There’s no doubt Kansas University fans love to hate Missouri. Maybe it’s a throwback to the border wars of the mid-1800s; it’s certainly a long-standing grudge that shows no signs of cooling off — especially as it relates to athletic contests between KU and the University of Missouri.

Last week’s visit by the Missouri Tigers to KU’s Allen Fieldhouse was a reminder of the intensity of feelings between the two teams and perhaps also a warning that attempts to “get back” at an opposing team can lead fans to stoop to — or even below — the tactics they condemn in others.

It’s fun to watch the antics of KU students during a Jayhawk home game. Feigning boredom by burying their noses in faux newspapers during the introduction of the opposing team is clever. Waving the wheat to say good-bye to an opposing player who fouls out of the game is a harmless tradition. But sometimes the verbal assaults get personal and mean-spirited. Supposedly, such attacks are what Kansas fans decry about Missouri fans. So why are we stooping to the same level?

In recent months, there have been too many incidents of unsportsmanlike and even dangerous behavior by fans at both the college and professional levels. Many observers have noted that college basketball has gotten rougher and a little meaner recently. KU has seen its own players punched and kicked already this season. Is that how we want to see the game evolve?

Players and especially coaches have a responsibility to set the proper tone for sportsmanlike conduct, but fans also have a role. Kansas fans are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Their standards for their teams are high; their standards for sportsmanship should be at the same high level.