UCLA "Spirit" Squad

Those of you who saw the Final live on television probably saw Noah winking during the game. Some may have seen this as being cocky and unsportmanlike and I probably would have felt the same way had I not seen this article on ESPN.com:

Noah's charisma shined throughout this tournament, especially this weekend. Sure, there were times he was a bit too controlling on the dais, and maybe he acted a bit agitated, but his passion, enthusiasm and drive were clear. At the same time, he could be charming with his quick one-liners -- like this one as he neared the end of his postgame news conference, when asked if he winked and grinned at one of the UCLA dance team members.

"No, actually, they were talking a lot of trash. I mean it was crazy," Noah said. "They were just talking crazy to me, like, 'You're so ugly.' I mean, it hurts when you have so many beautiful girls out there just telling you how ugly you are and stuff. I just had to focus on the game. The best thing I could was blow a kiss bye and maybe they would like me."

I don't know about you, but I'm disturbed that a dance team member of any school would be so classless. I certainly can't imagine any of OUR dancers doing something like this.

The Director of the Spirit Squad at UCLA is Mollie Vehling and if you are as disgusted as I am, why not drop her a line and voice your displeasure. Be polite, of course, but ask her if she condones this unorthodox manner of demonstrating school spirit. I've already sent one and am waiting for a reply, which I'm sure I'll never get.

Her email is: mvehling@saonet.ucla.edu.