Spoiling a tradition
Jimmy Rogers
senior
Oops, I was tailgating again.
I was shocked and appalled by members of the Notre Dame Security/Police force for their disruption of tailgating across the street in the soccer fields, better known as the "Radio Tower." I grew up in South Bend and have attended football games for as long as I can remember. I can never recall seeing any incidents like I witnessed Saturday, when NDSP felt the impulse to disrupt football Saturday for a host of students.
First the facts of the case: I am 21 years of age, the legal drinking age in Indiana. My friend's parents decided they would like to throw a tailgate for their son and all his friends. We attended merrily with the intent to enjoy the day with family and friends before attending an Irish victory. Little did we know that our mere association with a tailgate is an offense deemed illegal by the word tailgating, regardless if we were in line with Indiana state law. Simply holding a hot dog was the only offense of a particular friend. No legal citations were handed out at the tailgate, but ResLife has its own interpretation of the law. Apparently we are not allowed to take any part in a parent-sponsored tailgate, unless we have the comfort of the Senior Bar and the presence of alumni and benefactors protecting us. I suppose it would look bad if NDSP were handing out citations so near to the stadium and disrupting the tailgating there. Only those hooligans across the street are in jeopardy of having their day ruined by a yellow slip of paper with the crime of tailgating.
I have nothing against police presence on Saturdays because some people do get out of hand. But when the police use their power to deny students the right to enjoy these Saturdays by causing a major disturbance, we have problems. Not only were those cited affected by the events, but also everyone that witnessed or heard about the police action, students and parents alike, were disappointed. It spoiled one of the six days that parents and students annually share to come together and take part in one of the cherished traditions of Notre Dame football. I speak out on this matter because the University needs to address this disturbing change in the way football Saturdays have been enjoyed for years.
Jimmy Rogers
senior
off-campus
Oct. 8, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, October 9, 2001
