SEC MEETINGS NOTEBOOK: New provision gives Mississippi State's cowbell new life | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser
One of the issues covered during the SEC Meetings in Destin was Mississippi State's (illegal) use of cowbells. Noise-makers were supposed to be prohibited, but for a while its been a system of as long as its not visible when you pass through security, you're fine with your cowbell, free to ring it as much as you like during the game. And they certainly do, as I can well attest, having sat in their student section the last two times we played in Starkville. After discussing the issue, it seems a compromise was reached: Mississippi State fans can bring their cowbells and ring them to their hearts' content, but
only when active play isn't occurring. They're treating it like music over the loud-speaker. So during stoppages of play, they can ring them, but they cannot before/during a play. I really like the compromise. Because 1) its ridiculous that they were allowed to brazenly defy a rule and ring all those bells. Anyone who says they don't make a difference clearly hasn't been inside the sea of cowbells. but 2) it feels wrong to get rid of the tradition altogether. Little traditions specific to each school like that are what makes college football great.
Like I said, I like the compromise. I think by far the most interesting part will be to see if the fans actually obey the rules. I would think it will be made quite clear that they're being given an olive branch by being allowed to have them and use them, plus the fact that the university will be punished if the rules aren't followed (the punishments haven't been decided yet). Also, the agreement is only in effect for a year (they decide next year if they want to ratify it again), which I think was a wise decision by Slive to see how it works before they make it official. But still, its going to be hard to stop that crowd from ringing their cowbells on third and long, in the fourth quarter, etc. Like I said, it will be pretty interesting to see if the fans behave or not.
Thoughts? Do you like the compromise, or should they be allowed without restriction or completely banned?
Oh, and go ahead and count down to the obligatory Will Ferrell/SNL cowbell skit reference.
