I'm a big fan of the urban legend. Anytime I read a story that sounds a little suspect, I'll immediately run to the computer and look up the origin. More often than not, the truth is not stranger than fiction, it just gets less publicity.

So that's why the batteries at Jones Stadium stories are intriguing to me. I mean reputable media outlets (not an oxymoron) are even reporting about the poor Texas Aggies and their battery battles at the Jones. Forget any gruesome tee shirt ideas; I think the Ags would be more afraid to see the Energizer Bunny roaming the sideline.

Speaking of sidelines, I've stood on the ones at Jones Stadium countless number of times during Tech football games. Like a compass, I've viewed action from all four sides, east, west, north and south (in case you didn't know them).

And let me tell you, during all of those times, I've been hit by a number of things. I've been hit by a gust of wind, an errant football and even a tortilla or two. Hell I've even been hit by a bout of inspiration.

But I've never been hit by a battery.

I'll go one better…never seen one lying on the field either. Never stepped on one and never even heard someone tell me about a near battery experience.

So where are these batteries?

I've even scoured the field post game to try and find one…just one. My battery antenna is at full throttle, do people throw the AAs or do they head right for the hard stuff…the Ds? Are they buying new ones to heave or are they merely emptying out old flashlights on their way out the door?

But I've found nary a one. I have to admit I was kind of hoping to stumble on a few to save for my audio recorder.

Zip.

So again it begs the question, when reputable reporters that write for reputable organizations report about the batteries were being tossed as fact…what/who are their sources?

I've been there. I've stood by the opposing team, the opposing fans and the opposing mascots. Again, unless I have some kind of unknown anti battery device implanted (maybe that explains the constant harassment at airport check in); I'm just not buying the battery story.

Is Martellus Bennett our source on this one? Do disgruntled players from a program that has proven they can't win in Lubbock count as legit sources?

Remember many years ago, R.C. Slocum doused himself with red PowerAde to make a point to his team pregame. Many of these same reputable media outlets reported that R.C. had been accosted by Tech students coming out of the tunnel. Turns out Slocum himself admitted he had committed the deed. That part of the story still gets lost in the ensuing shuffle.

Let's face it. Texas A&M is a media darling. For whatever reason that's so. And I'm okay with that. It's something I accepted years ago. So when they get unwarranted rankings or preseason accolades, I'm fine with it, don't lose a wink of sleep.

And I understand that our fan base isn't perfect. Here's a newsflash, not many are. I've heard things at Jones that nearly made me blush. But it's also no different than the kinds of things I've heard in Columbus, Ohio, Athens, Georgia, Norman or gasp…College Station.

Things do get thrown at Jones. I mentioned the tortillas, I've seen ice tossed at well. Not condoning it but how many of you caught Michael Crabtree and his shower of ice and water from the fans in Stillwater? Doesn't make it right that it happens elsewhere as well but it's the nature of the beast.

Fans are fans and delicate sensibilities sometimes get run over in the heat of battle. But make no mistake, our issues here are no different than at any other college venue in the country.

Tech fans are sometimes quick to throw themselves on the sword. But maybe at a time like this they should close ranks instead. Because let's face it there's no shortage of others willing to push them on that sword…no reason to do the work for them.

As for Saturday, look for me on the field, I'll be down there with no headgear…no fear of the battery on my end. And oh yeah, if I have a red stain on my shirt, you know how it happened.