"Brad Gushue Tells Fans to 'Grow Up and Move On' in Bold Call for Change in Curling"
Brad Gushue recently stirred some controversy at the National Grand Slam event, where his team faced off against Brad Jacobs in a quarterfinal. The game ended with some tense moments, including Gushue's fans booing Jacobs, which sparked a reaction from those who questioned the appropriateness of such behavior in curling. Gushue, however, embraced the crowd’s enthusiasm and expressed support for the booing, suggesting it added excitement to the sport. He even praised Jacobs for handling the situation well, recognizing that the energy from the crowd likely motivated him.
Gushue's comments came as he reflected on the changing dynamics in curling, especially with his team’s recent shifts. This season has seen significant changes, including the dismissal of E.J. Harnden and the addition of Brendan Bottcher to the team. Bottcher has been a controversial figure, with some fans turning against him following his team’s decision to part ways with Darren Moulding years ago. This backdrop adds to the tension between traditional fans and those who are open to a more dynamic, modern competitive atmosphere.
Despite the tension surrounding these changes, Gushue praised the overall support his team received at the event, especially from their hometown crowd. However, he made it clear that he disagreed with fans who disapproved of the booing, urging them to "grow up and move on." He pointed out that such behavior is common in many other sports and that curling needs to embrace a more energized, passionate fan culture. For Gushue, this shift in attitude is essential for the sport’s growth and future success.
In essence, Gushue used the controversy as an opportunity to push for a broader acceptance of excitement and fan engagement in curling. His comments challenged a portion of his own fanbase to reconsider their traditional views on what is considered acceptable behavior in the stands. Gushue's call to "grow up and move on" reflects a broader desire for curling to evolve, balancing respect for tradition with the need to inject more passion and energy into the sport.
