Rushing the Court

Okay...West Virginia fans took some heat for rushing the court following their win over #9 Pittsburgh on Monday. I chalked that rush up to beating Pitt in the final game at home for the seniors rather than rushing the court because you beat the #9 team in the nation...different circumstances. Additionally, the WVU fans seemed somewhat in control on their rush...it was a celebration, not a riot. Still, though, I am not in favor of ever rushing the court really...act like you've been there...but, overall, I wasn't too embarrassed.

However, tonight, when Florida State beat Duke, well, FSU should be extremely embarrassed. Florida State fans rushed the court not once but twice. The first time with 1.7 seconds remaining in the game. The refs assessed Florida State with a technical foul which gave Duke 2 free throws to close to within 3 points. Coach K, in fear for his players safety, had those not still in the game exit the floor and head to the locker room. And, when the final buzzer sounded the Florida State won by 5, the fans rushed for a second time. And, I'm not talking a normal rush...this was an all out, step on the bodies, mad dash to center court. It looked rather dangerous and, if I were the FSU coach, I would have followed the lead of my least favorite coach and gotten my players off the court quickly.

This is a dangerous situation for coaches and players. Security should keep fans from coming onto the court in all circumstances...just like they have begun to do in football. Fans do not belong on the court whether you beat #9 Pitt or #1 Duke...stay off the court. It creates hazards for everyone involved. Coach K, as much as I dispise him and his players, should not have to worry about fan involvement in a hostile environment. Yell, boo, cheer, heckle, chant...those are to be accepted. Storming the court, no.