Forward Rebels

A fan lead initiative called Forward Rebels caused quite a stir after running ads in newspapers in Memphis and throughout Mississippi following the embarresing loss to Vanderbilt.

Although the ad seemed to be in response to the 30-7 loss to Vanderbilt, the organization says that the ad had been planned for a long time before the game, and the exact date of the ad was determined long before the games final result.

The ad ran in Tupelo, Jackson, Memphis, Oxford, Hattiesburg, and Biloxi saying, "Are you tired of losing Ole Miss fans?" It also says that they do not blame the players or the coaches, but that the Ole Miss administration, in particular athletic director Pete Boone, has failed us.

According to the Forward Rebels website the organization's mission statement is, "Forward Rebels is an organization of Ole Miss fans of all ages and backgrounds dedicated to supporting Ole Miss Athletics by energizing and unifying the fan base through increased participation, education, exchange of information,and communication with the Ole Miss Athletic Administration."

Although this mission statement it says its goal is "unifying the fan base", it has done quite the opposite.

Ole Miss student a big Rebel football fan Cooper Sandusky says, "I don't agree with the ads in the papers. All they have done is add more pressure to the team and coaches who have already had such a rough season. Our first job as fans is to support the team, and not criticize."

However, long time member of the Memphis Rebel club, Taylor Young, says, "We have to take a stand and demand that our administration is committed to excellence year in and year out. I think the ads are a good start to turning things around."

Although the articles may be deemed controversial, the organization is planning on running many more through in a series of ads.