EDITORIAL - Humble, calm in victory

People saw the ugly side of sports a few days ago after fans of the New York Knicks, sensing their first championship in over 50 years, took to the streets in New York City to celebrate.

Instead of revelry, some celebrations escalated into violence. People wearing San Antonio Spurs jerseys were beaten. Out-of-control fans also attacked the police, trashed a cab, and destroyed a restaurant.

A 17-year-old boy was also beaten into a coma by revelers after provoking the crowd. He has since recovered, but police are still looking for his assailants.

Yesterday, the Knicks did become champions and revelers returned to the streets.

Same as a few days ago, they celebrated. Same as a few days ago, some instances of revelry turned to violence again. This time, out-of-control revelers jumped on cars, fought with police, and destroyed a police car as well as a school bus.

If this is the way some fans are acting with their victory, we wonder what would have happened if the Knicks had lost.

They are supposed to be happy. They are supposed to be celebrating. So why are they getting violent, attacking people, and destroying property?

We find it worth asking if there’s something else to this show of uncalled-for violence. We can’t help but wonder if underneath this façade of joy is an undercurrent of discontent, of simmering rage. Brought on by what, we don’t exactly know.

With that said, they should also be aware that they are casting shame on the very team they are celebrating.

It’s not just Americans who watch the NBA Finals; it’s a sporting event being followed by millions all over the world, especially in basketball-crazy Philippines.

For those abroad to see some Knicks fans acting that way is just shameful.

Which makes us thankful that basketball fans in the Philippines, or fans of any sport here for that matter, aren’t prone to violence or rioting.

While it might be true that some of them made a fortune in betting, not to mention gained bragging rights, in the end, they must not forget that it’s just a game.

The victors, in this case referring to the Knicks’ fans, should be humble, not to mention calm, in victory.