Matthew Mulvaney, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Human Development and Family Science, was quoted in a New York Times article examining why heated interactions occur at sporting events. The piece analyzed the psychological drivers behind fan behavior, focusing on incidents where spectators compete aggressively for souvenirs like foul balls and home run balls.

In the article, Mulvaney explained the psychological appeal of sports souvenirs, saying a fan may see a home run ball as "a wonderful thing to have, either for reminiscence or for association with the team or event." He also noted that "from a psychological perspective, one reason heated interactions happen at sporting events is a natural human 'level of arousal'" and that "blood pressure is likely to be higher, especially if a game is competitive, and this can trigger more aggressive behavior."