To the UCLA student sports audience
A few days ago I read a handwritten note from a Texas woman
affiliated with an intercollegiate athletic tournament.
She had hosted the Bruins in her home and wanted me to know how
impressed everyone was with the way our team comported itself. She
used adjectives such as “professional” and
“courteous,” and referred to UCLA as the “class
of the tournament.”
It is precisely that image I want every one of our teams to
project wherever they play. I expect and demand that our coaches
and student-athletes conduct themselves in a manner reflective of
UCLA’s preeminent position in higher education and
intercollegiate athletics. I want the same from you.
More than once at the UCLA/USC men’s basketball game two
weeks ago, selected students chanted a two-word insult toward the
visiting team. The first of those words starts with an
“F,” exactly the grade I would have bestowed upon them
for their objectionable judgement.
Such a cheer, if you can call it that, has no place in Pauley
Pavilion. That our own fans (including children), alumni, faculty,
coaches and team had to hear it made me feel embarrassed and
ashamed.
Even worse was seeing the look on Coach Wooden’s face, an
icon who abhors profanity.
I love having the students strategically positioned in Pauley to
serve as our 6th player. This team, as do all of our teams, needs
you. I encourage you to wear “True Blue,” be
enthusiastic, be loud and supportive, have fun, and revel in our
success and tradition. But please refrain from tarnishing the
essential and elemental message UCLA wishes to deliver at every
level, whether at home or on the road: we are a class act.
Dan Guerrero UCLA Athletic Director