On Tuesday, when I drove through the streets of Tucson with the men's basketball team in their homecoming celebration, I was struck with the deep connection our community feels for the Wildcats. Many of those loyal fans had been standing in the sun for hours waiting for the team plane, which was more than an hour late. I was intensely moved by our fans' support of our team in the NCAA finals. I really believe the many signs that read, "The Wildcats are number one in our hearts." When I got to the Arizona Stadium, thousands more greeted the team and chanted, "You're Number One." I was so proud of our community.

On Monday night, at the end of the Championship game against Duke, I was deeply impressed by the way our coaches and team handled their loss with grace and dignity. I held my head high as I exited the arena. But when I got back to my hotel room and saw Fourth Avenue burning on national TV, I was devastated and angry at the jerks who trashed our town. These were not fans. They were thugs.

What happened on Fourth Avenue was not a result of indifference on the part of the university or the community. As soon as we knew we were going to the Final Four, we delivered letters to area business owners with safety tips. We distributed flyers urging respect for property, respect for the rights of others and encouragement for moderate behavior to all residence halls on campus and to businesses on University Boulevard and Fourth Avenue.

Mayor Bob Walkup and I produced a TV public-service announcement, urging people to celebrate responsibly.

Students planned a campus-wide event, and the athletics department opened its doors to more than 3,000 students and community members who wanted to watch the game in an alcohol-free environment. There were no significant incidents on campus after the event. But some sick individuals trashed Fourth Avenue.

I am very angry. Our team, the coaches and most in our community accepted the outcome of the championship game with class. The thugs who burned cars and put people's lives in danger had no interest in the outcome of this game; they were prepared to seize the opportunity for mindless violence no matter who won in Minneapolis. I am determined to respond to this as forcefully as I can within the limits of my power.