“Sports, The Big Morality Lie, and the End of Games”

We’ve loved sports for as long as we can remember. I was always the one that could do it, so I’ve never known every nerdy tidbit; or remember where I was for the late game of the 1993 NFC Divisional Round. But as age begins to take your can-do, turning it into more of an attitude that will also eventually fade; it’s the knowledge above and beyond the games that have me feeling like I don’t care about them anymore.

Everyone is a critic – and the less someone can do, the more criticism becomes their expertise. It’s the natural way of sports and entertainment and those that live it, love it, make money off of it, and the like. And the nerds have killed it.

The only thing more bothersome than metrics in sports is fake morality. Anyone that has ever breathed sports, understands that they are a metaphor for the wonders of life. Sports can teach you things that are applicable to every day and can be applied in situations outside of an arena or stadium; or away from a field, diamond, rink, or pitch.

And suddenly, my disinterest in being a fan, has me thinking about this weekend’s parlay picks.

Beat the odds. But not like that. Make a big play, save a coach’s job, make your mark – don’t you dare celebrate it and let your opponent know it. That’ll be 15 yards, and a tongue-lashing from Brian; the shitty sales executive that wins with nepotism; as less successful fans rain boos and cups full of $13 beers as if they are the ones on the brink of elimination.