It's not a position with a clear cut right answer, so I'm not sure why you keep that you're right. It's supposed to be some sort of emotional gesture, which clearly resonates with some fans like Dirigible. I personally think it's sort of dumb, but its value is intrinsic to the individual. For that reason, the opinion of a "well-respected" sports journalist shouldn't carry any more weight than any other person's opinion.
I think you are missing the thrust of the discussion. Clearly these people can do whatever they want and I have no right to tell them they can't (and they would not listen to me, anyway).
However, there is no valid argument whatsoever that it is not stupid, and it is clearcut, without any shred of support for the other side, that it is stupid. Every sane person agrees it is stupid and those who say they disagree, are either also stupid or are just arguing for arguments sake.
These athletes are stupid for wanting to and/or doing it and the PR people at the teams are stupid for suggesting and/or allowing it.
There is no debate on this point.
MotionMan