After their victory over Indiana in the NCAA Championship basketball game Monday night, University of Maryland fans were ready to celebrate. They opted for what seems to be becoming a traditional celebration — a riot.
As a result of all the “fun,” 18 people were arrested and at least eight found themselves in the hospital. What’s worse, Maryland held a similar riot Saturday after their Final Four win over Kansas.
Maryland isn’t the only school to receive media attention over riots. Other universities, including the University of Arizona and the University of Colorado, have experienced similar “celebrations.”
After-game riots are obviously irresponsible and detrimental, but the effects are far more serious than a few broken windshields or burnt trash cans.
The uproar is not only a waste of time, energy and resources, but it is also dangerous. Maryland fans were hospitalized for injuries such as deep cuts and burns.
Violent celebrations also put another dent in college students’ already-tarnished reputation. Do excited fans really want to perpetuate the image of students as irresponsible alcohol-guzzlers? If they want to be taken seriously, students, as well as non-student fans, should find more responsible ways to trumpet wins or lament losses.
Intense emotions surrounding significant wins and losses are understandable, but violence is not.