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From the editors
While irritating to some, the sounds of banging pots and pans at impromptu street parades in Miami are a tell-tale sign of a recent sports victory. Yet, as people of all ages flaunt their jerseys and create harmonious sounds of laughter, it is nearly impossible to distinguish the real fans from the bandwagoners.
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, bandwagon fans — otherwise known as fairweathers — are a hoax. I’m kidding, but not really. Every night during the regular season, we real fans sit at the edge of our seats and pray that one of our players will give the post-win interview. Losses in close matches haunt us for days, months or sometimes even years and wins make us lose sleep too, but for the opposite reason. Meanwhile, bandwagoners sleep eight quality hours, waiting for a signal to escape their hibernation and begin showing their unwanted support.
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The blatant remarks about how my team’s — the Heat’s — Golden Era is long gone begin to dissipate as these imposters try to cling on to the success I have suffered for (as the Heat’s self-designated benchwarmer) during the losing seasons. Since I was seven, I have watched — and evaluated — exciting new players, cheered through rebuilding years and marked game-days on my calendar. When bandwagoners say “who knew Tyler Herro was this good?” I shake my head and think I did and you would’ve too if you would’ve just watched.
My message in writing this is clear: if you don’t support the team during the regular season, you shouldn’t bask in all its glory during the postseason — or worse, when the team is on the verge of winning a championship (yes, “Heat fans,” I’m talking to you).
Do I take my love of sports too far? No doubt. But, it doesn’t take more than common sense to refrain from praising a team you once bashed. You don’t have to watch every game and you certainly don’t have to invest all your time studying the team in question’s next opponent. Just refrain from your entitlement and acknowledge that your actions — like your Instagram story posts — are annoying.
