A former University of Oregon football player returned to Autzen Stadium for the first time as a fan over the weekend, and he was appalled by the behavior of fans at his alma mater.
The player, who did not give his name, attended the Ducks’ home game against UCLA on Saturday, and he expressed his displeasure with his fellow spectators in a letter to The Oregonian.
Excerpts from the strongly worded letter, entitled “I Love the Ducks. I Hate Duck Fans,” can be seen below (click here to read it in its entirety).
“My friend and I took our seats where I soon became acquainted with the most ignorant people in all of college football. Directly behind me were a couple of drunk [expletive] who criticized Marcus [Mariota’s] ability to throw the football, DeAnthony [Thomas]’s ability to run the football, the lineman’s ability block, and the coach’s ability to analyze film and call plays. After hearing so much ignorant [expletive], I turned around to tell the “fans” to chill the [expletive] out. Marcus had overthrown a receiver on a tough play and the spectator made comment, “Hey, Marcus! Throw it inbounds, dumbass!” in, which I finally had enough, and turned around and asked if he would like to get down there and take Marcus’ place. The man responded, “No”. Then I asked if we were all still rooting for Oregon, in which he responded in an aggressive, irrelevant and incoherent manner and so I decided to discontinue the conversation I had started with him.”
…
“Not too long after, a woman a couple seats down yelled for 10 minutes straight about how the players were playing like “[expletive].” The coaches were being “[expletive].” The refs were being “[expletive].” All during the time I was telling my friend how embarrassing it was to have her on our side. And then I started hearing laughter from the surrounding crowd and encouragement of that behavior. Is this really what goes on in the stands? Is this really the type of people we attract???”
…
“I am disgusted by duck fans and I will sit back and observe from afar with high hopes for the player’s success and understanding of their sacrifice, without having to hear the spoiled woes of ignorant fans.
I will always love the ducks: my coaches, my teammates, my brothers and family. The rest… Go [expletive] yourselves.”
The No. 2-ranked Ducks routed the Bruins 42-14 to improve to 8-0 on the season.
Photo via Facebook/Oregon Football
