So the J-Block isn't so nice after all?

[bluetrain4]

This is from Jon Wertheim's wrap-up of the US Open"

"So, easily a dozen of you wrote to me (and, for that matter, to NBC's Web site) complaining about the J-Block. I had always assumed this was a harmless cheering section of Connecticut Brahmins, adding some energy to James Blake's matches. I checked out the "block" for myself and, at the risk of sounding like Claude Raines, I was shocked by what I saw and heard. "Cheers" included "lock-and-load on him, James." Fabrice Santoro was told that "France sucks." Santoro was also asked: "Where were you during the war?" Tommy Haas was treated to a quick countdown as he prepared to serve. A fan in a neighboring box accurately yelled, "You guys are acting like bullies."

Hey, we're all for more volume and enthusiastic cheering. We're all for "beering up" a gin-and-tonic crowd. But yelling "France sucks?" Yeesh. Especially given that decorum is Blake's stock-in-trade, it was surprising that his cheering section seems to have so little of it."

 

[norcal]

I wonder which war they were referring to, LOL. Not so terrible IMO.

 

[Aonex]

Eh, what do you expect... bunch of rowdy guys... probably consumed a lot of liquor. I'm guessing the Double J Block was more respectful.

 

[RedWeb]

Believe me, Santoro and Haas were no more bothered by that than the man in the moon. The only issue would of been when they said it, such as during a service ball toss. Any player who would be bothered by that kinda stuff would of never made it to the level they have.

 

[origmarm]

Its unfortunate, it brings the sport into disrepute. No one minds energetic cheering or support, insults and classless comments are not a good thing for the sport

 

[sureshs]

Blake should come out and make a statement. If not, I am happy he lost and these "fans" went home disappointed..

Wonder where Blake and the J guys were during the war. Wonder where Bush was during the war.

 

[RedWeb]

... I do agree that it is classless. But has no bearing on match result.

 

[Fedace]

This is from Jon Wertheim's wrap-up of the US Open"

"So, easily a dozen of you wrote to me (and, for that matter, to NBC's Web site) complaining about the J-Block. I had always assumed this was a harmless cheering section of Connecticut Brahmins, adding some energy to James Blake's matches. I checked out the "block" for myself and, at the risk of sounding like Claude Raines, I was shocked by what I saw and heard. "Cheers" included "lock-and-load on him, James." Fabrice Santoro was told that "France sucks." Santoro was also asked: "Where were you during the war?" Tommy Haas was treated to a quick countdown as he prepared to serve. A fan in a neighboring box accurately yelled, "You guys are acting like bullies."

Hey, we're all for more volume and enthusiastic cheering. We're all for "beering up" a gin-and-tonic crowd. But yelling "France sucks?" Yeesh. Especially given that decorum is Blake's stock-in-trade, it was surprising that his cheering section seems to have so little of it."

That is so funny. But i just hope this is not a reflection on James Blake who is a very classy and ultimately a nice guy. I had few email interactions with him personally and he literally went out of his way to be helpful and nice. 3 years ago, he answered all his emails himself. James will probably tell them to tone it down a little. Asking Santoro, where were you during the WAR seem over the top and gangster like. Maybe US open should had Security people maintain some control over yelling of that type.:sad:

 

[quest01]

Who cares if J-Block says France sucks. They can say whatever they want unless they are yelling expletives. Other then that i dont have a problem.

 

[Jack the Hack]

Its unfortunate, it brings the sport into disrepute. No one minds energetic cheering or support, insults and classless comments are not a good thing for the sport

Interesting perspective...

Do the unfortunate actions of some soccer/football hooligans bring that sport into disrepute?

Does the heckling of some basketball or baseball fans during games bring those sports into disrepute?

My point is that the actions of the players on and off the court is what brings accolades or disrepute to a sport... not the drunken stupidity of a few fans.

If anything, the actions of the J-Block bring disrepute to James Blake... not the sport itself. James would do well to tell these fans to pipe it down for the sake of his own reputation.

 

[Defcon]

What do you mean 'after all'? It was pretty obvious from the start they were the opposite of Blake as far as classy behavior goes.

 

[rommil]

Just look at the guys and gals in the J Block section. They look like the tailgate party kinds. It would be sad to give bearing to what these people say especially in that environment.

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

This is why tennis will always be considered a sissy sport. Imagine a baseball umpire saying "quiet please" to the crowd at Fenway Park(Boston) before Roger Clemens(when he was with the Yankees) pitches.

Razzing from the fans has always been a part of sport. Always.

 

[Forehand Forever]

This is why tennis will always be considered a sissy sport. Imagine a baseball umpire saying "quiet please" to the crowd at Fenway Park(Boston) before Roger Clemens(when he was with the Yankees) pitches.

Razzing from the fans has always been a part of sport. Always.

Still is with the Yankees. But I totally agree with your point.

 

[2 Cent]

what i want to know is who is that hot blonde chick in the J-Block?? i love her!

 

[ATXtennisaddict]

J block is played out.

 

[stormholloway]

Who cares if J-Block says France sucks. They can say whatever they want unless they are yelling expletives. Other then that i dont have a problem.

Tennis fans tend to be a little more worldy and intelligent. Saying France sucks is not only naive but it shows a lack of historical perspective. France has been great for tennis. The country helped make the game what it is today. Not to mention that it's a beautiful country.

I sat next to the J-Block at Flushing last week and thought it was frat boy idiocy.

 

[Pancho]

The J-Block can cheer all they want but James Blake is never going to win a Grand Slam singles tournament. Expect those J-Block idiots to be back again. Ha, but J-Block idiots will never be in French Open cheering James Blake because they know Blake doesn't stand a chance at all on the slow European clay.

 

[adamvann]

Actually, during the Haas match, as he was preparing to serve, he looked towards the J-Block during one of their many outburst and said to shut the eff up after he'd turned back around. I Tivo'd the match and replayed it a couple of times.

 

[krz]

The Jblock has been criticized for this before.

Blake should really get control over them they are giving him a bad image.

 

[avmoghe]

This is from Jon Wertheim's wrap-up of the US Open"

"So, easily a dozen of you wrote to me (and, for that matter, to NBC's Web site) complaining about the J-Block. I had always assumed this was a harmless cheering section of Connecticut Brahmins, adding some energy to James Blake's matches. I checked out the "block" for myself and, at the risk of sounding like Claude Raines, I was shocked by what I saw and heard. "Cheers" included "lock-and-load on him, James." Fabrice Santoro was told that "France sucks." Santoro was also asked: "Where were you during the war?" Tommy Haas was treated to a quick countdown as he prepared to serve. A fan in a neighboring box accurately yelled, "You guys are acting like bullies."

Hey, we're all for more volume and enthusiastic cheering. We're all for "beering up" a gin-and-tonic crowd. But yelling "France sucks?" Yeesh. Especially given that decorum is Blake's stock-in-trade, it was surprising that his cheering section seems to have so little of it."

This makes me weep.... I'm sure many of the imbeciles around them were saying "Great! Look at our passionate NY crowd! There is nothing like it!" There sure is nothing like it.. and I hope no other crowd ever becomes like them.

That said, I was happy to note that the applause for non-Americans playing Americans was somewhat better this year... (I still remember the lack of applause from previous years when everyone was going absolutely overboard for Agassi, Blake, Ginepri, etc... Benjamin Becker will always have a special place in my heart for shutting the dumba**es up and returning the focus to tennis )

Year by year, I see tennis audiences are turning into moronic baseball/football/basketball fans who boo/abuse players and cheer only their favorites.

We do not need such fans.... if you're not willing to show your appreciation by clapping for both players (regardless of national origin) please stay away from our sport. Tennis and golf are called the last two "gentlemen sports"..... I hope they stay that way.

 

[ShcMad]

This is from Jon Wertheim's wrap-up of the US Open"

"So, easily a dozen of you wrote to me (and, for that matter, to NBC's Web site) complaining about the J-Block. I had always assumed this was a harmless cheering section of Connecticut Brahmins, adding some energy to James Blake's matches. I checked out the "block" for myself and, at the risk of sounding like Claude Raines, I was shocked by what I saw and heard. "Cheers" included "lock-and-load on him, James." Fabrice Santoro was told that "France sucks." Santoro was also asked: "Where were you during the war?" Tommy Haas was treated to a quick countdown as he prepared to serve. A fan in a neighboring box accurately yelled, "You guys are acting like bullies."

Hey, we're all for more volume and enthusiastic cheering. We're all for "beering up" a gin-and-tonic crowd. But yelling "France sucks?" Yeesh. Especially given that decorum is Blake's stock-in-trade, it was surprising that his cheering section seems to have so little of it."

I think pretty much everybody knows that most J-Block guys are classless. They portray all the stereotypical negative thoughts that foreigners have about Americans.

 

[ufgatorkid]

One of the reasons why I still can't understand all the Blake love in general. He continues to endorse the J-Block, despite their repugnant behavior. The lack of respect they show for the players is astounding.

 

[RedWeb]

Actually, during the Haas match, as he was preparing to serve, he looked towards the J-Block during one of their many outburst and said to shut the eff up after he'd turned back around. I Tivo'd the match and replayed it a couple of times.

What did they say?... "where was Germany during the war!" As stated he was serving and the sound at a particular was what probably bothered him. Or perhaps he was just trying to pump himself up. Interaction with fans almost never works positively. For example, as soon as Roddick started his interactions with fans in set 3 with Fed I knew he had given up.

 

[julianoz]

james sure has some loser friends

 

[shutupova]

Blake should come out and make a statement. If not, I am happy he lost and these "fans" went home disappointed..

Wonder where Blake and the J guys were during the war. Wonder where Bush was during the war.

exactly....

 

[AAAA]

Tennis fans tend to be a little more worldy and intelligent.

You are referring to the majority of Talk Tennis posters?

 

[alwaysatnet]

France Sucks isn't the most shocking cheer in the world but why give a bunch of booze powered frat boy buttheads any notoriety at all?
Why encourage a bunch of obnoxious fools with t.v. exposure and such?

It's sad how the USTA and the media powers that be keep trying to make Blake into a bigger deal than he is. He's a very good player but not Grand Slam quality and his consistently disappointing showings just prove that.
Disband the J Block and turn the spotlight off Blake for awhile. Maybe he'll acheive something then but I doubt he'll ever be more than our Tim Henman.

 

[usfferjenn]

I think pretty much everybody knows that most J-Block guys are classless. They portray all the stereotypical negative thoughts that foreigners have about Americans.

that's exactly what i was thinking the last few times i've seen them during blake's matches. i wonder if he's even bothered by that. there's such a difference between cheering and just plain obnoxiousness.

 

[origmarm]

Do the unfortunate actions of some soccer/football hooligans bring that sport into disrepute?

Absolutely. In fact your sentence very much resembles a quote from the president of FIFA recently. The proof is in how seriously they take it.

Does the heckling of some basketball or baseball fans during games bring those sports into disrepute?

Its hard to comment for me as I don't watch either of these

My point is that the actions of the players on and off the court is what brings accolades or disrepute to a sport... not the drunken stupidity of a few fans.

I take your point that player behaviour is far more important. I think the problem is that the officials should take action where the behaviour crosses the line. I think that in this instance "France sucks!" is not cause for this however. When the behaviour infringes on the other people in the stadium enjoying the game and the game's perception in the public arena then it becomes a problem. Ultimately if the behaviour of certain members of the ground crosses the line (profanity, racist comments, insulting behaviour, abusive drunkeness) then officials should sanction the offenders, ultimately with ejection from the arena.

If anything, the actions of the J-Block bring disrepute to James Blake... not the sport itself. James would do well to tell these fans to pipe it down for the sake of his own reputation.

I agree it is worse for Blake. He should say something about it. I would make the distinction here between unacceptable behaviour which I think brings the sport into disrepute and then just classless behaviour which, while not cause for action, is just sad really. I think that reflects on the player more for sure

I think the real issue here is that Tennis is (or was?) a sport where the appreciation for the contest was the heart of the thing. You watched and you could applaud both parties, sure you had your favourite but you could appreciate the skill and talent and amazing points that their opponent could bring to bear. You respected the opponent. That seems to be missing from these individuals. As another poster pointed out, tennis and golf seem to be the last places that this still exists, lets not lose it

 

[35ft6]

This changes my opinion of them. I like cheering, but it seems they crossed the line. Would like to see tennis fans being more demonstrative but not like hooligans or drunken Oakland Raiders fans.

 

[Scorch]

Saying stuff like 'France sucks' should definitely be treated as being unacceptable. It is akin to a racial slur in my opinion.

However I am sure Santoro and Haas were not too worried about it (if it happened all the time though I think they would be!)

The fans don't have to be quiet, but they should be respectful imo.

And yes - the actions of some football 'fans' (soccer) absolutely do bring the game into disrepute. See how seriously FIFA takes this issue.

It is to tennis' credit that these fans have caused such concern even though their actions are a couple of notches down from the problems soccer has.

 

[dubsplayer]

The JBlock aren't "regular" fans - they are James friends from Connecticut - not some anonymous group of fans like the Net Heads or the Fanatics. James should be ashamed of his friends boorish behavior but apparently he is not. Makes me dislike him even more then I did before JBlock.

 

[Naomi]

It surprises me that the commentators never talk about how rude and obnoxious they are. JMac is always talking about how great the night match atmosphere is with J-block in the house; how much it's going to help James :roll: A little disappointing IMO

 

[RedWeb]

You would think that Blake would be more sensative to this kind of thing based upon his own personal experiences such as his encounter during a match with Hewitt regarding the color or a certain linesman whom Hewitt thought was giving James preferred treatment.

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

Agree with the others here. Cheering is one thing but going overboard with the taunts, etc. is another thing. And having been to a number of Blake USO matches (both this year and last) and especially watching and listening to them during last year's Blake-Nadal USO match from "fairly close" range (an adjacent suite), there seemed to be some narcissism in play as if they thought THEY were part of the show what with their "look at me! look at me!" antics. France doesn't suck; J-Block sucks. They corrupt the atmosphere, they are a pain-in-the-ass and are indeed played out...and they're boring to boot. In the category of most obnoxious assh0les to wear blue shirts, the winners are: J-Block