Barry Alvarez Calls Wisconsin Fans “Spoiled” for Firing Fickell Chants: “You’re Not a Fan”
Luke Fickell’s fourth season at Wisconsin has not gone as expected, with the team sitting at 2-2 after wins against Group of Five schools and losses to Alabama and Maryland. The frustration from the fanbase has boiled over, with “Fire Fickell” chants filling Camp Randall during Saturday’s Big Ten opener.
However, not everyone is sympathetic to the disgruntled fans. Legendary head coach and former athletic director Barry Alvarez strongly criticized those calling for Fickell’s dismissal during his Monday radio show. Alvarez expressed his disapproval of the situation, calling the fans “spoiled” and urged them to remain supportive.
“I think it’s embarrassing,” Alvarez said on ESPN Madison. “It’s terrible, despicable. They’re spoiled rotten. You have young players trying to grow and improve, and you turn on them this early in the season…”
He added, “How do you think that makes the players feel? That’s disrespectful, you’re not loyal, you’re not a fan. If someone next to me is booing, I’d tell them, ‘Get your ass out of here. We don’t need you.’ You don’t want to watch? Go somewhere else, go boo at a bar.”
Alvarez, who spent 16 years as Wisconsin’s head coach, acknowledged the struggles he faced during his tenure, which included four 10-win seasons but also seasons below .500. However, by the end of his time at Wisconsin, the program had established consistency in winning.
In contrast, the Badgers have not reached double-digit wins since 2019, and their 22-year bowl streak ended last season with a 5-7 record. Fans are clearly expecting more, and Alvarez believes their vocal dissatisfaction is misplaced.
For Alvarez, those who truly want to support the team should remain in the stadium. He remains optimistic about the future, especially as the younger players develop.
However, he’ll have to wait to see if the mood shifts. Wisconsin doesn’t have another home game until Oct. 11, when Iowa visits. In the meantime, the Badgers have a bye week followed by a challenging road trip to Ann Arbor to face Michigan.
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