Bulls fan Jonathan Amitrano was issued a ticket Monday for disorderly conduct at Saturday's football game against Ohio, raising questions about the distinction between acceptable school spirit and unsafe behavior. The University Police's response was justified because of Amitrano's past, but in general, stifling school spirit is a dangerous road to travel down.
Before the end of the game Saturday, students were told not to storm the field. Security and police forces were in place around the goalposts and were prepared to act if something happened. The students were mostly responsible when they ran on the field, avoided opposing players, celebrated and quickly moved back to the stands.
Amitrano was the only student issued a ticket, even though many students ran on the field. He was found because he was a repeat offender who had been warned and even arrested at athletic events in the past, and was noticeable because of his signature blue body paint.
While it seems unfair Amitrano was issued a ticket for actions in which he was not the only participant, it is important to note that the University Police warned Amitrano about rambunctious behavior at sporting events.
The greater issue is the point at which a fan's actions go too far. There is a clear difference between supporting a team and becoming so rowdy others cannot enjoy the event. The university is in the business of making sure students are excited and turning out to see games. When students are showing up to the game and being responsible, everyone wins.
At the same time, police must be careful not to stifle creative expressions of school spirit - spirit that UB certainly needs.
College students have a reputation for being rowdy and obnoxious, but when it could endanger other players or fans it is over the line. The students ran onto the field safely, but the police did not have the same trust in Amitrano.
University Police should have no vendetta against fun or spirit at sporting events. They must protect the players and maintain order. There must be a level of understanding between the police, students and university, and when any one of those three breaches the trust, as Amitrano has, it shines poorly on everyone.
Amitrano will have a difficult time making his case to Student-Wide Judiciary, and rightly so. He should not be seen as an example against running on to the field, but simply as a fan that continually got out of control. Running onto the field was innocuous for other students, but may have been his final straw.
It is unfortunate for the university to lose a dedicated fan as part of its base, but there are ways to be successful, spirited and proud without losing oneself or getting the police involved.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
