[moklerman]

I think I may be imagining a different hypothetical. I'm considering why a fan would "start" supporting a team. In that case, geography is an obvious reason. Family, friends and co-workers can also influence the decision but I think geography is the big one.

Now, once a person has established their loyalty, i.e. all of us on the west coast, I don't see changing loyalties because the team moves. Especially in this day and age of NFL Sunday Ticket.

I do see how people could feel ultimately betrayed by a team moving. Cleveland, Baltimore and St.Louis fans all had reason to sever ties to their relocating teams. If you want to view it as a business move, why would fans of these cities continue to support the team and owner that must have felt were better than the city it was leaving?

In the long run, I think the geography is the strongest tie that a team has to it's fans. Look at the success the Rams, Colts, Ravens, Browns, Titans and Texans have had since moving/expansion. I think the cities that have gotten a second chance have adopted their new teams with a passion and pride that is probably stronger than their original support of their previous team. They've realized what a horrible loss it was to lose "their" team.

Unless you're ashamed of where you're from I think that most fans have a since of personal pride when it comes to sports teams. The team is a part of the community. A lot, if not most people will gravitate toward the commradery that goes along with supporting the local team. I remember when the Lakers were going for their 3rd title in a row a couple of years ago. So many people in town were proudly displaying their Laker gear. Laker flags were flying high on car windows, etc. I'm not even in L.A. (about 1 hour North) but people wanted to be a part of the electricity and fan base. "That's OUR team in the finals".

Geography will bring in fans who don't even care about sports in general. My mom of all people, who has not interest in sports AT ALL, was asking me how the Lakers were doing and trying to figure out how this crazy game was played. She wasn't a front runner or band wagoner, she just wanted to be a part of all the excitement. Now, I agree that she's not going to be considered a "true fan" but I think those of us who are, may be out near the lunatic fringe, not the majority.

Living near L.A. I've seen every side of the loyalty issue when it comes to the Rams. Many felt betrayed and severed ties. Some didn't care that much about football and could care less. Some switched teams and the rest followed the Rams to St. Louis. I fall into the latter category but I often wonder if that's a good thing or not. I have a pretty strong sense of loyalty to the Rams, but I've wondered at what cost? I mean, basically I've proven that no matter what they do I'll still support them. To me, that's just a glutten for punishment.

So what's more commendable? Someone with a sense of civic pride, supporting the team that's in their community or someone that forks out money to an organization that has only the organization in mind. It doesn't care about the fan, it just wants money.