Is It O.K. to Watch Football?

[cali]

n the past few years—thanks to a combination scientific study; legal action from current and former players; dedicated reporting; and an increased, though surely belated, openness on the part N.F.L. executives—football fans have been forced to confront something that we already knew from plain sight: the sport is dangerous for the people who play it—for their joints, and bones, and muscles, and, especially, for their brains. The recent settlement between the N.F.L. and thousands of former players or their families, who were suing the league for what they alleged was its failure to inform players about the long-term health risks of concussions and other head trauma, does not resolve the issue for fans. The deal means that no evidence about what the league has known about head injuries, and for how long it has known it, will come up in the discovery process before a trial: key language in the agreement holds that it “cannot be considered an admission by the NFL of liability, or an admission that plaintiffs’ injuries were caused by football.” Nor does it absolve us from taking time to ask ourselves some hard but basic questions: Is it O.K. to watch, and take intense pleasure from, a game that is so hazardous to its players? Should football in its current form even exist?

<snip>

In a recent column for the Times, the longtime sportswriter William C. Rhoden considered these issues and reached the conclusion that fans are left with three options, none of them entirely satisfying:

You love the product and don’t really care about its costs.
You are troubled by football but will continue to watch.
You will walk away.

Rhoden is not the only writer to think about the sport this way, but his three choices are usefully stark. And they’re especially relevant for any reader of “Slow Getting Up,” a compelling and often funny new memoir by Nate Jackson, who spent six seasons as a receiver and tight end in the N.F.L., before retiring in 2009. Jackson went undrafted as a wide receiver from Menlo College, a small school near his hometown of San José, before being signed briefly by the San Francisco 49ers. He was dismissed by some as too slow to be a receiver, and later, when he played tight end for the Denver Broncos, the knock was that he was too small. These limitations hurt his football career, but they may well have helped his writing—if there’s a sweet spot for the sports memoirist, it’s mediocrity. (Though, in this case, mediocrity means being among the best players of a sport on earth, but middling among one’s fellow pros.) Jackson is neither egghead nor meathead; he’s one of the boys playing a game he loves, but he also happens to have his eyes open to the cracks in football’s formidable mythology. And his memoir, with its competing passion and ambivalence, offers evidence and argument for fans who may be considering Rhoden’s set of choices.

<snip>

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/sportingscene/2013/09/is-it-ok-to-watch-football.html?mbid=gnep&google_editors_picks=true

[hobbit709]

1. bread and circuses.

[ileus]

2. I watch my son play every Saturday.

So I'm going to go with yes.

[Nye Bevan]

3. Not the Red***ns (nt)

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

132. To steal and alter a quote from Vitas Garulaitis ...

"NOBODY beats the Lions twenty-two times IN A ROW!"

The streak was stopped at 21.

Go Lions!

...

finally...

[The2ndWheel]

4. Players play of their own free will

No question they've been screwed by ownerships and leagues over the years, but that's why players have a union, although in the case of the NFLPA, not much of one.

Ultimately though, players choose to play. It's entertainment, so if people don't watch, the players don't have what is a well paying job. It's not a safe job, or an easy one, which is part of the reason why players get paid so much money to catch or throw a ball.

[GumboYaYa]

5. This summer I Read "Head Games" by Chris Nowinski and it changed my opinion on football.

I love the sport. I played in high school and had a blast. I frequently have said that if there was one thing in life I could do again from my childhood it would be to put the pads on and play one more game of football.

I have been a massive football fan for years. My teams are the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. Saturday was reserved for college football for me.

After reading "Head Games" and becoming aware of the long-term damage being done to the brains of the players, I am disgusted by the big hits that I formerly cheered for so vigorously. While there is a part of me that still loves my teams and the sport that will probably never go away, I have decided to take a year off of football in its entirety and may never watch the sport again.

I can absolutely assure you that my 14 year old son will not be playing football.

[blueamy66]

70. What if your son really wants to play?

And what other sport would you support him playing?

[tammywammy]

99. If I had children, they wouldn't not be allowed to play football either.

There are many more sports they can choose from that won't cause the kind of brain damage that's associated with football. Even high school football is very rough.

[giftedgirl77]

120. Our sons our 15 & 11 neither one have

ever been allowed to play football. For a few years they complained about it & we get a lot of pressure from parents trying to recruit our youngest but there's no way. My husband felt very strong about it & as my oldest has gotten older & witnessed the injuries he has begun to understand.

They both play baseball year round & last December my oldest fractured his skull playing basketball. Dunking on a wet rim, go figure. He said he didn't put his arm down because he didn't want to break it.

[Douglas Carpenter]

6. I think sarcastabal is much, much better

http://vimeo.com/50968536

[HappyMe]

7. Sure.

Nobody is forced to play or watch.

[Brickbat]

8. I found the NYT's series on Derek Boogaard's death to be eye-opening.

His sport was hockey, not football, but it broke my heart.

Saying "they don't have to play" or "they know the risks" illustrates just how much a labor issue this is. The same "reasoning" for washing one's hands of the situation can be used for coal miners, construction workers or other people in risky occupations. People inside the sport are starting to talk about having to make changes, and the moneyed interests are dragging their feet. As someone who loves the sport and as a parent with two kids in it (as well as hockey), I support drastic changes to the game in order to save it.

[Demo_Chris]

9. Probably need to also stop watching...

Every other contact sport as well. Add to that cheerleading, which is arguably more dangerous, and ballet. Let's go with all dance just to be safe. Surfing is definately out, skateboarding and snowboarding, skiing for sure, as well as any activity involving climbing. Competetive bicycle racing belongs on the list for sure, and let's just include all racing while we are there. Except soapbox derbies I suppose.

While we are there, I would discourage reading -- many authors suffer long term health effects from the practice and we don't need to encourage that. I would include in this forum postiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiavdfsssssssssssssssssssssss

[WCGreen]

10. I did a story about the local Ballet here in Cleveland...

The injuries and the deformations of their body's rival the boys involved in contact sport such as Football and Hockey.

[Eleanors38]

14. That's why I view sensitive, contemplative activities like NASCAR.

[Demo_Chris]

17. I prefer beat poetry. I gently snap to applaud. Safety first....

Being serious for a moment...

Football is dangerous. It has always been dangerous. In this it is like many sports, including things like figure skating where pretty little princesses lash razors to their feet and hurl themselves fifty feet into the air, over concrete-hard ice, while spinning like tops -- and they do it with broken ankles and concussions and all the rest.

That's sports. It's why we don't all watch competetive checkers. Now checkers with sharp edges played on a flaming board? Maybe.

[Eleanors38]

30. I've played football, it's dangerous alright.

[pipi_k]

49. Checkers without

the sharp edges and flaming board can be dangerous too...

If you jump too many of your opponent's guys with too much pressure, you can break a fingernail or get a swollen knuckle

[Glassunion]

45. Sorry, soapbox derbies are dangerous as well.

http://www.ohio.com/news/soap-box-derby/derby-driver-from-alaska-injured-when-car-flips-on-track-1.320844

http://www.news10.net/news/article/249629/2/8-injured-in-Nevada-City-soap-box-derby

[Sunlei]

11. Of course it's ok to love sports and want to watch. We should adjust to make the game safer.

Take care of the people who suffered damage in past years. Similar to our military, except the games owners should pay.

[1-Old-Man]

12. I've never seen any real difference between Football and Professional Wrestling

Both appeal to the same mindset, and overwhelming desire to witness mindless violence while sitting safely on their own fat asses. Show me a dedicated Football fan and I'll show you a moron. NASCAR? Same thing but with gasoline.

[The2ndWheel]

18. So is it ok or not ok to watch any of those?

Also, it's funny that in a thread basically about safety, the fat morons who do things safely, and pay their hard earned money to do it safely, are derided.

[yawnmaster]

20. Although violence is part of the game, i believe your premise is incorrect...

Regarding the reason most watch and enjoy football.

[trumad]

32. I sit on my fat ass for 4 hours a week watching the game....

The rest of the week I'm working my fat ass off trying to make a living.

Show me an old man with a stick up his ass and I'll show you an errr old man with a stick up his ass.

[a la izquierda]

43. That would be Dr Moron to you.

I have three degrees, am a woman, and I love football.

Oh, and I'm not fat. But thanks for playing.

[HappyMe]

44. Oh snap!

[a la izquierda]

112. ..

I don't like purist crap. "I'm too progressive for you, etc., etc., etc." People are allowed to have things that they enjoy, even if it's sport.

[pipi_k]

51. Not sure what

you mean by "moron".

Uneducated/uncultured person?

[Dreamer Tatum]

52. I found several pics of you online

[blueamy66]

71. What do you to for fun?

What is enjoyable to you?

[LordGlenconner]

115. Drowning puppies perhaps?

Yelling at kids to stay off his lawn?

Those would be my guess.

[frylock]

91. yeh, Vince Lombardi. he was a real moron..

stupidest fucking post of the day.

[LordGlenconner]

114. The fact that you can't see the difference

Calls into question your own level of intelligence, as does your sweeping, overwrought generalization about those who enjoy watching sports.

Get over yourself.

[ohheckyeah]

126. Falling from that high horse

could be hazardous to your health.

[Iggo]

144. Wow.

[aikoaiko]

13. Almost all professional and Olympic level sports require hurting the body permanently

to be competitive for a reasonable amount of time.

[1-Old-Man]

15. So in a sense they are no different than say Cocaine or Heroin - right?

[aikoaiko]

16. I don't see the connection.

[frylock]

92. you'd have to be snorting bath salts to see the connection

[joeglow3]

61. Do you have drywall in your house?

My father was a drywaller and he and his friends have life-long health issues (terrible joints, shoulders, arthritis, etc.) due to their profession. I will bet my life you have not given up your drywall luxuries for their safety.

[pipi_k]

87. I would say that

sports and illegal drugs are two different things.

Sports are competitive. They can lift the human spirit.

Illegal drugs are just a sad way to escape the pain of life.

Most people who engage in sports do it to support their families. Give themselves and their families and communities a sense of personal pride.

Illegal drugs? Not so much.

Two different things, IMO.

[NoOneMan]

117. "Illegal drugs are just a sad way to escape the pain of life"

Which is interesting. Smoke pot in CO and you are just a responsible adult relaxing. Smoke pot in OK and you are escaping the pain in your life.

Drugs have been an integral part of human culture and the human experience for thousands of years. Just because the reigning regime deems what humans do "illegal" at some time or another does not diminish their importance and significance.

Did you know 1/3 of test subjects in a psilocybin experiment noted that the experience was the most significant spiritual experience of their life? So many people spend their days sucking down beer and sitting in pews (and watching Sunday football), yet they escape criticism

[pipi_k]

150. I didn't realize

we were talking about MJ, since you only mentioned cocaine and heroin.

You know...the "hard" stuff.

But since you want to bring MJ into the mix, I'll give my opinion on that, as well...

Smoking pot as opposed to using "hard" drugs like cocaine and heroin is, IMO, like the difference between one person having a few glasses of wine to relax and another person drinking cheap rotgut booze out of a paper bag, not giving a shit about his life or anyone else's.

So if a person is smoking pot...either for medical or recreational reasons, he can still function in society.

Whereas a cocaine or heroin addict's life is going to suck totally in a relatively short length of time. After which he will probably die in misery.

Escaping the pain of life.


PS... and I just realized that this particular branch of the discussion has totally moved from the original topic, which was whether it's OK to watch football. You were comparing watching football with something like sad and miserable people wanting to escape reality via violence. Or something like that. Which I don't believe is true. Lots of people manage to function just fine in their daily lives...with integrity and intelligence, no less...even though they're watching things you don't agree with.

[ThomThom]

123. some amusement park rides cause bruising of the brain

when it bangs against the inside of the skull so one must be careful and evaluate the risks before under taking any activity

[scheming daemons]

19. every player makes a conscious decision to play the sport

They have the freedom to NOT play.

They accept the risks when they decide to play, and they now accept them with full knowledge of what the potential consequences are.

I have no guilt at all in watching them. They aren't slaves.

[Ron Green]

21. Without football, what else would we have to keep men

from really knowing each other?

[HappyMe]

22. That's plain goofy.

Just because guys watch football doesn't mean that they don't have good friendships and don't discuss other important things in life.

[Ron Green]

25. It's the default topic among men

in every small town in this country. Most local papers, certainly mine, devote almost half their original reporting to it: high school, college and pro. There are dozens, if not scores, of cable channels running football games during the season, and some year-round.

I'm not a big fan of patriarchy; I figure it's at the bottom of most of the world's problems. As long as so many men in this country cling to the convenience of this substitute for war as their primary conversation starter, we won't see columns of important local news expanding very much, or find that men are getting far beneath the surface in their relationships.

[HappyMe]

27. I'm not a big fan of sweeping generalizations.

Small town newspapers are usually not a source of big issues. If you don't like what they run in your local paper, complain or don't bother picking it up. There are scores of cable channels that never run football games. The remote is a useful tool to prevent you from having to watch it.

I'm sorry, but the men I know aren't as shallow as the men you know. They talk about sports, but I have heard them discuss politics, relationships, their kids, caring for aging parents, financial worries.....
I don't see how you can judge the millions of men and their relationships with your packaged 'psych' theory. But I do recognize your right to do so.

What about the women who enjoy the 'substitute for war'?

[pipi_k]

82. Speaking as a woman myself...

I enjoy watching the "substitute for war" (i.e. American football) because the guys wear tight spandex pants.

[HappyMe]

86. I like watching it myself.

Tight pants, amazing plays and some what the hell were you thinking mistakes! It's all good.

I'm also not against anything that would keep the players' brains safe.

[pipi_k]

90. I know...

I actually cringe when I see hard hits on the field.

I was glad when the NFL changed the rules about helmet to helmet contact but there needs to be more done, if possible. Better helmet construction.

It was such a waste to see someone like Junior Seau kill himself...


But anyway, yeah...the great plays

And the "C'mon Man!!!" moments...

[Brickbat]

28. ROFLMAO.

[snooper2]

29. I thought that was fishing?

Or cars-

Or kids schools-

Or work-

Or crape myrtles-


Damn, how did I get through life without this little bit of wisdom?

[Eleanors38]

33. "substitute for war." Many indigenous tribes around the world have evolved to this.

[pipi_k]

60. Not always...

I've seen some men get together and talk about politics...their snowplows, trucks, and tractors, etc.

OTOH, one of my high school classmates (female) and I post on Facebook during NE Patriots games, cheering or ranting as the game progresses.

I know more about the teams and players than Mr Pipi does. He helps me with the basics of the game.

It's all good.

[Dreamer Tatum]

57. Because we all know it really takes 6900 posts on a message board

to really know and be known.

Get over yourself.

[Ron Green]

93. Yep, I guess you told me.

[NoOneMan]

121. Or maybe from knowing themselves

And even their own part in the world around them.


Honestly though, I think its a social thing. Whenever people meet, I notice them talk about football. I know dick about it. I spend my time outdoors. I don't have a thing to talk about to most people as a result

[NuclearDem]

23. I prefer not to watch football.

Blood sport really isn't my thing.

[rrneck]

24. I don't mind gladitorial sports

but I don't really enjoy watching them either. Although I'm no jock I've done a bit of martial arts and I've always had a physical job, so I understand the appeal of overcoming physical obstacles whether they be inanimate objects or people. No pain, no gain. Victory feels good, and I can see how others would enjoy sharing a vicarious victory.

The problem is not the sports themselves, but the monetization of sport. The kind of money that can be made by players and more importantly owners has become a drag on our economy and our culture, and that takes the fun out of it for me.

[cherokeeprogressive]

26. I thought it was a fertility rite.

And that the football represents an egg. The battle is over who gets to fertilize it with the "point after". In order to earn that privilege, one team must first reach the "goal".

Guess I was wrong...

[Iggo]

145. You are exactly correct.

[cherokeeprogressive]

147. I actually read that on DU a long time ago during another football fight.

I guess field goals could be likened to manual or oral sex? I mean, there's no actual penetration of the goal line, right?

[Iggo]

148. Yes.

FG's are the same as settling for a handy.

[Dr. Strange]

31. You should ask madinmaryland.

He doesn't get to watch football very often, what with him being a Cowboys fan.

[madinmaryland]

128. Nice post, Tony Romo!

[Katashi_itto]

34. Sorry sitting there, living vicariously through mainstream sports for the masses,

stuffing your face, getting soft, is no fun.

I known lots of people who live for football and as rule they are overweight, out of shape. No thanks.

I may practice esoteric sports, but at least I AM doing that. I prefer doing my own gladatorial combat. Not some pampered millionaire.

Thats simply my personal opinion.

[trumad]

40. I know a lot of people who read poetry and are fat and out of shape.

I know a lot of people who bird watch and are fat and out of shape.

I know a lot of people who post on DU who are fat and out of shape.

I know a lot of Harley riders who are fat and out of shape.

I know a lot of singers who are fat and out of shape.

You want me to go on?

[Katashi_itto]

46. I said it was my own personal opinion. What part of that did you not get?

Not one of those things you list is an inherently passive occupation either.

[Posteritatis]

53. "It's my own personal opinion" isn't a magic phrase that exempts one from criticism. (nt)

[Katashi_itto]

59. Tough.

Or better yet. Find a football game and stuff your face to your hearts content while watching.

[blueamy66]

72. I made Buffalo wings for the second Monday night football game in a row for my new man....

We stuffed our faces silly....and had an absolute blast! Oh, but we did have celery with it....so it was kinda healthy!

BTW, I jog daily, watch what I eat usually and am 5'11" and weigh 135. I have abs. So, I am not fat.

Making fun of other people doesn't really help when trying to get a point across....

You have fun doing your thing and I'll continue to have fun doing my thing...watching football!

[Katashi_itto]

73. Exactly, no one interferes with your right to doing what you want.

[Posteritatis]

75. Aww, did getting called on that broad brush strike a nerve? (nt)

[Katashi_itto]

78. From you? Bwhahaha!

Go eat some burritos...

[Katashi_itto]

95. Tsk Tsk tsk

Someones peeved, besides not being able to read well

I understand www.mcdonalds.com is the place to be after "long" bike rides.

[Katashi_itto]

100. Seriously, between burgers think about an Anger Management Course.

[radicalliberal]

125. I'm an innocent bystander, . . .

. . . although (as ashamed as I am to admit it ) I never had an interest in sports when I was a kid.


[img][/img]



But, anyway, . . .

[radicalliberal]

124. So much heat is generated by both sides in threads such as this . . .

. . . but, unfortunately, next to no light is shed; and there is no understanding of a viewpoint different from one's own. 'Tis true of both sides! Just another example of online shouting that is so typical of board messaging. (I'll admit it! Yes, I've done it myself, too, on occasion! At least in a few forums elsewhere!)

But, on the other hand, it does make for good soap opera drama, excellent fare for the popcorn eaters among us. So, . . .



It's fun!

[Katashi_itto]

138. Very true!

[radicalliberal]

140. There doesn't seem to be any willingness on the part of many people . . .

. . . to have a sane discussion about the culture of school sports. If one objects to negative aspects of the culture, more than a few sports fans take it personally.

[Katashi_itto]

143. Get highly defensive about it

[TBF]

66. lol - many of us who enjoy sports are also in fantastic shape

It actually makes sense. I was a marathon runner when young and I am still average weight with great labwork in my late 40s. I do have arthritis but that seems to be hereditary - my dad has the same type. I certainly didn't get that from sitting and watching football. Many folks who enjoy watching sports are also quite active themselves - whether it's local leagues, running, going to the gym regularly etc.

[Katashi_itto]

83. I personally can't get by the fact that it's essentially "Bread and Circuses"

and what it does to the average viewer. Not to mention the obscene subsidies that are paid to it. I have no doubt you are right in many aspects of it. But it's a combination of those things that bother me so much.

[HappyMe]

98. I suppose that will just have to be your cross to bear.

[Katashi_itto]

102. Yep, I guess so

[radicalliberal]

131. And some people (even guys!) who've never had an interest in sports . . .

. . . are also in fantastic shape. (I've spent a small fortune on personal trainers at my health club.) One doesn't preclude the other, either way.

[madinmaryland]

76. Huh??? I thought esoteric sports caused blindness and hair to

grow on your palms.

[1gobluedem]

137. Good grief

Watching football does not require anyone to stuff themselves with unhealthy food any more than watching a movie in the theater does.

I would far rather watch football, during which I often do laundry and other household chores, than sit in a movie theater and watch a classic novel be mangled or see another comic book hero brought to life.

[hughee99]

149. Is living vicariously through "boutique" sports followed by a small group of people better?

[AgingAmerican]

35. Go Seahawks!

nt

[Posteritatis]

36. There's an unsurprising amount of smug superiority all through this thread. (nt)

[trumad]

38. Of course there is...

I really wish I could come up with a name for smug arrogant so called lefties who really come across as major douchebags with subjects like this.

[Brickbat]

47. "Major douchebags" covers it pretty well, I think.

[Posteritatis]

56. As the other response suggests, "major douchebags" covers most of the bases

People love to look down on other peoples' pastimes and draw all sorts of absurd conclusions from them.

Granted, my main physical hobbies at this point are fencing and armour-making, so clearly I'm exactly as militaristic and evil as a typical football fan or something.

[tjwash]

79. Could any of these -

ISSUES - Issues has an issue and they won't rest until it becomes your issue, too. Even when they are not talking about their issue it's clear they would rather be talking about their issue.
-

FILIBUSTER - Like their Congressional namesake, Filibuster attempts to influence the forum simply by holding the floor. Their monotonous hectoring and prodigious output of verbiage rapidly clears the thread of participants.
-

TIRELESS REBUTTER - For Tireless Rebutter there is no such thing as a trivial dispute. They regard all challenges as barbarians at the gates. Their unflagging tenacity in making their points numbs eventually wears down the opposition. Confident that their arguments are sound, Tireless Rebutter can't understand why they are universally loathed.
-
-
-
And - of course - what forum worth its salt would be complete without---


SYCOPHANT - Sycophant is much more concerned with sucking up than they are with actually posting anything of merit.
-
-
Just for fun, I also intentionally put in some spelling and grammar mistakes to attract:

Grammarian usually has little to contribute to a discussions. To compensate, they constantly point out minor errors in spelling and grammar.

[Niceguy1]

127. +1

[radicalliberal]

142. I don't understand why you let these people bother you so much.

Last edited Wed Sep 25, 2013, 12:45 PM - Edit history (1)

They have no power over you (or any other sports fans). They're definitely a minority, and a powerless one at that. The sports crowd has the money and the influence to get their way.

For the record (and so I hopefully won't be misunderstood), as far as I'm concerned, you're one of the most principled members of DU. Your topics on how you hate bullying and the Steubenville scandal are two of the most touching items I've ever seen online. I deeply appreciate your comment in the first topic that you have no problem with your nonathletic son.

I'm a guy who never had any interest in sports when he was a kid and never developed an interest in watching games when he was older. But I have never looked down on any sports fans just because they liked sports, and I have never looked down on any guy who participated in sports (although I got the message loud and clear when I was a boy that I was supposedly inferior because I was nonathletic). I certainly have never called anyone a moron simply because he watches football games. I respect other people's preferences, but respect is a two-way street.

On more than one occasion, you've alluded to those who criticize football as the "last picked" crowd or words to that effect. I'm assuming you're referring to the mandatory boys' P.E. of our youth. (I'm eight years older than you, which I don't consider to be a terribly great difference in age. In other words, we're nearly of the same generation.) What you must remember is that none of the boys who were chosen last even wanted to be there, especially since they were likely to be humiliated or bullied because of their non-athleticism. In other words, they had no choice. They did not want to be where they weren't wanted. The mandatory boys' P.E. of our generation was a nightmare for nonathletic boys. They were forced to take a class that was useless to them, and even traumatized some of them (as a few DU members could attest). My own personal experience was that no instruction was provided about the sports themselves; and certainly no exercise programs were ever provided for the nonathletic students, which was what they actually (and in many instances desperately) needed. If you expected such boys to become sports fans, you would expect too much.

I have not indicted sports. School sports themselves are not the cause of this sort of misery; machismo is. In recent years there have been a few P.E. programs developed that actually promote physical fitness for nonathletic students. I was sedentary to a large degree when I was young, but I joined a local health club in 2007 and started working with a personal trainer on a bodybuilding program. I've felt like I've discovered a vital piece of my life that had been missing for decades. A piece that definitely was not provided by mandatory sports-centered P.E.

I think some of the guys who say they hate football simply use the "bread and circuses" line as a rationale for their position instead of stating the real reason for feeling the way they do. They would rather sound "superior" instead of admitting to having been bullied in P.E. After all, the role of being a victim of bullying is actually demeaning.

You have said you feel that those who badmouth football look down on you. Some of them may, in fact, be elitist; but you can find elitist attitudes among some school athletes as well, as you can anywhere else. I'm convinced some of the people who upset you actually feel inferior to you. Perhaps this realization might help you feel less angry and more at peace (and this comment is not meant to be a putdown, believe me).

I've not criticized you at all. I've simply tried to promote some understanding. Peace.

[HappyMe]

42. There always is.

[madinmaryland]

80. Same thing happens with tv snobs who dropped cable.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

103. Yup, not surprising at all

DU is very predictable. Throw a general topic like "professional sports" out there, and watch people show up to call anyone who watches it "morons", "fat", and the old "bread and circus" line. Hipster 101.

[radicalliberal]

139. There's smug superiority on both sides.

Just ask nonathletic boys in mandatory sports-centered P.E.

[Posteritatis]

141. That doesn't really have any bearing on this thread. (nt)

[gopiscrap]

37. I love sports but it is waste

the money we spend on this could be going to feed the poor etc...

[Posteritatis]

65. There's nothing that claim couldn't be directed at. (nt)

[FrodosPet]

136. The money we spend on paying rent or mortgages

Could be used to feed the poor.

The money we spend on the Internet could be used to feed the poor.

The money we spend on Netflix could be used to feed the poor.

The money we spend on ganja could be used to feed the poor.


Ooops....sorry, I got carried away there.

[Auggie]

39. Fourth option: You are troubled by football but will continue to watch and support efforts

by the players union to limit head trauma, develop more protective equipment, and force the league to provide long-term nursing care for former players.

[rurallib]

41. I watch college ball, would love to see Rugby become popular

but could care less about pro football. That seems to be a game built to hurt people on purpose.
Quit watching years ago.

But I love to watch Rugby. I don't believe those players get hurt nearly as often and certainly not as badly.
I would love to see Rugby replace American football. If their is one obstacle to that ever happening it would be colleges where football is a big money maker and identity source.

Edit to add - one reason I do not like football much is that in the 3.5 hours that it takes to play a game today thre is about 11 minutes of actual play. The rest of the time is TV commercials and standing around.

[Vashta Nerada]

48. I don't understand the love of football.

People getting around together, acting like idiots when their team is playing. People getting emotionally attached to their favorite team and getting all pissed off and upset if that team loses, like the loss directly impacts their lives. And what's with sports fans always referring to a team like it's the team they actually play on? For example, let's say the Broncos make it to the Super Bowl this year. A Denver fan may say "we're going to the Super Bowl!" No, we're not going to the Super Bowl. The Broncos are.

Sports. The livelihood of the lowest common denominator.

[The2ndWheel]

62. Camaraderie

Yes, cheering for strangers and getting emotional about corporate logo's is dumb. It's an unforgiving world, and if some friends want to get together and be stupid for a few hours, or talk about something they have absolutely nothing to do with, why deride them? Them doing that doesn't really impact your life directly.

Also, of course those same friends should get around and talk about the unforgiveness of the world. I'm guessing that particular problem won't be solved any time soon though, so, again, if they end up feeling connected to something or someone for a bit, why is that wrong?

Why would someone cry after reading a book they didn't write? Why do people get emotionally connected to a completely fictional character? Why would people get together and talk about a book, for hours, or weeks, or months on end, that none of them had anything to do with?

[HappyMe]

69. Kind of the same way I don't understand people that

wait in a line outside of an Apple store. It's kind of idiotic that people get emotionally attached to a brand of phone.

It's also kind of ridiculous when people that don't like sports spend their precious time on earth telling sports fans that they are the 'lowest common denominator'.

I think being smug should be a sport.

[LordGlenconner]

116. Your understanding is not required.

[sarisataka]

50. Yes...

What's an NFL?

[Bake]

54. Fuck it. Yes, watch it if you like football.

Bread and circuses, my ass. We have a bunch of whiney-ass self-righteous snobs here. Don't let them get you down.

Bake

[cali]

55. I posted this because it was a high standard well written article

I happen to be a football fan.

[Bake]

58. I agree, but don't let the snobs here tell you what to do.

Bread and circuses indeed.

Bake

[TBF]

63. The only time I turn on the TV is to watch sports -

whether it's football or tennis.

If you want to see something damaging to your health turn on the news (doesn't even have to be FAUX news - any of the networks will do).

[kentauros]

64. You mean "soccer"? (called "football" everywhere else in the world.)

I was pleasantly shocked and surprised some months ago at hearing my coworkers here in Texas (where American football is the second religion of the state) excitedly talking about the Houston team (the Dynamo, I think.)

Now, some of them were young, but at least one was my age, in his fifties. And this wasn't the first time I've seen this happen in recent years. The last place I worked at had guys talking about the local team, even one that was quite the fan, a white guy a few years younger than me. In the past, it's mostly been an immigrant-watched sport, though I think with Americans finally in the World Cup, people are beginning to take notice and see just how exciting (and better) it can be

[Sheldon Cooper]

67. I'm puzzled by resistance to rule changes, and equipment improvements, that will

lessen the likelihood of permanent brain damage to the players. It's as if no longer being able to see men knock each other senseless will somehow ruin the fan's enjoyment of the game.

[Doctor_J]

88. There aren't any

Rule changes would quickly make it not be football any more. There are no amount of equipment changes that will prevent the concussions. There are extremely fit 250 pound men running at full speed and crashing their heads into each other. No helmet will make that safe.

[blueamy66]

68. Hell yes it's okay!

I will watch my nephew play all 4 years of high school and my weekends during Fall are all about football. I am ALL ABOUT FOOTBALL.

[JCMach1]

74. When I left the country I was cured of the habit...

IT's just a habit, you really won't miss it at all. I don't even know who won the Superbowl last year...

[kentauros]

77. I still live here and I don't know who won it!

But, it's still the Stuporbowl as far as I'm concerned. Plus, it's become a joke in that most people I know that aren't sports fans watch it strictly for the new commercials

[JCMach1]

81. I can't understand why people take it so seriously...

I just spend more time with my garden and family (or both) on Sundays.

I have even tried to watch since I came back... it seems so slow and uninteresting.

Don't get me wrong. I used to be the biggest Dolphins fan. HUGE one

[kentauros]

85. Well, now you can watch rugby, cricket, and futbol!

[Doctor_J]

89. Gambling and marketing

NFL betting and fantasy football is a multi-billion dollar industry. I don't partake in those activities, but I do like watching players like Peyton and Brady ply their trade.

[LittleBlue]

84. Pick a fight with football at your own peril

This is about the third or fourth left-leaning publication attempting to begin an anti-football movement. You think gun culture is bad, wait until you pick a fight with football. You're going to get run over on this worse than any gun control fight you've ever had.

[steve2470]

97. of course it's ok

I went to many football games in person when I was younger and watched some on TV. It's no longer an interest of mine, but I'm not going to denigrate it.

Hopefully the players will get better protection and better healthcare after they retire. The harsh truth and common sense of the matter (because I played football also) is that it's a violent game to one's body and one takes a risk of permanent damage, many times to one's knees and/or brain and other body parts.

I wish the players well. Go Bucs ! One can hope

[Rex]

101. Football, rugby, soccer...watch whatever you want to!

Free country etc..

[madrchsod]

104. the bears are going to the super bowl !!!

[HappyMe]

105. Ssshh! No jinxing!

So far, so good.

[kentauros]

108. Or rather: The Corporate "Sponsors" are going to the CorpBowl!

Better?

[HappyMe]

109. No, not really.

But if it makes you feel better.....

[kentauros]

110. Just an outsider's observation

on who owns it all

[HappyMe]

111. You know, why can't people

just let others enjoy stuff without dragging politics into everything.

I'm not crabbing at you, just getting weary of all of the political holier than thou attitude.

[kentauros]

113. Well, we are on a political message board...

I'm not a sports fan by any means, though I have found myself watching basketball or soccer at friend's places. I never remain on it for long, or can figure out who is playing (or not quickly because scoreboards are like cuneiform as far as I'm concerned.) But I can see the reason people watch.

I do think the Super Bowl has been corrupted way beyond anything recognizable by powerful corporate interests, though. As I stated above, more people watch it for the new commercials than for the game.

[HappyMe]

119. Yes, I know it's a political board.

I admit, they have had some extremely funny commercials during the Super Bowl. But just because a commercial is hilarious doesn't mean I'm going to run out and buy their product. The game itself is enjoyable to me.
I don't particularly like the half time show. I would rather they just had some sportscasters comment on the game rather than Madonna trying to sing.

[kentauros]

122. That's good you're still able to enjoy the game :)

I was in marching band, and I'd much rather see that as a halftime show anyway, AND have the TV stations actually show it, instead of going back to the sportscasters for "highlights" and analysis. I mean, it is a show, at halftime

Instead of Madonna-Gaga, get one of the drum and bugle corp groups, or the drum corps performance group, Top Secret

[99th_Monkey]

106. Football = the "Circus" part of Bread & Circuses. ~nt~

[grassrootbeer]

107. Mixed feelings

I've thought about this. I don't watch a ton of TV and thus don't watch as much football as I used to, but grew up a Redskins fan (the most racist name & mascot in U.S sports--a different topic for a different thread) and do enjoy watching football. Yet, as more reporting surfaces, it becomes harder for me not to cringe at every hit. The brain damage in particular is deeply concerning.

They are our modern gladiators--coaxed by money and fame and prestige to break the bodies for our entertainment. There is so much popularity and sheer money behind the NFL that I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon.

Anyway, let's get rid of NASCAR, eh? What a loud and pointless and polluting sport, a waste of fuel. There are plenty of other boring things people can watch while they get trashed.

[polichick]

118. imo it's the sport of idiocy - no wonder America loves it.

[HappyMe]

130. Here are some real idiots --

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023722287#top

[Niceguy1]

129. if I had boys

I would let them play. It teaches teamwork. But my gilrs are active, too. One is into skateboarding and the other cross country. Just as fun as football.

[madinmaryland]

133. I miss the un-rec button. Whining about something that even many DUer's enjoy.

[lonestarnot]

134. no.

[laundry_queen]

135. I haven't read the whole thread so excuse me if I am duplicating someone.

but it's the same thing with hockey. On the CBC (Canadian tv) they have had quite a few pieces about different studies concerning chronic traumatic encephalopathy and how even players who aren't enforcers or 'tough guys' are at risk. My own brother, who played at fairly high levels as a kid but peaked too early to make a career out of it, deals with the aftermaths of shoulder problems from constant checking and has had several surgeries, he had many concussions (back then no one knew the dangers) and has to be careful now, since he's more prone to them after years of having them. He had knee problems, back problems, foot problems....and like I said, he didn't even play at top levels once he was older. Most of his injuries started happening in the 14-15 year age group.

I cannot even imagine what the average NHL player goes through physically over the course of a season. Same with NFL players. I know there's a bit of a difference in that the NFL knew for years about CTE and actively tried to cover it up (as far as I know the NHL didn't do that or at least not even close to the same extent) but it does make me think about what the ethics are in regards to watching. That said - hockey is part of the culture here, and they are trying to improve things at the minor level (no body checking in peewee levels anymore), and the NHL has tried to change rules to reduce some of the concussion problems so I think I will continue to watch it. Football has never been my thing so I don't have to worry about stopping watching it anyway, lol.

[Iggo]

146. yes.