By Michael Meru
In Tuesday''s Devotional, President Cecil O. Samuelson directly addressed the disturbing comments and reactions the BYU fans made toward Daniel Bobik and the Oklahoma State basketball team during Saturday''s game.
'For the first time since my arrival at BYU several months ago, I have felt some sadness in my association with this great university, or more correctly, with a few of the vocal minority who consider themselves BYU fans but obviously give no value to good sportsmanship,' President Samuelson said.
After the game, church leaders and officials contacted Bobik to apologize for the inappropriate behavior of the BYU fans. BYU has also prepared letters and statements to commend Bobik on his play and to express deep sympathy for the inexcusable behavior that was manifest.
'I don''t have anything against BYU and I love the church,' said Daniel Bobik, after the Oklahoma State basketball game Saturday night. 'The saddest thing was to have my coach and my friends ask why the church would treat me that way. It was hard to have to explain that to my friends.
'During , I wasn''t even thinking about it, but the hardest part for me was that my wife was sitting in the stands and had to hear all of the comments that were made. It didn''t really hurt me, but it really hurt her.
'I still don''t have any hard feelings toward anyone that goes to BYU, and I hope that they can appreciate the fact that I made the decision to be where I am and that I am happy. I don''t think people realize the huge sacrifice my family made to be here. Coming here has brought us so much closer to each other and to the Lord.
'I love BYU, I love the people there and I love what it stands for. There are no hard feelings between me and anyone at BYU.'
Bobik''s wife Natalie said, 'I have no hard feelings, but I want BYU fans to know that they are examples for good or bad and that what they do and say matters.'
Though not publicly announced, BYU has been planning for several months to address and hopefully correct the negativism of many of its fans.
'A proposal coming from the Student Advisory Council that deals, in part, with sportsmanship is in the works and is receiving positive support from the administration,' said Carri P. Jenkins, assistant to President Samuelson.
Student Body President Dave Johnson confirmed Jenkins statement. 'Student leaders have been concerned about the sportsmanship issue since the first game of the football season,' he said. 'This proposal, which was initiated by SAC, seeks to harness student athletic involvement for good. As students we need to remember that how we treat others not only represents us as individuals, but also our university and church.
Johnson said he is hopeful that in the future students will be more vocal fans and better hosts to BYU''s opponents.
'As fans we have a powerful potential to show the world what it means to be a Cougar, what it means to be a Saint,' Johnson said. 'I believe we have the most amazing student body on Earth. I''m confident that we can live up to that responsibility.'