Question: Now that players are paid and can transfer each year, is booing them still a social taboo?

[BamaInCummingGA]

" it will alienate players from fans, the school, and even each other. "

See '23 and '24 team dynamics in regards to alienation and loyalty issues.

These "kids" aren't loyal to any school or fanbase and they DANG SURE aren't kids anymore with a bunch of them making business decisions each year to leave school A for school B simply for "a few dollars more".

The old norms no longer exist.

And to other people's point: had he not shown up his long snapper like he did the week before he likely wouldn't have gotten booed like he did.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

I heard people were booing before he even kicked, that seems pretty classless and dumb to me.

I don't generally like booing though there are times when I am okay with it. I think booing your own kicker BEFORE he even kicks is dumb. Also, I doubt he's rolling in NIL money.

If you would have seen how many he missed in warmups you may have booed him too, lol. Bless his heart he was struggling making kicks pregame when no one was really paying attention to him. I told my kids that I hope the game didn't come down to a fg. Ugh!!!

 

[Tidewater]

While I do not condone Talty's hissy fit against the long snapper in the OU game, I would like Talty to be mentally capable of hitting a field goal against Auburn if called on to do so.

 

[75thru79]

But I don't think Talty was being booed for missing. I think he was being booed for being a jerk.

100%. If he had just a little humility and grace most people would cut him some slack. However, when you miss and it is painfully obvious that the miss was all on YOU, and you point the finger at someone else WHILE THE GAME IS STILL UNDERWAY then you will get booed.

 

[selmaborntidefan]

I’ve rarely booed an opponent and l don’t recall ever booing my own team’s player, especially college athlete who may or may not have a side gig as a student.

But Talty did this to himself with his over the top blame game designed to make sure everyone watching saw it. I’m sure previous Alabama kickers or holders have had some words with each other but at least go to the sidelines to say it. Maybe the next time this happens either the center or holder needs to go all Barrett Jones on him to get his attention.

 

[Bama9001]

The Auburn fans will probably help you guys out and boo Talty with gusto. Especially, now that they know it could have a positive effect. I'd really like to see Talty get on track...we might need a FG somewhere down the road.

Back in September, there was an article in the Tuscaloosa News about Talty and bemoaning the fact that kickers don't get NIL contracts. Have to admit I didn't read the article but it did bother me that he was talking about NIL (money) in late September. My take is that he should have been 100% focused on football in late September. Still, if NIL is the justification for booing him that might not be legitimate.

 

[Tide&True]

College football is an entertainment business now...we are no longer in the days of innocence.

 

[GboyBama]

The days may no longer be innocent, but a lot of folks associated with this team, putting in daily work to improve a product we enjoy, aren't getting paid.

I won't lie. I have often wanted to boo. I just can't see my way to doing it. Heck, I don't think I've even booed an opposing team since the 90's.

Refs though... Refs are a different story.

 

[Padreruf]

Booing reflects more negatively on the person booing than on those being booed. Total lack of class...

 

[CB4]

Truthfully? I don’t care enough anymore about college football to boo…or cheer…or scream…or argue.

When I felt players were emotionally invested in representing the university, were true student athletes and not simply mercenaries, and played because winning truly meant something, I would never consider booing a player.