TO THE EDITOR:
Are basketball fans now allowed in the Smith Center shirtless and with hand-held signs? Are foul language and inappropriate cheers now allowed?
Fans can be raucous in favor of their team without sinking to the depths of Duke University.
We don't need to imitate Duke and other schools to be good, fired up, loud, supportive fans. In the early 1980s, UNC fans won awards as the nation's best (check it out, there's a trophy in Carmichael Auditorium) and rarely even acknowledged the opposing players, except of course if something controversial transpired.
The fans behind the baskets didn't even wave their hands when opposing players shot free throws. It was not only a show of Carolina class and sportsmanship but it was fruitless. Free throw statistics of opposing players at UNC vs. elsewhere were no different.
Yes, it's nice that Carolina fans are louder this year but at what price?
Regrettably, it seems we are no better and no different than any other school. Oh, and the next time you yell "air ball, air ball" when an opposing player misses the basket, just remember that the cheer was first used by Duke students in a game against Carolina almost 20 years ago when Tar Heel Rich Yonakor missed. Be loud; don't be Duke.
Cassandra Dew
