Columnist Ron Kantowski: New rules designed to curb fighting spirit

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 | 9:48 a.m.

Ron Kantowski is a Las Vegas Sun sports writer. Reach him at ron@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4088.

UNLV this week announced new security measures designed to discourage fighting in the stands in the aftermath of last month's Hawaii game, during which rowdy Rebels and Warriors fans used Sam Boyd Stadium as a backdrop for Fists of Fury II.

The new rules, combined with an advantageous schedule, should result in fewer fisticuffs in the end zone mosh pit Saturday when the Rebels play host to Utah.

It has been nearly a month since the Hawaii game, and as you saw in the American League Championship Series, a respite following a brawl is often the best cure for another one.

Moreover, it takes two to tangle, and Utah usually doesn't travel well, meaning there will be fewer opportunities for fans of the teams to cross paths and rub elbows -- or butt heads.

Next week, it will be just the opposite for BYU, which typically brings a lot of fans and has thousands more in Southern Nevada. Fortunately, the BYU crowd is more laid back than Jimmy Buffett with a well-oiled blender, with the difference being the favorite frozen concoction of most Cougars fans is ice cream.

But anybody considering getting wasted away in Budweiserville -- a.k.a. the end zone seats at Sam Boyd -- and throwing a few right hooks may want to consider UNLV's new "zero tolerance" policy, which will give both UNLV campus police and Las Vegas Metro the authority to eject and/or arrest and prosecute offenders of stadium regulations.

Had it just removed the "or" from the arrest part, the security committee probably could have adjourned early. So to be on the safer side, it also announced the following measures:

My take: Increase in numbers would be better than increased presence and visibility. But then who would pay for the overtime?

My take: Not a factor, unless the new yellow uniforms are the same shade as the ones worn by the Oregon football team. Then the security force would be a distraction as well as a deterrent.

My take: I hope the spotters aren't the same ones the public address announcer uses.

My take: If UNLV really wanted to eliminate fighting in the stands, it would discontinue the sale of alcohol, period, like they do on most college campuses.

My take: This will be harder to enforce than jaywalking.

My take: I proposed that last year in this space. Better late than never.

My take: Great idea, but the next time a designated driver is imposed upon will probably be the first.

My take: If the "warning sound" is more startling than a frying pan crashing to the kitchen floor in the middle of the night, it might make pregame revelers drop their beers. Otherwise, you'd have to call out the National Guard to enforce it. Besides, about half of the crowd doesn't even arrive at the stadium until 30 minutes before kickoff.

And just what is a "device that promotes excessive drinking?" One of those batting helmets that comes with a straw? A quart of Budweiser served in a Big Gulp cup?

My take: Forget the informal flyer. I'd inscribe one end zone with "DON'T BE AN IDIOT." And the other one with " ... OR ELSE."

Wisecracks aside, give UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick credit for at least acknowledging there is a problem, and addressing it.

The Hawaii game wasn't the first time fights have broken out at a UNLV football game. But this is the first time that I can recall something being done about it.