A few years back, Penn State instructed students and fans that they were not permitted to boo the home team. PSU was off to an 0-2 start, and JoPa and company were being subjected to ridicule in their home stadium. Naturally, the ban didn't go over well, and was viewed as an affront to the First Amendment freedom of speech.

This week, Sports Illustrated is reporting that West Virginia University has instructed fans not to boo the opposing team during next week's Virginia Tech game. VT is leaving the ACC, and West Virginia administrators are worried that things might get out of hand in a stadium known for unruly fans.

On Oct. 2, WVU students set fire to couches, chairs, mattresses and garbage. Three students face disciplinary action for inappropriate behavior.
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In previous years, some Virginia Tech players wore their helmets on the sidelines in case something was thrown at them from the stands.

It happened in 1996 after Miami beat West Virginia on a last-second blocked punt returned for a touchdown. A trash can thrown from the stands hit a Hurricane assistant coach in the head. The coach settled a lawsuit against the university and the Big East for $50,000. The culprit was never caught.

Two years later, fans threw a liquor bottle and golf balls onto the field during a game against Maryland, and rowdy fans were pepper-sprayed by police after a victory over Syracuse.

None of those activities should be condoned, and when unruly fans break the law, they should be punished. But asking telling them not to boo the opposing team is un-American, and should be unenforceable. Even asking them not to boo their own team seems like a violation of free speech. Cheering and booing is part of the game, and as long as they behave in a civil manner, the college should butt out.