Stop Criticizing Celtics Fans

The other day, I heard a ridiculous conversation on WEEI

Minihane and Dennis were actually criticizing the fans who cheered at the Celtics-Heat game for the raucous approval of the Celtics march toward a win.

"Huh?"

I nearly did a triple take in my car, driving to work.

Look, I know Minihane is the Mini-Felger of WEEI. I appreciate his ability - and the need - for him to be positively contrarian.  That works for me...as long as he realizes how annoying he can be.

But to take contrarian to a positively ludicrous step is simply appalling. There is no need to criticize those fans, make fun of their green face pain, or call them "green hats (a true ugly Felgerism if there is one.").

Bottom line - those Celtics tickets cost bucks even if the Celtics stink and are trying to get the best possible pick (I'm on board for that). However, that is not a Celtics fan's problem if they are at the game. Indeed, the emotion of a game with Miami, which has had "mortal enemy" status for a couple of years, is understandable. Paying money for those tickets, which were routinely advertised on the HUB as the cheapest in years for a Miami-Celtics game - allows fans to do that. And sure, if you get swept in that moment, it is perfectly fine to cheer. For 48 minutes, it is fine for a fan to forget about "tanking," to ignore the idea of loosing but developing talent, and for thinking about next year.

It is perfectly fine to cheer on the win.

No Celtics fan - or Green Hat - should apologize.

Minihane knows that. But again, he is stirring the pot.

A pot that clearly says "The Celtics are going to lose a lot more than they will win....but for one moment it is okay to be number one again."