OPINION -- Get Well Soon, Bevo!

Even in the middle of Texas Hate Week, I want to send out my good thoughts and warm wishes to Bevo XIV, the Longhorns mascot, who will be missing the game due to a potentially life-threatening condition.  There is a wide gulf between "Beat Texas" and "Wishing ill upon their mascot."  I’m not an editor around here, and thus have no power to delete any offensive comments, but I am a regular poster and will respond very disapprovingly towards anyone who makes Bevo jokes right now.

The University of Alabama, as an institution, was rightfully horrified and disgusted when one of their fans intentionally poisoned the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner in Auburn.  They established a fund to help rehabilitate the affected area.

When my New Orleans Saints made the playoffs in 2006, the year after Katrina, there was a Chicago knucklehead who brought a sign to Soldier Field with a sign that read, "The Chicago Bears: Finishing What Katrina Started."

There are right and wrong ways to be a fan of your team.  Let's not be those guys.

So to the Sooners fans, I say this: Mack Brown jokes?  Still cool by me.  63-14 references?  I’m all over that.  Images of Roy Williams flying in and punking Chris Sims?  Oh, yes please!  But this year, let’s leave Bevo out of it.  "Sportsmanship" can be a very subjective term, but jokes about a sick mascot are pretty clearly over that line.

Texas fans, I can only speak for myself, but I wish Bevo the best of health and the quickest of recoveries.  I still hope we beat you by 50.  But if anyone from our side is a jerk about it, I will call them out.