Celebrity

There is nothing about a celebrity's life that intrigues me. I actually think that being a celebrity or being somewhat famous would be more a hindrance than an advantage. I don't even like that much attention. I like to lay low, go with the flow, and not draw much attention upon myself unless it is for a useful reason. Well today was that useful reason and while it lasts I will bask in the attention and "celebrity" status I received today.

The story goes back two weeks ago after a second half football defeat to highly ranked Michigan at home. We led going into the half and could have made a game of it, but instead only scored points in the second half when the Michigan took an intentional safety late in the game. Something had to be done. I could no longer be a supporting fan of the football team, or at least couldn't support the coaching staff that is supposed to have the team prepared week in and week out. We've won 3 football games over the past 2 years, two of those coming against Division I-AA opponents, so its time for a new coach. It was decided that I would make a "Fire Turner" shirt to wear to the games for the rest of the season, and Jeff agreed to join me in our protest. Then somewhere along the way, I thought it be even better to wear paper bags to cover our faces so people don't know we support what is happening with our football team. Jeff also decided to do this, and eventually got Keith to join in with the plans.

Jeff and I designed our shirts on Wednesday with "FIRE TURNER" on the front and "BIG WINS: ISU FAMU W MICH on the back. Those are our three wins. With the letters remaining Keith fashioned a "JEFF SUCKS" shirt. There is not time to explain that in this blog. Then we designed our bags. I went with a simple design with cut out eyeholes and a drawn on frown. The outfit was going to be awesome.

On the walk over to the stadium with our bags on we drew plenty of attention. We got acknowledged with yells, high fives, and the likes and it was great. Upon reaching the gate to enter the stadium with our bags on the ticket taker told us that we weren't allowed to take the bags in the stadium. So I argued. My bag was getting into the stadium. What the hell am I going to do with a paper bag that is cut out to wear on my head? There is a sign that says anything bigger than this box will not be allowed in the stadium. So I asked her what if it fits in the box? And proceeded to fold my bag until it was the size of the box and told her "look it fits in the box, its allowed in." She continued to persist that it wasn't allowed in so I pulled my ticket back and proceeded to find another gate to enter through. Sure enough these other ticket takers loved the costume.

Once in the stadium we were instant draws. People were giving us thumbs up and high fives. It was very windy in the stadium making it very tough to keep the bag on, but we managed. It was just our luck that we took an early lead and therefore paused the bag protest until we managed to screw it up like expected. For the majority of the game after the 1st quarter we stood with our shirts and bags protesting Ron Turner. As the game grew out of reach and fans left the stadium, we became even more obvious and in the end, Jeff and I were in pictures with around 8 different groups of people. They loved it. We were instant celebrities and nobody even saw our faces. We may have started a fad, but I hope not. But if we did, at least we STARTED it. I suggested that we create an official Illinois Baghead Club and who knows maybe we'll follow through with that. But for now, we made a lot of different people's days with our antics and sure enough the attention and props we received for the idea made Jeff's day and mine too.

Yes, celebrity for a day. Bagheads for life!