It's Only a Game...right??

I was doing my normal browse through the rival message boards when I found two emails posted on there. One was from The Ohio State University sent out to their students about their expected behavior this weekend. It reads as follows...

Nov. 14, 2006 TO: Ohio State University students FROM: Richard A. Hollingsworth, Vice President for Student Affairs What an exciting time to be a Buckeye! Even if you’re “just not that into football,” you have to know that Saturday’s Ohio State-Michigan match is a very special game. And, if you are a fan, well, it doesn’t get any better than this, does it? I’m writing to urge you all to make sure it is a great weekend for you, regardless of what the final score is. I don’t think most of you need another reminder to obey the law, party responsibly, and show good sportsmanship. You’re already on board with that. But, given the stakes, I’m going to go on the record, just so everyone understands. No amount of hype and excitement excuses violence or endangering your own or others’ safety. Any student who is arrested for a crime that involves endangering people or property will find himself or herself on immediate interim suspension from the university - which could ruin a whole quarter’s worth of academic progress, at a minimum. Under this heading come such acts as throwing objects, setting fires, disorderly conduct, vandalizing cars, assaults, rioting, resisting arrest, and impeding safety officials in their duties. Students who host parties that get out of control, who are bystanders at a disturbance (there are no innocent bystanders), who encourage others to be disruptive, or who fail to control their guests will also be immediately suspended. The risk to your academic progress is real - eight students were expelled for their actions in the 2002 riots following the Michigan game, and there would have been more had the police been as prepared as they will be this year. Police will be enforcing the laws on and off campus, including those restricting alcohol use. Columbus safety officials have told me that there will be many undercover officers as well as those in uniform. This is not the weekend to press your luck with law enforcement. Violators may face arrest and jail time. If you drink, do so legally and responsibly. For a refresher on party guidelines and state laws, go to http://studentaffairs.osu.edu and click on the links in the Celebrate Like Champs feature. I hate to keep harping on the serious consequences of misbehavior because I have faith that if you choose to participate in celebrations this weekend, you will party hard but party safely. After all, you are members of the best and brightest classes in Ohio State history - surely too smart to ruin a great time with stupid decisions. For more thoughts on the difference between celebrating with class and intelligence and acting like an idiot, see my column in Wednesday’s Lantern. I call it Fan vs. Jerk. The eyes of the nation are on us. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate with class and show everyone that Ohio State has the Best Fans in the Land.

The next email was from the President of the Alumni Association at Michigan warning Wolverine fans about Columbus. It reads...

We are sure that you are excited about this Saturday's football game versus Ohio State, and the possibility of capturing the Big Ten conference title and playing for the national championship. For those of you traveling to Columbus, we invite you to kick off your Saturday by joining the Alumni Association, Michigan Student Assembly, Division of Student Affairs and other Michigan fans at a fun-filled True Blue Away-Game tailgate. You and your fellow fans can enjoy food, music, large-screen TVs and a variety of arcade games and activities before the game. The cost of student tickets is free with a valid U-M student ID. The tailgate is being held at the Fawcett Center, which is approximately 1/2 mile northwest of Ohio Stadium. The tailgate entrance will be located inside the Fawcett Center. There will be signs posted inside directing you to the Alumni Room and patio. Game-day parking is $10 per car. We know that it can be uncomfortable being in an opposing team's environment, especially when the stakes are so high. We would like to offer a few suggestions in order to help you stay safe and have a positive experience this weekend: --Try carpooling to the game; if possible, drive a car with non- Michigan license plates. --Keep your Michigan gear to a minimum, or wait until you are inside the stadium to display it. --Stay with a group. --Know and obey the laws regarding alcohol use. --If you are of legal age to drink, use alcohol in moderation. Stay in the blue. --Stay low-key; don't draw unnecessary attention to yourself. --If verbally harassed by opposing fans, don't take the bait. --Avoid High Street in Columbus. If at any time you feel unsafe, you should call 9-1-1 for assistance. U-M campus police also will be available in Columbus to support our fans. You may call them with non-emergency concerns at (734) 216-****. We look forward to a tremendous game on Saturday. Let's help the Wolverines win with spirit and class. Go Blue! Sue Eklund, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Steve Grafton, President, Alumni Association Nicole Stallings, MSA President

I am going to add one more thing for Michigan fans NOT to do. Do not drink beer or Liquor out of a can or bottle or you WILL get fined for it. Your pocket book will be $146 light, but if you do get caught and the Policeman's name is Gillipese, tell him Brian says hi. All in all it is a shame that people need reminded how to act when others come to town. It is also a shame that a family should fear for its safety if they go watch their favorite team play at an opponents place. No one is going to die if either team wins or loses, it might feel as if you will because of the heartache, but you will wake up to see the sunrise the next morning. I just hope you see that sun in the comfort of your own home and not a jail cell. Remember, it is just a game.