There is a common misconception that fans have about their favorite sports franchises.  They think that because they are playing for my favorite team, that they love it here and they will take a hometown discount to play in cities that love them when it comes to contract time.

A player, like Elton Brand formerly of the Clippers now of the 76ers, was seen as a good person and a great community person and he loved LA.  But then, he gets a little money from Philly, and all of a sudden he is Public Enemy number one in the eyes of all six Clippers fans.

Why do people assume that they love one team so everyone should love their team?  Ask Cavalier fans about Carlos Boozer.  They'll give an opinion on loyalty in sports.

Fans are the same way.  They love the star athlete when he is doing great, but the second he falters, they are calling sports radio, writing blogsand typing on message boards about how they should trade this guy.  Fans love to hear loyalty, but are the first ones to jump ship when their favorite player is struggleing.

Another perfect example of fans getting on the loyalty love train is this past NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics winning their 17th championship.  Last year Doc Rivers was getting killed by everyone in Boston.  People were calling for his job and they wanted a new coach.  But now that he is a champion, he is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Take another example from the same Finals.  Phil Jackson was seen by everyone as a great coach for years, now he misses on one title and Laker fan was calling for Jackson to be given the boot.

Too many fans in sports act like this.  They annoint someone as the next big thing when their team is excellent, are break out the torches and pitch forks when their team is in a down year.

Fans love loyalty, but are the least loyal when thier team is in Jeopardy.

P.S.
As a little aside, I was listening to The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Thursday July 10, and Colin was taking calls from people debateing which conference was better, the Big 10 or the SEC in terms of football.  An absolutley rediculous caller actually thought, and I am not making this up, that NFL GM's do research and draft based on what people on talk radio, and what message board guy is saying.  He said that GM's draft kids from Notre Dame because media people talk about them.  I was in my truck at work and had to pull over into a gas station for my own safety because I was laughing so hard.