The best thing about sports is that it has everything, Comedy, Drama, Action, and Good vs. Evil. But, what is a Sports Villain? Who earns the dubious distinction, as the most hated in sports? Well, the one thing that seems consistent with most Sports Villains is that they most be a winner. No one cares to despise a loser, or the mediocre. In fact, the opposite is true the loser is lovable. So, everyone hates the Yankees( the Evil Empire), but loves the Cubs. Is it that we hate consistent success? The Cowboy's were called America's team, but is there a more hated franchise by non-Cowboy fans? A 2009 USA Today poll concluded that the Cowboys were the most hated NFL team, more than the Patriots, Steelers , and Giants. Some, of these villains embrace there hated status. The Miami Hurricanes were the most hated, and most winning team in college ball in the 80's, and their band would play the Star Wars Evil Empire theme song to further emphasize their villainous status.Terrell Owens, has made a mantra out of "They love to hate me!"
The other reason for the villain status is moral turpitude, of any kind. Break the law? I hate you! Disagree with public opinion too loud? I hate you! Cheat on your wife? You scumbag! Kobe Bryant was one of the most popular NBA players, till he was accused of allegedly raping a Eagle, Colorado hotel maid. Despite never being convicted of the alleged crime, he is still hated due to this indiscretion. Tiger Woods was the most beloved athlete in sports, and a couple of 9 iron shots to the head, and a smashed Escalade later we find out Jack Nicklaus' was not the only legend he was chasing. Tiger had a list of scattered trim that would make Wilt the Stilt crack a smile. But, does this make him a villain? Of course he's the best golfer in the world, and we only hate winners. John Daly, however admits to alcoholism, has been accused of adultery, and drug abuse, and still remains a popular figure on the PGA amongst the fans. He's not the #1 golfer in the world though, so John is just misunderstood.
So what makes a Sports Villain? Well, unlike movie villains they win most of the time, they embrace their villain status, and they are not always good citizens. Why do we need to have Sports Villains? It's how we are entertained. There must Good vs. Evil, Us vs. Them, and Underdog vs. Favorite. Without this duality it's just a game, and who want's to watch that?!
Keep checking back for 2011 NFL Draft Recap 11 - 16 WHAT MORE CAN I SAY? MR. J1S IS OUT!
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Athletes and Twitter
"I'm chilling with boy @DMack35 rolling up a fat one! j/k lol" That's just how quick a 25 year old can lose millions. One lapse in judgement and an enthusiastic click of the mouse, you can go from household name to media scapegoat. Now, I know what you're gonna say, "Nobody should feel sorry for these rich privileged athletes." but, you don't know these guys. As a guy that see's these young men when the spotlight is off, people forget how you were at their age. These guys are kids, that want to have fun and act a fool just like everybody else when they were their age. But, amplify that with large amounts of money and an army of yes men to clean up any mistake or indiscretion, and it's a recipe for an altered reality. The only thing Twitter did was remove the publicist and agent filter, and the readers can't see your face, to see you were joking, or understand your personality as a conversationalist.
When I was a young man of 23yrs old, I made a lot of mistakes. I was ignorant to the real world and often put my foot in my mouth. Now at thirtysumting, I still put my foot in my mouth just not as frequently. Well, when I was making my mistakes I didn't have 20,000 followers, or a million dollar corporate sponsorship deal. I didn't have a 38 yr old Banker in Des Moines, whom I've never met burning my jersey, because they don't agree with my 23 yr old ignorance. Or, a 33 yr old season ticket holder that feels slighted that his team's highly paid player doesn't eat, sleep, and breath the game, when he thinks he should.
I think the athletes on Twitter meant well, by accepting their thousands of adoring fans into their daily conversations, but what they fail to realize is their reality is different from the majority of those who follow them. And some things just are too real for public consumption. Yes, you have the right to Free Speech, but with every right there's the responsibility of not can you say it, but should you, and is this the right venue. Yeah, the Klan has the right to say what they believe, but should they say it at rush hour in the middle of Compton, or Harlem? Maybe not.
Keep checking back for 5-10 2011 NFL Draft Recap...WHAT MORE CAN I SAY? MR. J1S IS OUT!!
When I was a young man of 23yrs old, I made a lot of mistakes. I was ignorant to the real world and often put my foot in my mouth. Now at thirtysumting, I still put my foot in my mouth just not as frequently. Well, when I was making my mistakes I didn't have 20,000 followers, or a million dollar corporate sponsorship deal. I didn't have a 38 yr old Banker in Des Moines, whom I've never met burning my jersey, because they don't agree with my 23 yr old ignorance. Or, a 33 yr old season ticket holder that feels slighted that his team's highly paid player doesn't eat, sleep, and breath the game, when he thinks he should.
I think the athletes on Twitter meant well, by accepting their thousands of adoring fans into their daily conversations, but what they fail to realize is their reality is different from the majority of those who follow them. And some things just are too real for public consumption. Yes, you have the right to Free Speech, but with every right there's the responsibility of not can you say it, but should you, and is this the right venue. Yeah, the Klan has the right to say what they believe, but should they say it at rush hour in the middle of Compton, or Harlem? Maybe not.
Keep checking back for 5-10 2011 NFL Draft Recap...WHAT MORE CAN I SAY? MR. J1S IS OUT!!
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