There’s 38 seconds left in the basketball game, the home team is down by six points, and fans are leaving the arena!? Why on God’s earth would you ever think about leaving a game at this point in time? That’s the question I pose to Detroit fans who left after the Boston Celtics took a six point lead with under a minute to play. But it’s also a question I pose to fans in general.
The state the game aside, fans that leave early are pathetic any way you spin it. But to leave when your team still has a chance to win, no matter how unlikely it may seem, is a disgrace to the game. I don’t care how much time you may think you save by leaving 10 minutes early. The truth is you payed good money to see the game in person and you’re an idiot for not getting your money’s worth.
The end of games is also where some of the most amazing feats transpire. It’s where the unthinkable can become reality. It’s where incredible moments can be forever etched into the fabric of sports history. Why anyone would pass up an opportunity to potentially witness such an event is beyond me. I realize the chances are slim, but these things can and will happen at some point.
In 1974, the UNC basketball team was down by eight points to Duke with 17 seconds left to play. Despite the odds, Carolina managed to come back and tie the score on a last second shot. They went on to win in overtime. The game is still recognized as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.
In 2001, Duke found itself down 10 points with just under a minute to play against a very good Maryland team. Depite not having any timeouts left, Duke went on a 10-0 run to tie the game and eventually won in overtime.
In light of these unlikely feats, to leave a game early is nothing short of stupid.
You payed to be there. You’re not going to get home that much quicker if you leave early. So sit down, support your team, and route for the unthinkable to become reality.
–CB
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