But outside of hockey, the nation’s eyes have been on another team in Philly — or maybe just its ballpark.
In two days, two different fans have jumped from the stands onto the field at Citizens Bank Park. This is not a first. We know fans have illegally charged fields across the nations’ ballparks before. But twice in two days? Even Cole Hamels looked ready to blow a gasket in the ninth inning after dealing with the interruption. (And no, I don’t blame him.)
There have always been many reasons to stay off the field, but now you can add a new one: threat of Taser.
Thomas Betz, Tuesday night's attention fiend, escaped the Taser gun but faces criminal charges — marijuana possession, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct among them. But after the fate of Monday night’s adventure-getter, the ballpark crowd was cheering for more, as "Tase him!" chants rang out across Citizens Bank.
The 17-year-old who found himself on the wrong end of a Taser gun on Monday — after calling his father to "discuss the once in a lifetime opportunity" — is also facing several charges. Gee, sounds like some kind of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to me. Steve Consalvi hasn’t found much support for his actions. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, he’s been called "dumb" and "an idiot," and even his mother cried while apologizing for her son’s sprint onto the field.
Consalvi has also sparked a "to Taser or not to Taser" debate — in Philadelphia and likely beyond. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Chief of Police Charles Ramsey have both backed the officer’s use of the Taser. But Gov. Ed Rendell disagreed, saying, "Fans can’t be allowed to interrupt the game. … But they should have had enough officers to apprehend the kid and not have to Tase him."
But even Consalvi’s mother and stepfather aren’t defending his actions. Scott Zeigler said of his stepson: "He’s a clown, but he’s got enough common sense to not do something so completely stupid."
Common sense is exactly what this comes down to — and common sense dictates that fans stay off the diamond, the court, the field and the ice. You are there as a fan. Enjoy the play. Be mad at the play. Express your opinion by cheering, booing or yelling as loud as you please. But if you interrupt the game by jumping, running or streaking across the playing field, you open yourself up to deal with the consequences.
None of us know the intent of a person who injects himself into a game. Might it simply be about 15 minutes of fame? Sure. (Although I’ll bet you Consalvi has had enough of his by now.) Without knowing this person’s reasoning, I side with Philadelphia’s chief of police. Stay in your seat, or face the punishment — even if it involves a Taser.
