In recent years, fans attending Candlestick Park have developed a bad reputation, in large part for disrespecting fans of the opposing team. On Sunday, some disrespected a player from the visiting team -- and the owner wasn’t happy about it.
After Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell was injured and before he gave fans the thumb’s up sign indicating he had movement in his extremities, the wave emerged.
Yes, the wave. That relic of the ‘70s, where bored fans entertain themselves by quickly standing up and sitting down in cascading fashion. Until enough of them get bored with that.
“To say I’m disappointed some fans did the wave this afternoon while Campbell was down is understatement,” team CEO Jed York said via Twitter. “Hope you get well soon Calais.”
Asked later by a follower on Twitter if there’s any truth to the rumor that the team’s new home, which opens next year, will have the ability to catapult fans who do the wave, York offered a one-word reply: “Yes.”
It’s always risky to challenge the paying customers, but it’s good that York was willing to do it.
Too many fans think buying a ticket gives them the right to say or do whatever they want. They also think being in a big crowd gives them the cover to do it.