20 Things That Sports Fans Need to Stop Doing

There's no "you" in "team."

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Being a sports fan can be a tricky thing. Sometimes, we don't know what is acceptable behavior and what isn't, and with sports culture being what it is today, it's harder and harder to see the lines between bad and good. However, it doesn't need to be so confusing. Here's a few tips to start out: don't buy into the 24/7 media hype cycle, chill on your Twitter presence, and, above all, don't be a troll

In 2014, being a sports fan is completely different than it was 100 years ago. There are more ways for us to make our presence known than ever before. However, for your own good, think about trying not to be seen. Opt not to scream and shout every time a break doesn't go your team's way. You're better off taking the loss in silence or dealing with it among your immediate friends than crying about it on Facebook. 

How else can you be a good fan, though? Great question, and here's your answer: 20 Things That Sports Fans Need to Stop Doing, a list of all the behavior and etiquette that sports fans need to cut out of their systems. Recognize anything on here that you've done in the past? If you're still doing it, then it's time to make a change. 

Thinking we're a part of the team.

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Crying

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Trolling sports websites.

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Rioting

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Trying to be superfans.

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Sending hate mail or negative tweets at beleaguered players.

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Searching for the next [insert iconic athlete].

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Dismissing Major League Soccer.

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Choosing our fantasy team over our actual team.

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Overly investing ourselves in statistical analysis.

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Hating on PED users in baseball.

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Cherishing the "purity" of the NCAA.

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Cheering on multiple teams in one sport.

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Railing on athletes even though they have no actual effect on our lives.

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Buying into the hype.

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Complaining about our team's owner, but attending games anyway.

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Clapping when a player from the other team gets injured.

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Getting embarrassingly wasted during the actual game.

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Getting embarrassingly wasted during the tailgate.

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Excessively painting our bodies.

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