Griz Nation needs to do better, and it starts with me

[econ]

Every now and then it helps to have a good reminder of who you are and how good you've actually got it as a fan of the Montana Grizzlies. We are all just that, in fact, fans. We cheer passionately for the Griz and we all expect the best out of the team, however some of us show it in different ways than other fans.

Lately I've been slipping. I enjoy blogging and discussing all things Griz Nation and Grizzly athletics, but of late I have been drifting into discussions and topics that I used to rail against in years past.

This board is great for discussion but it sure can drift off topic and turn into arguments. Fans banter back and forth a lot, it happens. However when fans begin getting personal or speaking in a very negative tone towards players I have always thought that is gong too far. There's pointing out issues, discussing concerns in what you see, and hopes for improvement. That's not what I'm talking about. It's when the fans cross the line and question players talent, motivation, and drive. It's when fans make negative personal comments towards players or players families.

I support this program, it's coaches, it's players, and the administration. I support it both financially and emotionally. I want the best out of everyone, and I should do better myself. In fact a lot of us should do better.

Lets remember Griz Nation, this whole team, it's coaches included started work on this season just weeks after the 2012 season wrapped up. We weren't out there in the snow working our asses off at 6am in the early spring, or in the gym every day getting ready for the new season. We didn't sacrifice a whole month of summer to prepare for the season. And many of us have no understanding of what it takes for these players to balance school, football, family, work, and a social life.

I'm not naming names because I don't want to post this in judgement of any one fan or any group of fans. The only person I'm aware of is myself, and I'm now keenly aware of things I need to improve when I'm in discussions on here. I'd encourage many of you to take a step back, look at your words and actions, and work to improve who you are as a fan - if you feel you need it. If not, great, I commend you for being better than me.

The Griz are on a big rebound from last year, everyone needs our support, so lets get behind this team and move forward.

Go Griz

AMEN to that. Get back to basics.

 

[econ]

Admitting your have a problem is the first step, bw.

BEST GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND "SLO" DOWN

 

[Big G]

Well done Mr. Wahlberg :clap:

 

[1Griz_Fan]

Can I have dibbs on PlayerRep1? :hitit: arty:

Of course, and it would be at no charge, because I know you would honor the name. :come: Or maybe we should just do a combined common name that we could both post under, perhaps AG/PR. Think of all the fights that name could have with itself. :argue:

Ahh how sweet...sounds like a match made in eGriz heaven. Congratulations and good luck guys I support your eGriz relationship 110%. :clap: :thumb: :clap:

 

[Speedy Grizzales]

Tan piadoso, senor wahlberg. :roll: Me alegro de que tengo botas en from marlin fishing today. many deep in this conversación.

 

[NLGrizFan]

So what I'm hearing from some folks is that eGriz is like a bad marriage with amazing sex. You're miserable most of the time but because of those few moments of ecstasy you still can't walk away?

:lol:

 

[AZGrizFan]

I think though there's a line that can be crossed. So lets say a player drops a few passes. Sure the fans in the stadium will groan, the player will catch hell on the sideline, and discussions will take place about it. But then there's coming on here and ripping the kid, using a public forum be it a message board or social media to vent and tear the guy apart.

No way can anyone just ignore the frustrations, I'm not saying that, because you're right sports is a mix of good and bad.

As for the comment on the safeties. The worst we've ever had? Come on. While they're not without issues both are playing significantly better than last year. Hermey is tackling very well, Tully has improved as well and he's forcing turnovers this year too. Coach Cookus has maybe been one of the best new additions to the coaching staff as he's helped these two guys both had real rough 2012 seasons turn the corner. We come from such a high expectation of safety play in years past, at times we need to realize that not every starting safety at the UM is the next Colt Anderson or Schann Schillenger.

I had some long post written about how bad out safeties actually are but I guess to sum up my response would be name me a year where we had 2 worse starting safeties then these 2 in the last 20 years...

I don't want to derail your post as I agree but criticism of players is something they deserve if they don't live up to expectations that we as montana have. They get all the benefits of being grizzlies and with that comes living under a microscope.

I had some long draft of how big a tool Eriul is, but I want better for egriz/Griz Nation. Name me one posting egrizer worse than him in the last two months. I don't want to derail this topic, but criticism of posters is something Eriul deserves.

The hypocrisy is strong.

Sweet Jesus you can't possibly miss the irony in this post, can you? :lol:

 

[Catsrback76]

Agreed and suggestion noted. :thumb: but during Griz/scat week all bets are off

No doubt you frizzes need a good poke with a sharp stick that week! oke: