This column shouldn't have to exist.
Time and time again, however, I'm reminded that it does. I continually expect better from students from four-year universities, and over and over, my faith is not rewarded.
I heard it after Oklahoma State upset an undefeated top 10 Baylor team in football back in November. I heard it again after Oklahoma shocked the world and outplayed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
Austin is the latest offender, and twice in one week! We heard it after the Longhorns upset then-No. 8 Iowa State and again on Saturday when Texas snapped ended No. 6 Kansas' chances of going undefeated in Big 12 play.
People, I beg of you: When your team wins a game it's not supposed to, stop chanting "overrated."
Like me, Texas coach Rick Barnes had finally had enough after Saturday's iteration. He reportedly went out of his way to shush the fans after it started late in Texas' 81-69 win.
"I really think that's the dumbest thing fans have ever done. Why would you chant that?" Barnes told reporters after the game.
I didn't think it needed to be explained, but apparently it does.
No one spends four years earning a degree at Harvard to tell a prospective employer: "Well, honestly, my education was a little overrated. Harvard didn't prepare me for the real world as much as people think."
College basketball teams spend four months crafting resumes for the tournament committee to assess. So after posting a highlight on that resume, it only seems natural to let the world know one thing: That little gem on our schedule really doesn't mean as much as you might think. Please downplay it upon review.
It's never made sense, but Barnes is the first coach around Big 12 country in my memory to address it publicly. It's about time.
I wish this column didn't have to exist. Sadly, it does. So spread the word and rid college sports of the single dumbest late-game ritual in existence.
Remember these words the next time your team knocks off a team most considered far better than the one you love. Stay silent or chant something else. And if your classmate next to you decides to denigrate an opponent by denigrating his team's accomplishment, calmly grab them by the arm and remind them that friends don't let friends chant "overrated."
