I was going to post about this yesterday but was a little to busy with work to do it justice. Although I’m a New York homer I AM NOT a Knicks fan. I do root for the Knicks to win because Dos Un is a fan and I can’t get my Golden State Warriors too often on TV being on the East Coast. I’m sure if they won more like his Yankees, I’d hate.

Anyway, I’ve noticed there has become an increasingly interesting phenomenon occurring at the garden where the “fans” intentionally go to the arena to boo their team. Don’t get me wrong this epidemic isn’t just reserved for the Knicks but is true of all New York fans and has been known to spread North to Boston (although they seem to be winning everything these days) and actually might have its roots in Philly, the masters of the boo chant.

But what is the motivation for booing the Knicks? Obviously they’ve underachieved as a team and the off the court issues with Stephon Marbury, Anucha Browne Saunders and the front office sexual harassment case have been a cause for fan frustration but there seems to be OTHER REASONS.

For one, the corporate culture at the garden. Knicks games have long been known as a hangout for the corporate suit types with big money. The season tickets,which are some of the most expensive in the league at $100 a clip, are largely owned by huge corporations who regularly dole them out to clients and employees. Most aren’t TRUE Knicks fans, are fans of other teams and some don’t like basketball at all. So after a few drinks and an uninspiring atmosphere these wannabes hear the chants from the 300 level and follow suit, screaming louder than the real fans.

I had a meeting with our business manager/accountant yesterday (Big ups Mustafa!) We were talking about this whole phenomenon. Being the music industry corporate type himself, whose a subtle Knicks fan, he had gone last week with a client and said “oh no, you GO to boo its the best part of the game.” Really?!

I think the second part of it is New Yorkers are spoiled by their own success. We’ve always had this air of entitlement with our teams. We expect to be on top in all sports. We expect the high price free agents. The Yankees dynasty of the 90′s has given rise to the largest coalition of fair weather fans. These are the same people who called for Joe Torre’s head following the first round loss in the playoffs this year and the same who go to the garden just to boo.

Hey wake up! It does nothing to motivate the team to play better yohans. Sure booing becomes a necessity when the effort isn’t being displayed but YOU CAN’T be booing the starting lineup then be cheering the players and shouting “DE-FENCE” when they climb back to single digits from a 26 point deficit then conclude the game by screaming “FIRE ISIAH.” That’s a disjointed and schizophrenic mind set. Either you hate or you don’t you can’t do both especially not in the same game. Now I’m not advocating that the Knicks are good or that Isiah should keep his job or that Steph shouldn’t be traded but this nonsense is stupid. Lets clean it up New York if you’re a season ticket holder show your displeasure by NOT GOING TO THE ARENA…that’s the loudest boo you can make and believe me James Dolan will be listening.