New York Jets Fans Are Getting Ugly

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans pass through a security check before the game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jets fans have begun to turn on each other as the losing streak continues, and the season is thrown in the dumpster. Opinions vary widely as fans debate how to best fix this mess, but as of late the fan base has turned to “alternative measures” to express their frustrations. I thought we’d look at some of the things fans have suggested, or are currently doing to try to get ownership’s attention. I’ll tell you where I stand, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Yesterday, our editor, Alan Schechter, wrote a piece entitled “New York Jets Fans Show Extreme Irony with Monday John Idzik Protest”. If you missed it you can find it here. It’s a very good article explaining how he sees these protests. While Alan I are both die-hard Jets fans, we often see things differently, making for a good discussion. I’ve given this piece a read, and he makes some interesting points. If you’re a Jets fan, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the read.

Jul 24, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets general manager John Idzik looks on during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Moving on, we first read about a group of fans who took it upon themselves to raise money to raise a billboard near MetLife Stadium. They opened their own web site called FireJohnIdzik.com. Recent reports have come out saying they not only raised enough money to put one billboard up, but raised enough to put up one static, and two digitally rotating ones. It’s obvious that the fans are supporting this movement in droves, as it is far from cheap to advertise on those boards in and around NYC! I didn’t get involved in supporting this movement financially, but understand the frustration behind it.

Then there was “The Plane”, flying around the stadium for 20 minutes with a banner flying behind it reading “Fire John Idzik”. We’ve all seen the pictures and read the stories put out by every beat writer in attendance. John Idzik and Woody Johnson both were in attendance as well, and I’m sure they noticed it too. The first group of fans and their website claims they were not responsible for the plane! So, again a group of fans or a very wealthy fan hired a plane, bought a banner, and paid a pilot and the fuel bill! What’s next I asked myself?

Then I was told about a “social media” page called “Boycott the Jets”. This group of fans have called for season ticket holders to stay away from the stadium on game day and to withhold their PSL payments! The page boasts a membership of over two thousand by the way. It’s a new page to me, but it was established during last season, as fans were disgruntled with the Jets organization last year as well.

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson arrives before the game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve been reading and investigating these pages, mostly for the sentiment held by many fans in the comment sections. The reactions to these “movements” has been as varied as they come. Some fans are enthusiastically calling for more of these actions, while others are condemning them for embarrassing the organization. Personally, I’ve never read a more array of opinions on a single subject! The fan base is angry with each other and it has turned ugly!

Here is where I am at with all of this. First, I haven’t joined any of these protests, nor have I donated a penny to any of the causes. I am a veteran of the United States Military, so I do support their right to take these actions, while utilizing their right of free speech. I am not worried about “publicly embarrassing” John Idzik or any member of the Jets organization.

I personally think these guys should be embarrassed on their own every time they run this team out onto a football field! The front office created this fiasco in the first place, they should be embarrassed! Next, I find it unfair to season ticket holders that they are being told not to attend games by a faceless social media page. These loyal, hard-working fans pay thousands of dollars annually to own their tickets. Many have held them for generations. If they choose to stay home out of disgust, that is their privilege, but they shouldn’t be called out by other fans to do so!

Bring the family, and see the Lego movie and interact with the New York Jets’ Flight Girls next week.

I personally gave up my tickets when the Jets asked for the PSLs, it was my personal protest. If season ticket holders want to protest and stay home, it’s their right to make their own decision. Conversely, you can’t bash another fan for attending folks!! “The Plane” incident was my favorite, here’s a group of fans who spent their money to send a message to Jets ownership! All I could think of, however, was the little guy on “Fantasy Island”, pointing to the plane and exclaiming “The Plane Boss!, The Plane”!! Hey if these fans feel better after spending their money and sending a message, so be it!!