Wednesday, November 25, 1998
Beating ‘SC is incomplete until fans can rush the field
COLUMN: Strict security at Rose Bowl prevents full-fledged
celebration
Were you one of the 88,080 fans at the Rose Bowl last
Saturday?
If you were, maybe you were among the many fans trying to
celebrate a Bruin victory only to be met up by police brandishing
batons and mace.
After watching UCLA defeat its bitter rival USC at home, 34-17,
many Bruins were ready to celebrate and "rush the field."
And they had reason to.
UCLA was on the course for a 20-game winning streak, a 10-0
record this season and one win away from a potential berth into the
national championship.
But that meant little to the security at the Rose Bowl.
With the outcome inevitable and "the streak" going to eight (and
counting), the Bruins all began to file down the aisles.
"Rush the field!" bellowed the fanatic crowd.
One by one, fans gathered at the bottom of the stands,
increasing in number and fervor.
As soon as the game had ended, several fans rushed onto the
field. But the overwhelming police force in Pasadena quickly
stopped any celebration and arrested the fans.
The police resembled the UCLA defense, swarming around any
"defenders" and resoundingly tackling them.
Other fans began to loom toward the field of play, but officers
fended off any additional attacks by swinging their batons and
threatening to spray mace at any who dared enter their turf.
Why? If the players excessively celebrated, they would only be
penalized yards. If, however, the Bruin fans celebrated wildly,
they would be physically harmed.
Come on. The team is undefeated and in the midst of a magical
season. Rushing the field would do little harm.
It might damage the field. The fans might (more than likely)
take down the goal posts. And a few fans may be hurt in the ensuing
melee.
But that price is little compared to the significance of the
win.
Rivalry week in college football produces most of these
celebratory incidents, and other schools "let" the fans join the
players in celebration.
UCLA-USC is one of the few classic football games that everyone
is genuinely interested in. You’re either a Bruin or a Trojan, no
compromise.
When Florida State beat Florida, Seminole fans rushed the field
with little persecution. Even when Oregon State defeated Oregon in
an overtime thriller, the Beaver fans stormed the field several
times.
Tennessee defeated Florida at home several weeks ago, and the
Volunteer fans bombarded the field. Field goal posts and sod were
taken and damages were reportedly high.
Was it worth it?
Ask the Tennessee fans. I’m sure they would all say "Hell yeah!"
That win meant a lot to each of those fans, and to show their
appreciation, the Volunteer fans "rushed" the field.
Not since 1954 (when UCLA won its only NCAA football title) have
the Bruins been in the hunt for a national title. And it’s not
likely that the opportunity will arise again soon.
During the bonfire rally last week, several players urged the
UCLA fans to join them on the field. The Bruin football team wanted
its fans to relish the excitement of this fabulous season.
So all of the UCLA faithful took off to the Rose Bowl early
Saturday morning, with aspirations of a win over the Trojans. Yet,
the Bruin spectators left disappointed, not having their glory on
the grass despite the victory.
While UCLA ran away from USC in the game, UCLA fans could not
run away from the security.
When will the Rose Bowl realize that denying the fans a chance
at celebration is wrong? Regulating at other games might be
justified but with the Bruins continuing their hot streak, fans
should have been let on the field.
We all might just have to fly to Miami and sit in the confines
of the Orange Bowl to bask in the glory of what is good in college
football: the art of rushing the field.
But it would be even better on Jan. 4 in the beauty of the
Fiesta Bowl.
Salahuddin will be rushing the field in Sun Devil stadium when
UCLA wins the national title. To join him in regulating the police,
e-mail him at mizzoin@ucla.edu.Jeff Kmiotek
Comments, feedback, problems?
© 1998 ASUCLA Communications Board[Home]