Interesting Comment that came in.. its exactly what I have been pondering the last couple days…  Take a gander at it, and my response.. I appreciate the forethought and timeliness of the comment..

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Author: Mo
I understand the frustration but this is the definition of bandwagon. We need to support the team when they are down. If/When we right the ship it would be hypocritical for you to be back supporting the team, as the truest fans are those who will be with the team through the worst.

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Dear Mo,
Thank you for your comment.

I understand, but can’t fully agree with you..    I have thought about this long and hard..  Being hypocritical is the farthest thing for what I am being.  Its more like I've been hit with the pointy end of a hammer, and am upset with it.

Now, here is a group of young MSU men with God given talent. They are head and shoulders above (assume) you and me.  They have chosen one of the top Universities in the nation to get an education and play for. A program that ranks among the likes of Duke, NC, ‘Cuse, Kansas, etc. A place where they can showcase their God given ability with respect to sporting skill sets, team work, sportsmanship, leadership, and of course winning.

In the recent past, with the exception of the freshmen, we have seen them play with heart and passion. These very individuals have excelled and we have seen their leadership. We have seen the teamwork, crisp passing, solid free throws, passion, joy, spirit, drive, desire, and selfless play. It comes though while watching either in person or on TV.  

We know that some members have had injuries and surgeries.  And that they might be slower to get back to their level of competition, understandable. But leadership isn’t always related to shot making ability; it’s a different skill entirely.

When on a team, you are a member of a family, no matter if the beer leagues, collegiate or Pro.  These MSU athletes (in any Spartan sport) are members of an elite family, a special group. You play for one another, you should develop bonds. It’s the feeling of camaraderie that should drive you to want to excel for your team mates.

So for me, seeing these Spartan athletes not play with “perceived” passion, leadership, teamwork, or close to their previous level of skill sets has made me puzzeled. 

 I know what its like to want to make a pass and how crappy I feel if I flubbed it. What is like to block a shot so the goalie doesn’t have to make a save, because they are my teammates.  Run faster so that my running partner can get a better time.  I hit the locker room and I desire to have the feeling that I did my best for them, not ME.. for THEM.

The Spartans arn't showing passion. Winning and losing comes next, its the effort, character, spirit I am talking about.

Winning or not, I will and have supported them if they show team work, passion, and leadership I expect a Spartan athlete to have.  Hell I have rooted for them since the 70s.. I have seen it all.. I am nowhere near a band wagon fan or being hypocritical... But today, they offend my sense of Spartan sportsmanship and Spartan team spirit.

Maybe I am wrong, but from my vantage point this is how I see it. They hurt/offend me as an alumnus and fan...

Thanks for the comment MO…

Sparty ON !!