NBA markets would simply, have quiet empty arenas.

Any noise is good noise when there's people there still spending money.

 

[BigSong]

I have absolutely "0" problem with fans booing this team. And yes , I have been a fan since year one in Sacramento with this team. Am I less of a fan than you who would never boo thier team? I seriously doubt it.
When I boo for this team, it is especially meant for the ears of the brothers Maloof. I want them to hear the vocal dis-satisfaction from fans who seem to be more loyal to their team than the very owners.
I want thier skin to crawl everytime they hear that awful sound.
Maybe after they have had enough, they will then do something about the humiliation they face.
KD

I was watching a futbol game and the fans were so upset over the state of their team that they started protesting against the president of the team by setting off smoke bombs and such in front of where he was sitting. My point is, if you want to be effective at showing your disapproval towards the maloofs you should do it, not boo the team. Such as signs that say "Maloofs Suck" or something would work, i wonder if the camera crews would even show something like that.