What determines a fan?

[dabottom305]

For the past week I've been seeing people complaining about 'fans', specifically Heat fans. Last night was no different. I saw people going back and forth, "you're not even a 'real' Heat fan", "you bandwagon fan", "d rider', "where were you when we won 15 games?" etc.. Man why are people so butt hurt over bandwagon/fair weather fans? 
What determines a fan?

 

[university of nike]

You'll never get a straight answer out of this. Fandom means different things to different folks.

 

[thachosen123]

Originally Posted by University of Nike

You'll never get a straight answer out of this. Fandom means different things to different folks.

This

 

[mr marcus]

these bandwagon heat fans are just lebron fans

but instead of claiming the player they'll claim the whole team

 

[demps]

because bandwagon fans werent there for the whole ride..

but those fans that have a fav team on each coast are the worst imo.

 

[jumpmanfromdabay]

Originally Posted by Demps

because bandwagon fans werent there for the whole ride..

but those fans that have a fav team on each coast are the worst imo.

 

[harlemtothebronx]

Originally Posted by University of Nike

You'll never get a straight answer out of this. Fandom means different things to different folks.

 

[rashi]

A real Miami Heat fan will know who this is.

 

[finallyfamous]

I'm from Cleveland and go to tOSU so that's how I became a fan. I just love Ray Lew and Reed, but truth be told its Browns over them any day

 

[airjordan jb23]

If you can stick by a team through losing seasons, then that's the most important thing, imo. You have different levels of fans, some watch every game & know team history, while others casually watch games... Both are fine. The biggest "issue" is when people jump to a new team once they start making noise.

 

[penalize]

Originally Posted by rashi

A real Miami Heat fan will know who this is.

isnt that harris? and i cant stand the heat

 

[solarius49]

Loyalty.

I have the utmost respect for anyone who is a Wiz or Bobcats fan, for sticking with them through the lean years, and I hope they get rewarded in the near future.

I'm not saying that there arent loyal Heat fans, but just like any other squad that is the team du jour, people jump at the success just to have a chance to say they were fans

that being said, the "post-Malice in the Palace" Pacer years were ROUGH, but I think we're back!

 

[purplenurple1414]

It's consistency.
I don't really have a problem with people becoming "fans" during a winning season, because everybody has to start somewhere.
It matters if they're still with that team next season, and the season after, etc.
You don't have to know everything about the team to be a fan. There's casual fans who really aren't into sports like some of us.

 

[rex ryan]

Regarding the Heat, most these "fans" became fans in July 2010.

If lebrons their favorite player thats fine by all means pull for your man but just be upfront that your a Lebron fan and not a Heat fan. That's not to much to ask now is it.

 

[651akathepaul]

Some sort of emotional connection to that team, player, or sport. Whatever it may be.

 

[monstar1]

Are you willing to kill for your team or fav. player?  Well you not a fan until you bout that life.  Fan Up!

 

[651akathepaul]

Good movie.

 

[loveofthegame916]

I will admit that I'm one of these "Lebron" fans celebrating his victory. He's been my favorite player since Chris Webber retired.

But my first, and only loyalty belongs to the Sacramento Kings. A fan is someone who rides out for their team win or lose. It's cool if you choose a team that wins all the time, but dont you dare switch teams when they start losing. Thats not a real fan.

I was there when the Kings were winning 24 games a year, BEFORE 1999. When they made their OG playoff appearance in 96' against the Sonics. I'm talking about Mitch Richmond, Billy Owens, Olden Polynice, Titus Edny, Bobby Hurley, bad Sacramento Kings. I was there for the good times during that 8 year stretch. I'm here for the bad times again.

A fan knows his team's history, has struggled with that team, rejoiced with that team, had you're heart ripped out by said team, damn near watch them walk out of your life, and STILL stays loyal to them.

That's a damn fan.

 

[mmg]

Originally Posted by LoveOfTheGame916

A fan knows his team's history, has struggled with that team, rejoiced with that team, had you're heart ripped out by said team, damn near watch them walk out of your life, and STILL stays loyal to them.

this, you dunno how many things ive broken in anger, cursed at, damm near teared and gotten into fights for my Texans

 

[loveofthegame916]

Originally Posted by MMG

Originally Posted by LoveOfTheGame916

A fan knows his team's history, has struggled with that team, rejoiced with that team, had you're heart ripped out by said team, damn near watch them walk out of your life, and STILL stays loyal to them.

this, you dunno how many things ive broken in anger, cursed at, damm near teared and gotten into fights for my Texans

Son, the 49ers took me there in January. I didn't wait 9 years for them to make a come back, just to have it ruined by a muffed punt and a damb fumble

 

[651akathepaul]

That more describes a diehard fan.

 

[luong1209]

As much as I "

" and question Warrior "fans", truth is...There's no such thing as a bandwagon Warrior fan

(At least not since 07/0.

 

[Peep Game]

Originally Posted by MMG

Originally Posted by LoveOfTheGame916

A fan knows his team's history, has struggled with that team, rejoiced with that team, had you're heart ripped out by said team, damn near watch them walk out of your life, and STILL stays loyal to them.

this, you dunno how many things ive broken in anger, cursed at, damm near teared and gotten into fights for my Texans

Yep

 Tossing my chair across the room and kicking over a mini fridge during the Rosen-copter game against the Colts, and watching Jerramy Stevens single-handedly (well, with refs) ruin the Super Bowl

Both
knives to the gut.