Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > October > 07 > Entry
In search of … obnoxious fans
WHICH SPORTS ‘NATION’
LEADS THE COUNTRY
IN INSUFFERABLE FANS?
LOOKING FORWARD
TO DISCOVERING
THE FANS’ CHOICE
Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose told me a year ago that he “used to go through hell on the road.”
Especially in Chicago, where Cubs fans were ruthless.
“A guy threw a crutch at me,” Rose said. “Another guy shot me in the neck with a rubber band paper clip that bled for three innings. They didn’t understand when they booed me, it made me play harder. It was reverse psychology.”
Which got me to thinking: Who gets the award for being the world’s worst sports fans? It has to be a “nation” of fans from either the college or pro ranks. And I’m confining it to the United States of America. Sorry about that, soccer and rugby fans.
The “nation” isn’t limited to dirty fans who seldom shower and like to dump beer on players. The “nation” also consists of every day folks who “rub it in” the face of other fans — in the office, at social gatherings or at family events.
I’ll admit I’m “BUCKEYE FAN,” but I’m not going to cry if Ohio State loses a football game … unless it’s to Michigan.
LUDWIG AT LARGE asks loyal readers to participate in this poll. I’ve limited the choices to 10. Feel free to list other nominees in the comments portion of the blog. I’m dying to see who gets voted the most obnoxious, insufferable fans in the USA.
Right off the bat, I can see I made a mistake. I didn’t list the University of Hawaii. But I should have.
Visitors to Aloha Stadium get hosed by the refs and need security to get out of the joint.
Permalink | Comments (70) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Comments
By Jack Miller
October 8, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Steelers fans didn’t make your list? C’mon Chick you’re mediocre as all get out, but you left off the Steelers NationBy Paul Eberl
October 8, 2008 4:18 AM | Link to this
Jack’s got it right - Steeler’s Nation - hands down!By Vee-O
October 8, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Chick, I am die hard Bengals fan, and the Cincinnati Bengals fns belong on that list. Though most of them have only been around for 5 years, and will soon disappear, they followed the lead of the Browns fans and are absolute jerks. Only they are front running jerks, where Browns fans are bigger jerks, but faithful. So the edge goes to Cincinnati. Steelers fans are smart and loyal. Quiet when the team is on offense, and loud for the defense. That is one of the true measures of good football fans. Green Bay, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh have great fans, and good organizations (even though the Chiefs have been down with the arrival of Herm Edwards) VBy Jeff
October 8, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Seriously, how can Steeler fans not be on this list? They are by far the worst!By If it's Brown
October 8, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Chick — I think Vee-O really centered on the obnoxious group… the “front-runners”. I despise those people who’s personal ego is so low they cannot stand a minute of “backing” a losing team. They change jerseys like most of us change underwear and then try to lord it over us that they back a winner but we back a loser. Winning is having a life that isn’t tied to a teams winning percentage. — VoHo, Bengals fan since 1969.By Brian
October 8, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Another write-in vote for Steelers-fan, though Ravens and Titans fans can be equally if not more obnoxious. EVERY team has its share of knucklehead and respectful fans though. It just depends on what section (or sports bar) you are fortunate or unfortunate enough to be in at the time.By Trisha
October 8, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
I vote for Steelers fans also!!!! They are, by far, the most obnoxious EVER!By JimB
October 8, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Chick, here’s another “how can you leave the freakin’ Steeler fanatics off your list?” By far the most obnoxious fans around, down here in the Sunshine State.By Doug
October 8, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Anyone think of the Lakers?By Paul
October 8, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Steelers, no contest. The most ill mannered, obnoxious fans in any sport, any city.By Scott
October 8, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
How can you not include the NY Yankees’ or the Atlanta Braves’ fans on a list of obnoxious sports fans? Their fans are as annoying as their ownership. And how about that Tomahawk Chop? And on that note, let’s talk about all those Florida college football teams with the Gator chomp et al.By Tony
October 8, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
For the love of god, Steelers fans are by far the worst. Ravens fans, at Baltimore, are rough, rough, rough. Anyone who has been there in a rival jersey knows that. The guy who listed Bengals fans doesn’t know what he’s talking about or has never been to another stadium other than PBS. Just because Steelers fans are “smart and loyal” doesn’t make them any less intolerable.By Zach
October 8, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Steelers Fans…Yankees fans…both are bloody freakin’ imbeciles.By Brock
October 8, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Anybody who has ever shouted “Who Dey?” is undoubtedly the most obnoxious fan on God’s green earth.By Michael
October 8, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Philadelphia fans have a reputation of being the worst, across the board.By Doco
October 8, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
“Front runners”???? Bengals fans? 1 playoff game in 18 years is it? Front runners? If any teams fans are front runners it’s Steelers fans who were all between the ages of 8 and 14 in the 70s during the run of 4 Super Bowls. Just wait 30 years when their kids are the most obnoxious fans, except they’ll be Patriots fans. And I agree with Brian, every team has some obnoxious fans. They’re usually the ones that post on message boards. Oh wait…By brittany
October 8, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
i agree with the lakers, but i also know some cowboys fans who are pretty obnoxiousBy brittany
October 8, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
i agree with the lakers, but i also know some cowboys fans who are pretty obnoxiousBy brittany
October 8, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
i agree with the lakers, but i also know some cowboys fans who are pretty obnoxiousBy w
October 8, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
FANS OF ANY BOSTON AREA TEAMS!!!!!!By Otis
October 8, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
No Philly Eagles fans?By JLBX3
October 8, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Those folks that want Steelers fans on that list are probably Bengals fans. It’s called Jealusy! Bengals fans hate the Steelers because they want their team to be just like them. WINNERS! Steeler fans are not obnoxious, they just know how to root for their football team. The year the Steelers went 6-10, I didn’t let up rooting for my team! Bengals fans- get a clue!By CHICK IS AN IDIOT
October 8, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Steelers………….. Why would you not have them on the list??? You have no clue!!!!!By Leave the man alone
October 8, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Just a few things: 1. Does Dallas really have fans? 2. Browns fans are only obnoxious because I hate whining. 3. Bengal fans are obnoxious because they cry about winning teams’ fans. Envy is a nasty beast. 4. The real answer to this question is…bandwagon fans of any team are the most obnoxious.By john donnelly
October 8, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Why is Boston even in there, We suffered for years listening to the most Obnoxious fans on the planet,Now we have the upper hand and are just giving a little back. It would take decades to come close to MFY fans in the obnoxious category.By Floridan
October 8, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Red Sox fans by a wide margin. When they were losing they were the biggest crybabies the world has seen. Now that they win they are the most obnoxious around. Go Rays!By Huey
October 8, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
How did the Steelers not make the list? Chick must have nodded off at the keyboard again. Another write-in vote for the vile, disgusting, Steelers fans with the Browns fans running a real close second.By Marc R
October 8, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
No doubt, the vermin…er tOSU fans!!!!By null
October 8, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Ohio State fans are OBNOXIOUS!!! The are the worst. They will cheer for every completed pass, first down, whatever. I guess it doesn’t take much to entertain them!By null
October 8, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Ohio State fans are OBNOXIOUS!!! The are the worst. They will cheer for every completed pass, first down, whatever. I guess it doesn’t take much to entertain them!By Maria
October 8, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
I thought for SURE you would have the Steelers and their stupide “terrible towels”. Steelers get my vote hands down. The others you listed aren’t even on my radar.By Billy
October 8, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Ohio State fans are the worst fans in sports.By jon
October 8, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
jlbx3 got it right. This is dayton and most ppl here are bungals fans so they are going to say the steelers because they are rivals. I personaly feel that philly fans are ruthless. WHO BOO’s SANTA CLAUSE!!! COME ON. also any team from the SEC because apparently they all walk on water compared to every other conference.By David K
October 8, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
I was at PBS for a Bengals/steelers game and I swear I didn’t say a word to or even look at a steelers fan. The closest steelers fan was “seated” 3 people down from me. The steelers get a first down and all of a sudden my view of the game is blocked. This guy’s hand is in my face and he is making the first down signal while screaming “FIRST DOWN” at the top of his lungs! And by every indication this fella was stone cold sober! WOW! steelers get my vote.By jon
October 8, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
jlbx3 got it right. This is dayton and most ppl here are bungals fans so they are going to say the steelers because they are rivalsand the bungals suck. I personaly feel that philly fans are ruthless. WHO BOO’s SANTA CLAUSE!!! COME ON. also any team from the SEC because apparently they all walk on water compared to every other conference.By Ohio State Fan
October 8, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
How about Piston’s fans?By Kerri
October 8, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
I’m in agreement with the rest of the folks - the Steelers fans are the worst. My fiance has travelled to track his favorite team when they were close (he loves the Saints) and said the only time he was scared to be in another team’s jersey was in Pittsburgh. And Steelers fans around this area that I’ve met - also obnoxious.By nullRichard Knox
October 8, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
There were (4) OSU fans at the LSU BCS Bowl game, there were terrible, we had to be police escorted from our section. My personal comment is “I hate to see how they would act if they were losing”.By nullRichard Knox
October 8, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
There were (4) OSU fans at the LSU BCS Bowl game, there were terrible, we had to be police escorted from our section. My personal comment is “I hate to see how they would act if they were losing”.By Richard Knox
October 8, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
There were (4) OSU fans at the LSU BCS Bowl game, there were terrible, we had to be police escorted from our section. My personal comment is “I hate to see how they would act if they were losing”.By Sam
October 8, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
UD fans are pretty obnoxious mostly because they live in the 60’s. They don’t realize that the world has passed them by and UD basketball is, and will always be, second class.By Suckeyes
October 8, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I love that the Buckeyes are going to run away with this one. They are the worst. They have never truly lost a game. All of their losses can be blamed on the refs, injuries to key players, or ineptitude of former coaches. Maybe just maybe they are not that good. Ask any SCC fanBy garland
October 8, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
You should have two different catagories Pro and Amatuer the Browns or the Raiders could face off.Any SCC fan would win for amatuer.By Ryan
October 8, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
SQUEELERS FANS HANDS DOWN !!!!!!By jon
October 8, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
I do agree that buckeye fans can be obnoxious. I have seen some rediculous things at games over the years. I am as die hard as the next person and sometimes can get a little crazy but some ppl take it was to far.By Ryan
October 8, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
SQUEELERS FANS HANDS DOWN !!!!!!By Steve
October 8, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
This should be a no contest, hands down award given to the OSU fans. Steelers fans can be annoying, but no collective group of fans are more OBNOXIOUS than Ohio State fans. This is not even opinion.By SteelersRockNorth
October 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
The steelers are 4-1 and soon to be 13-3 and on their way to the Super Bowl, yet again. How many rings do they have now? I forget. lolBy SteelersRockNorth
October 8, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
The steelers are 4-1 and soon to be 13-3 and on their way to the Super Bowl, yet again. How many rings do they have now? I forget. lolBy SteelersRock
October 8, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Don’t hate the Steelers cuz the Bungholes and Brown-turds can’t beat them!! All Ohio teams’ (pro and college) fans are obnoxious!By Waitress
October 8, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Green Bay Packer Backers are by far the WORST, most obnoxious fans! And if they lose, they don’t tip!!!By null
October 8, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
How did Pats fans not make this list?!?!?!? Hands down worst ever! Sore winners, sore losers… just plain losers! These guys beat up women after the Pats win, what a bunch of losers.By Jonny boy
October 8, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
I think the Dayton Dragons fans are by far the worst, with the Piqua High School golf team fans coming in 2nd (I’ve heard people talking when the visiting team is about to hit).By steve
October 8, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Squeelers fans of course. They also tend to have B.O. and talk like hillbillys.By Larry
October 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
31 yrs Bengal Season Ticket holder & OSU season ticket holder. Brown fans give English soccer fans a good name. Cincinnati triples their police presence when Cleveland is in town. Steelers support their team but don’t want to start fights all the time. OSU fans are just rude at times to visitors, most of them are okay but there are some bad apples in the crowd. As far as away fans, friends in our section went to Lakefront Stadium and she was hit in the back of the head by a thrown whiskey bottle. Not one Cleveland fan in the stadium would point out the person he threw the bottle. She was hospitalized with multiple stitches. Cleveland settled out of court for 1 million. Michigan St fans are the most obscene for language. I attended an OSU Dayton basketball game in the 400 level and the Buckeye group I was with was pelted with trash throughout the game.By Marsha
October 8, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Cincinnati fans are not obnoxious, they are just plain stupid. Anyone that supports the Bungholes HAVE to be stupid. You have made Mike Brown and his daughter Katie 2 rich people. Brown is the smart person here, he holds a county, city and fans hostage. Send the Bungholes to another city and let them be the stupid one.By 123@p
October 8, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
soccer fans are think of stadiumsBy 123@p
October 8, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
soccer fans are think of stadiumsBy 123@p
October 8, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
soccer fans are think of stadiumsBy D-Town
October 8, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Steelers fans, hands down! I know some great people who are Steelers fans but unfortunately there are more rude & disrespectful fans then there are nice fans. I saw a Steelers fan take an orange towel from a 3 year old kid & the sad part was when he was confronted with it he still wouldn’t give it back!By pban
October 8, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
red sox fansBy Tomas
October 8, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Where are the Bengals on this list? That is my write-in vote.By asa
October 8, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
red sox fansBy david
October 8, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Chick, You forgot the worst of all-the New York Yankees!!By SteelersRockNorth
October 8, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
I think most benGAL fans are mildly retarded.By psychostats
October 8, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
The worst fans are embarrassing. So much so, they make our eyes water. They lack self-knowledge and have no idea how juvenile and crude they appear. It’s one thing to hear from fans of rival teams, but another to endure this constant stream of childish comments. To anyone out there who may know these posters personally, I’d like to share this old adage: “It is ill-manners to silence a fool and cruelty to let him go on.”By Quasanton
October 9, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this
Lived in Austin back when The OSU played UT and w/out a doubt the worst fans on the planet are Bucknuts! Had to vacate at least two establishments that night due to overzealous The OSU fans wanting to rub UTs nose in it. Nice job The OSU fans, you wrestled the top spot in my book from Miami Hurricane fans.By Ridnaway
October 9, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I voted for the UK Wildcats even though the Squealers are a compelling vote too. The UK fans seem to think that we Buckeyes should be rooting for them as their birthright or something. That’s always been particularly bothersome to me. Don’t come to work Monday morning and expect me to high five your skanky a$$just because UK just beat some bunny school from Coppercrotch Louisiana.By Kerri
October 9, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
No matter what, it makes me feel good to know that MY “home team”, the Indianapolis Colts, haven’t even appeared on the radar. Guess that says something for Hoosier Hospitality after all.By Greg
October 26, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this
Common links between “Duh” Ohio State University fans and Browns fans: 1-Really don’t understand the game. 2-Always place blame for loss. 3-Live for Sat.&Sun. as they have no real purpose in life. 4-Drink way to much to compensate for failure. 5-Always fail to win the big games. 6-Too ignorant to give up no matter how stupid the rest of the world views them. 7-Wouldn’t care if the starting QB was lost to injury as long as they get that rare win. 8-Spend most of their take home pay on hats and tees that advertise their IQ.