Here's the thing, when the team could go out on the field dominate, talk **** and back it up by their play, we called it SWAGGER. Miami invented the term in college football.
On the other hand, those teams getting their asses handed to them had to find a reason why it was happening. So they hung the "Thug" label on the U. Back then, because we were so good (money talks bull**** walks), the observant fans saw it for what it was - like "Free Shoes U," just something for fans to bat back and forth, or a few opportunistic coaches like the Tressel at Ohio State using us it to prop their programs up (until exposed).
Then as the scandals came into play, and our product on the field deteriorated with the coaching, the "Thug U" stereotype took up residence in Coral Gables for a good long while. It had foothold on the program.
Who of us hasn't seen mutton-heads who think buying a ticket to a sporting event gives them the right to say whatever they want and offend people, even those who may be pulling for the same team?
Why its wrong was covered pretty well above. But the main thing is this. If we play into it, and pitch it up, don't complain about our enemies taking a swing. Get used to "Thug U"; or ESPN and other media outlets hating on the Canes; Refs not calling holding penalties on our DL; Where we are in the rankings; or the Playoff Ranking Committee doing us wrong, because we're playing right back into their stereotypes and justifications.
Alabama will one day arrive in the scandal place from where we just emerged, because they will eventually be exposed. When you come out the other side, you have to approach things a little differently so you don't make things harder on yourselves than they already are.