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Toronto Raptors: The Hypocrisy of Sports Fans

By Paul Taylor

Dec 19, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; The Toronto Raptors fans cheer from the stands during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Raptors won 110-100. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; The Toronto Raptors fans cheer from the stands during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Raptors won 110-100. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The reaction of Toronto Raptors’ fans to Kevin Durant on Saturday night in Vancouver was predictable, but extremely hypocritical.

The Toronto Raptors tipped off their preseason schedule on Saturday in Vancouver, and it was accompanied by several intriguing storylines. Chief among them was the players’ decision to link arms for both the American and Canadian national anthems, to continue the recent trend of raising awareness of racial injustice and other social problems.

As for the actual game itself, what stood out most was the Raptors’ ability to go toe-to-toe with the Golden State Warriors all-star cast. Yes, it’s only the preseason and it was only during the first half, but it’s still more impressive that getting totally outplayed by Steph Curry and company.

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However, one of the other storylines worthy of note, was the way the crowd singled out Kevin Durant and booed him. No doubt, this was linked to Durant’s decision to — as far as the public is concerned — make things as easy as possible for himself to win a championship.

Unsurprisingly, Curry was not too impressed with the crowd heckling his new teammate. Speaking to Anthony Slater and other reporters after the game, he said: “It’s just funny, buying into a narrative that doesn’t make sense.”

Certainly, this isn’t the first time this type of thing has happened. Look no further than the hostile receptions LeBron James and the Miami Heat received on the road, especially when they first formed their “super team”, back in 2010.

However, the reaction of the crowd in Vancouver on Saturday night, helped remind us how irrational and hypocritical sports fans can be. Of course, the natural counter-argument is to say they’ve paid their hard-earned money and can do whatever they like.

But that’s just it – think about how they (usually) got that hard-earned money? From working, just like professional athletes.

Now, think about your career, whatever it is. Are you not always trying to better yourself and strengthen your position?

Toronto Raptors
September 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) addresses the media in a press conference during media day at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Whatever your motivation is for doing this, it often involves looking for better opportunities, whether it be within your current company or elsewhere. In effect, you’re looking to improve your situation, just like Durant.

Now, this is not an attempt to make sports fans feel guilty the next time they prepare to boo Durant or whoever else — in their mind — is worthy of such hostility. Besides, it would be extremely naive to think this type of behavior will ever disappear from professional sports.

However, this doesn’t mean the hypocrisy of sports fans isn’t worth pointing out. For all the ill-advised contempt they may have towards someone, don’t think for one minute they wouldn’t make a similar decision if they were in the same position as Durant.

Next: 3 ways DeMar DeRozan can improve for the Raptors

What’s your take on the crowd booing Durant? Do you think he deserves this type of reaction and if so, why? Let us know in the comments section below.

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