Webster defines fanatic as one who is “marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion.”

I would normally argue that the most dangerous (and annoying) part of being fanatical about anything is the refusal to be critical. When one loses the ability to think critically about something, be it a favorite film or Canadian football team, he or she removes themselves from being able to have a logical conversation about whatever it is they are enthused.

Therefore, Beatle fanatics cannot discuss the brilliance of “Let it Be.” Johnny Depp fanatics need not comment on “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?”. And Oprah fanatics, well, just avoid them.

But until the aftermath of Super Bowl XL, I have never considered sports fanatics to be one of society’s most idiotic, criminal-minded co-cultures. Well, to quote Dylan: “Things have changed.”

A column in “The Pitt News” describes a campus celebration where there were “at least two overturned cars, people hanging from street signs, people ripping out street signs, kicked over garbage cans, ripped down storefront canopies and burning miscellaneous materials in the middle of the street.”

Seeing post-game violence on the news is always upsetting. The most recent episode in Oakland (Pitt’s campus) is no different. I’m not attempting to insult Steelers fans or sports fans in general. I realize that most of us who celebrate victories do so peacefully. But the concept of ruining a potentially amazing evening with vandalism is downright foolish. Sports fans who are stupid enough to commit these acts need to be punished severely because they ruin the moment for the innocent.

 I’m fully aware that the unfortunate events that took place on Pitt’s campus are not the first time that championship thrills have turned violent. Championship games almost always seem to spark some form of ridiculous destruction.

My fear is that if these violent post-game antics continue to take place after important games, then the enforcement of precautionary measures will intensify. This may heavily impact the mood and overall scenery of what should be a potentially amazing atmosphere. A sporting event shouldn’t have to feel like a walk through the Pentagon. It should be festive, pleasant, and above all, celebrative.

Perhaps more security is needed for post-game reactions. After all, the non-celebrating members of the public have a right to their safety. I guess it just bothers me that it has gotten to the point where a pastime that should be fun and competitive is now worthy of  a color-bump on the “terror chart.”

But the enemy is ourselves. We, the sports fans of America. And not only are we hurting the reputation of ourselves, but of sports in general.

A few of my friends don’t “get” sports. I try to explain to them that through sports, we, as humans, experience traditions, rituals and loyalties through fanhood that are impossible to feel with any other interest. Take a favorite song, film or novel, multiply it by a thousand and you still might not be able to reach the level of appreciation that a sports fan gets when his or her team wins an important game.

Old men die and get buried in their favorite Notre Dame tie. Children pass away far too soon and their teammates gather at their funeral. I am uncomfortable declaring that anything is guaranteed in life, but I will say this: sports matter. I am willing to defend this statement against anybody, anywhere.

But the fanatics…they give loving sports a bad name. These people have to tone it down a notch. We need the non-cheering public to embrace sports. Instead, it’s getting violently shoved in their faces, and I find that quite embarrassing.

The Red Sox will play 162 games this year, and I will probably watch every minute of most of them. This may or may not be totally lame, and I may or may not be a fanatic. But I guarantee this: I will be critical. I will most definitely be over-enthused. But regardless of any outcome of any game, I will not be burning anything, flipping any cars or ripping out any street signs.

It’s unfortunate that my friend, who simply wanted to enjoy watching the Super Bowl with other Steelers fans, got her car flipped last Sunday. Sure, it will be replaced, but the incident has created numerous hassles in her already busy life.

As a grad-student at Ohio University, I hope the basketball team once again qualifies for the NCAA tournament. I hope the fans drink-up and celebrate. But if a qualification win justifies an evening of unnecessary vandalism, then maybe I should re-consider who I cheer for. After all, I value my Jeep.

But I’m optimistic. So until Oprah makes an Athens appearance, I’ll feel safe cheering on the Bobcats.