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Maybe NFL Fans Will Use Soft Projectiles

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By STEVE OTTO

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 15, 2008

Are the Tampa Bay Buccaneer football fans a model for the rest of the league and maybe for America?

Officials in Tampa suggest that it is those very fans who show up at Raymond James Stadium who are the models for a new fan code of conduct just adopted by the National Football League.

The code posted on the NFL's Web site is designed to "Help promote a positive fan environment at NFL stadiums." It goes on to suggest that local teams "may add additional provisions to the standard code based on local circumstances or preferences."

I'm not too sure what they mean by that paragraph. I do recall trying to board a media bus in Philadelphia after the Bucs had beaten the Eagles in the playoffs a few years ago to earn a trip to the Super Bowl.

It was a cold night in Philly and maybe it was just the fans' way of trying to keep warm before heading out on the town to light some bonfires and turn over a car or two, but I'm not sure that what they were doing would hold up in this new code of conduct.

Some of the items being thrown at the group of us trying to board the bus might have actually put dents in the vehicle, which I assume belonged to the city. Maybe by "additional provisions" they are suggesting fans throw vegetables or something that won't damage public property.

They Care About You

Apparently the NFL has become concerned over what goes on in the stands almost as much as what is happening on the field, which makes you figure instant replay of fights in the upper deck can't be that far off. Maybe they can replay them in slow motion on the big scoreboard screens.

Among the new guidelines going into effect are: "Behavior that is unruly, disruptive or illegal; intoxication to the point of irresponsible behavior; foul or abusive language or obscene gestures; interference with the game, including throwing objects onto the field; and verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans."

Well there you go. It's no wonder we quoted a stadium spokesman as saying, "Our fans are well-behaved." You would never hear anything coarse at our stadium. In fact, since they've started using metal detectors and searching everyone who enters the stadium, the games aren't nearly as entertaining as they used to be when the occasional smoke bomb would go off.

Sparkling Social Discourse

I know that when we go to the games, we like to sit in the upper sections. There are such interesting fans in the decks who enjoy discussing politics and even a little philosophy between plays.

For the most part they sip lemonade and enjoy an appetizer or two. It's always fun when you are sitting next to fans from another city. I know that when the Packers come to town there are always such stimulating conversations about the arts and amenities in each city.

Of course, there was that unfortunate incident with the fan from Detroit who had that nose ring and "Bux Sux" tattoo on each arm who kept throwing half-eaten bratwursts at the people below. The security people managed to haul her out of the stands.

I'm sure now that the new code is in effect, by the time the first regular season game arrives, most of us will just sit there in the stands, hold hands with the fans from the other town, and do a round or two of "Kumbaya."

Keyword, Otto Graphs, to read and comment on Steve Otto's blog.

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