(Yes! The mayor is on this now, too!)

For reasons I’ll never understand, you’ll be vilified and ridiculed for sending the following letter … but not here. I think it’s long overdue. I’ve got your back. I’ll even add one point you did not include. Yeah, the language is obscene and it is a poor reflection for all the reasons you mentioned, but calling someone an a-hole, chanting B.S. in response to a call/no-call and screaming eff you at a star player is lazy, dumb, generic and, as such, sad.

Back to you, Ken.

Dear Students,

I attended the game this Saturday as the WVU Mountaineers took on the Ohio State Buckeyes, and I left the Coliseum very excited about our win! However, I must say I was not excited about the inappropriate language coming out of our student fan section.

Chanting obscenities that can be heard throughout the Coliseum and on national television does not reflect positively on WVU. Many fans including other student fans were disappointed and embarrassed by the vulgar and profane chants throughout the basketball game. I urge you to stop this behavior. As students, you represent WVU and our basketball program, and you must do so positively, by handling victories, defeats, and the officiating with sportsmanship, class, and character.

Let’s follow the example of our players and show fans nationwide what it means to be a Mountaineer and part of the Big East. Remember your behavior over shadows the good behavior of our players on the court. As Mountaineer fans, you are representing our players, coaches, WVU, and the entire state of West Virginia.

As Vice President for Student Affairs, I continue to encourage you to do your part in promoting a fun and friendly atmosphere during the basketball games.

* Have fun! Cheer loud! Be Mountaineer Proud! *

Let’s go, Mountaineers!

Ken Gray
Vice President for Student Affairs