December 21, 2006
Video of BYU’s Haka at Fremont Street Experience Enraging Oregon Duck Players
Written by: John
I read a bunch of the news about BYU players doing the Haka at the Fremont Street pep rally. The stories I read seemed to blow it out of proportion. It sounded like there was a fight going on similar to something Miami football players might do. Watching the video of what happened, I don’t think it was that bad. It was 2 people puffing there chests at each other. Don’t get me wrong, it was stupid and could have become something much worse, but I think most of the BYU football players held their composure quite well. I don’t think this kind of puffing of chests is new to sports. Take a look at the video of BYU doing the Haka and tell me what you think? The video is on the right side of that webpage. Sorry that I can’t embed it right on my site.
I personally think the Haka should stay as long as there is a real polynesian (and probably Maori) member of the team. Here’s some commentary on keeping the Haka at BYU and some commentary on getting rid of the Haka at BYU.
Also, for your viewing pleasure. Here’s the BYU doing the pre-game Haka before beating Utah:
and here’s the post game Haka BYU performed:
Yes, the camera quality isn’t the best and the shaking is a bit too much, but it’s the best I could find online. I’ll be at the game today with video camera in hand. Hopefully I can catch the pre-game haka for all to enjoy!!
I was at the pep rally in Vegas and the whole situation with the Haka was not that bad. As was said, there were like two of the players who puffed out their chests and the Ducks squacked back. Then it was over. The whole thing was blown out of proportion in an attempt to add hype to a big game.
By the way, check out http://www.radiofire.net.
It is my personal opionion that the reason things seemed to have gotten out of hand is due to the situation. A haka should not be used for personal gain or to “show off”. In the video they were doing it for all the wrong reasons. Haka is very personal to us maori people and we take seroius offense when it is abused or taken out off context. BYU I feel was in the wrong, it was not the time nor place for it to be performed. If BYU wants to continue to do the haka I think they should step back and gain a little knowledge on the history of it and its meanings.