"Huggers" and "Haters"

Hate seems to be driving a good deal of sports discussion on the radio and internet.  It used to be about trying to say something funny or clever, but now it always seems to be about slapping someone down in order to build yourself up. 
"Owned!" 
Once you've drawn a line in the sand, you get really defensive to try and make sure everyone knows you are right – even if they really don't know who you are.  The vast majority of Razorback fans want to support the Hogs, no matter the record, the players or the coaches.  But you don't hear much from them – unless you start a Hog call.  The fans who have been most vocal have screamed 'hugger' and 'hater'  at each other so much the last several years that many still seem antagonistic and spiteful. 
Is it silly?  Of course. 
Am I guilty?  Yep. 
If I had a dollar for every time I've been called a hugger or had derogatory statements made because I supported Houston Nutt when he was our coach I wouldn't need to win the lottery!  But I am anxiously and eagerly anticipating a football game where we don't call a timeout after a commercial timeout, where we keep all offensive options open and will be willing to keep doing what is working, and where the coach responsible for great wins is willing to accept the blame for horrible decisions.  Sound more like a hugger or a hater? 
Odd, there's no one left to hate, and all this expended on someone who is no longer here seems rather useless.  Yet, if you want to genereate response on a talk show or message board, just start talking about Nutt.  In fact, almost every comment praising Bobby Petrino is accompanied by some comment about how things "are better now" - And that is the part with passion.  I'd really like to hear and discuss what is happening now instead of slapfests over someone who's gone and being constantly told to go to Oxford. 
Ain't rooting for the Weebils. 
Never have. 
Never will. 
Grow up – and I'll try to do the same.