Grainger vs Elizabethton Commentary

[etownsparky]

I just wanted to briefly comment on a subject that cast a bit of a stain on what was otherwise a great atmosphere at the regional championship game last night at Grainger County. The issue at hand was some specific behavior by the Grainger student section that was particularly alarming.  And no, this is not about the signs. For those who where not there, the Grainger student section displayed a collection of signs poking fun at EHS for the recent sanctions with accusations of recruiting, buying players, etc. Some may have been offended, but I personally did not take issue with these actions. The result was primarily back and forth banter between the Lady Grizzly and Betsy supporters. That is normal and made for a pretty electric atmosphere. I consider this behavior to be at least in the neighborhood of school spirit.

 

What I do take issue with, and consider to be the epitome of low class, is the offensive verbal attacks and name calling on the Betsy players from the Grainger student section during the game, i.e. calling our girls "Effing ho's", "ugly GD b's", and other derogatory things. This is not funny nor cool!  By the way, I was not at the boys' game on Tuesday, but I am told similar behavior was displayed by the Grainger student section. This can in no way be justified or categorized as exhibiting school spirit. What is more alarming than the student behavior is the fact that the Grainger administration condoned this behavior and made no attempt to suppress it. I understand the administration cannot police every single fan, but it's not that difficult to have an administrator near the student section to keep things like this in check. Our school does it and I see it at a lot of places we visit. So while I consider these students' behavior to be reprehensible and uncalled for, I simply say a big "Shame on You" to the Grainger administrator for condoning this behavior and failing to take any action to control it.

Edited March 3, 2016 by etownsparky

[coachh17]

I believe the Cyclone boys and girls victories over the home standing Grizzlies says it all.  The Grainger administration might benefit from a little self reflection.

Edited March 3, 2016 by coachh17

[BigBama42]

Wow, what class they showed!

[Rebel82]

The students were even mentioned on WJHL last night. He said, "but when you mess with the bull you get the horns." In reference to Elizabethton overcoming and leaving it on the court.

[lawnman]

Yea I heard Kenny say that last night on the news.

[pujo]

Yea I heard Kenny say that last night on the news.

Good Luck Lady Clones. You've earned everything you've got. Fine bunch of Girls.

[lawnman]

Good Luck Lady Clones. You've earned everything you've got. Fine bunch of Girls.

Pujo thanks for the support it means a lot and you know these girls have nothing to do with this probation were on.

[agitator53]

I just wanted to briefly comment on a subject that cast a bit of a stain on what was otherwise a great atmosphere at the regional championship game last night at Grainger County. The issue at hand was some specific behavior by the Grainger student section that was particularly alarming.  And no, this is not about the signs. For those who where not there, the Grainger student section displayed a collection of signs poking fun at EHS for the recent sanctions with accusations of recruiting, buying players, etc. Some may have been offended, but I personally did not take issue with these actions. The result was primarily back and forth banter between the Lady Grizzly and Betsy supporters. That is normal and made for a pretty electric atmosphere. I consider this behavior to be at least in the neighborhood of school spirit.

 

What I do take issue with, and consider to be the epitome of low class, is the offensive verbal attacks and name calling on the Betsy players from the Grainger student section during the game, i.e. calling our girls "Effing ho's", "ugly GD b's", and other derogatory things. This is not funny nor cool!  By the way, I was not at the boys' game on Tuesday, but I am told similar behavior was displayed by the Grainger student section. This can in no way be justified or categorized as exhibiting school spirit. What is more alarming than the student behavior is the fact that the Grainger administration condoned this behavior and made no attempt to suppress it. I understand the administration cannot police every single fan, but it's not that difficult to have an administrator near the student section to keep things like this in check. Our school does it and I see it at a lot of places we visit. So while I consider these students' behavior to be reprehensible and uncalled for, I simply say a big "Shame on You" to the Grainger administrator for condoning this behavior and failing to take any action to control it.

I'll agree that the behavior of SOME of the KIDS in the Grainger STUDENT section were over the top and completely uncalled for.  But, I was sitting in the midst of a good number of "Betsy" parents and fans, and what I saw and heard was just as bad.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  I won't defend those who were out of hand in BOTH groups, but when you have kids acting like kids....agreed  not like kids should, but when you have adults, and not young adults doing the same things, it ruins the atmosphere and fun for everyone present.  I've been present at all the meetings between the two schools as a member of the media covering the games for news outlets, and I've seen SOME of the "Betsy" grandparents acting as inappropriate as you say these kids were acting, and many were.  This door swings both ways, and swings badly both ways.  It's one thing for kids to get out of control, but when adults act the same, that pushes things over the top.   Shame on both groups for the displays of poor sportsmanship.  The game was a fantastic game.  The Cyclones were quick and precise.  The Grizzlies were resilient in their play, and put up a good fight.  I believe they held "Betsy" as close as any team they've played all season.  Coaches were passionate, but the fans dropped the ball.  Grainger students...a group of them, and Elizabethton adults, a group of them.  Arrogance and adults acting like children are never acceptable.  Should someone have stepped in?  Absolutely.   Some of the Grainger fans, and a group of the "Betsy" adults won't know just how close they were to being escorted out the the facility last night by law enforcement.  Would not have been pretty.  But, adults acted like adults and cooler heads ruled.  Your report of what happened at Grainger are GREATLY slanted by your loyalty to your school and your kids.  From the middle and outside the argument, sir, you are very far away from what went on.  You were only looking from the "Betsy" side of the confrontation, and evidently didn't see and hear what I did.  What a shame that these two great teams can't meet without adults acting like children, and children needing to be "reeled in".  Shame on all of you.  Now, feel free to boast as to the sportsmanship and character your adults exhibited last night.  You might be surprised at what video shows and audio allows to be heard from both sides.  You might be tempted to retrace some of your statements.  Good luck to the Lady Cyclones in their quest for the state title.  Good luck to the Lady Grizzlies as they are still playing.  Both teams would be better represented in a mostly empty gym in which to play, one with a pronounced absence of adults acting like high school kids, and high school kids acting inappropriately.  That's what I saw, and like I said, I was sitting in the midst of the Betsy fans and saw both.  Shame!

[agitator53]

The students were even mentioned on WJHL last night. He said, "but when you mess with the bull you get the horns." In reference to Elizabethton overcoming and leaving it on the court

 

 

 

Other media outlets there had some pretty scalding things to say about the actions of some of the Elizabethton fans as well.  There may be more "bull" involved here than you refer to.  

[Rebel82]

Other media outlets there had some pretty scalding things to say about the actions of some of the Elizabethton fans as well. There may be more "bull" involved here than you refer to.

Thank you for weighing in and giving another side to the story. I have no dog in the race. I haven't been to an Elizabethton game in years since the team I support is no longer in the same district. I just commented what I heard on WJHL. And it was very brief. Quick video of students holding signs and the "bull and horns." Lol.

[agitator53]

Thank you for weighing in and giving another side to the story. I have no dog in the race. I haven't been to an Elizabethton game in years since the team I support is no longer in the same district. I just commented what I heard on WJHL. And it was very brief. Quick video of students holding signs and the "bull and horns." Lol.

 

Rebel....we saw a good game, and both teams were deserving of the win, regardless.  Great talent and resilience on both teams.  Students, kids, with signs, and adults...older adults acting as vulgar.  Kids flipping off "Betsy", and a good number of those adults returning the gesture.  Kids acting like kids is a little different to adults acting in the same fashion as the kids.  I'm told that the older I get, the more childish I act.  I guess it's true that our lives do come full circle and we return to where we were as we were growing up.  Me.....I many have to get older, but refuse to "grow up".  Life stops being as much fun when we have to "grow up".  It was unfortunate for both groups of girls playing their hearts out.  Thankfully law enforcement held back and gave things an opportunity to calm down without having to clear a few seats on both sides.  That would truly have been tragic.  Always two sides to everything.  As I've said.....best of luck to the Lady Cyclones and the Lady Grizzlies as they fight on in the quest for Murfreesborough!  To ALL the fans, remember, it's a game.  It's about the kids and not about us in the stands.  Support your team, take the high road and act adult like, and call our kids down when they step out of line.  Makes for a much better time on and off the hardwood!  

[Rebel82]

Rebel....we saw a good game, and both teams were deserving of the win, regardless. Great talent and resilience on both teams. Students, kids, with signs, and adults...older adults acting as vulgar. Kids flipping off "Betsy", and a good number of those adults returning the gesture. Kids acting like kids is a little different to adults acting in the same fashion as the kids. I'm told that the older I get, the more childish I act. I guess it's true that our lives do come full circle and we return to where we were as we were growing up. Me.....I many have to get older, but refuse to "grow up". Life stops being as much fun when we have to "grow up". It was unfortunate for both groups of girls playing their hearts out. Thankfully law enforcement held back and gave things an opportunity to calm down without having to clear a few seats on both sides. That would truly have been tragic. Always two sides to everything. As I've said.....best of luck to the Lady Cyclones and the Lady Grizzlies as they fight on in the quest for Murfreesborough! To ALL the fans, remember, it's a game. It's about the kids and not about us in the stands. Support your team, take the high road and act adult like, and call our kids down when they step out of line. Makes for a much better time on and off the hardwood!

Well stated.