I don't like American football

I like football, but I don't really connect with people who really CARE about it, to the point where they feel a personal relationship with their team or with certain players (in today's "fantasy league" world, people now root for individual players, which I consider antithetical to the very teamwork-intensive nature of football).   I also despise how the TV broadcasting of football has "evolved" over the past 10-20 years, it's just a whole lotta noise and BS that gets in the way of the game.  I could write a couple of paragraphs on that alone.  BUT, football itself is cool, once you strip away all the baggage it's a fun game to watch, and the skills involved are impressive.

I like football, baseball, tennis, and hockey though by no means a fanatic of any sport.  My favorite is probably college and high school hockey because they are fast and have less ego.  Can't get into soccer or basketball.....except occasionally some college hoops. 

I feel lucky to have been able to watch many great ones in their prime....Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, before that the Vikings purple people eaters in the 70s, Bobby Orr, many more.

Mostly I hate what sports have become.  The ridiculous sums of money, the obnoxious, drunken fans....the loudmouthed athletes.   I can remember going to pro games as a kid with my Dad.  Certainly there were some drunks at the games, but there were a lot more Dads there with their kids, watching and talking politely, cheering certainly but not so psycho as now.  It seems to be so much louder and exhibitionist and I loathe both of those things.  It's also barely affordable for working class people.  Tickets are so outrageous in price. 

So Jorge, while I don't share your dislike of the sport itself, I don't like at all what it has become.  I'd much rather watch amateur sports. 

I live in a very diverse neighborhood with a many Mexican immigrants.  They have formed baseball leagues and I can go watch them play at the park.  They are so respectful of the neighborhood, tons of kids having a great time, and the guys really enthusiastic about competing.  That's sports to me.  Same with the HS hockey. 

Finnforest wrote: I like football, baseball, tennis, and hockey though by no means a fanatic of any sport.  My favorite is probably college and high school hockey because they are fast and have less ego.  Can't get into soccer or basketball.....except occasionally some college hoops.   I feel lucky to have been able to watch many great ones in their prime....Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, before that the Vikings purple people eaters in the 70s, Bobby Orr, many more. Mostly I hate what sports have become.  The ridiculous sums of money, the obnoxious, drunken fans....the loudmouthed athletes.   I can remember going to pro games as a kid with my Dad.  Certainly there were some drunks at the games, but there were a lot more Dads there with their kids, watching and talking politely, cheering certainly but not so psycho as now.  It seems to be so much louder and exhibitionist and I loathe both of those things.  It's also barely affordable for working class people.  Tickets are so outrageous in price.   So Jorge, while I don't share your dislike of the sport itself, I don't like at all what it has become.  I'd much rather watch amateur sports.   I live in a very diverse neighborhood with a many Mexican immigrants.  They have formed baseball leagues and I can go watch them play at the park.  They are so respectful of the neighborhood, tons of kids having a great time, and the guys really enthusiastic about competing.  That's sports to me.  Same with the HS hockey.

Edited by zachfive - August 18 2014 at 20:08

Catcher10 wrote: I sure don't like what money and TV has done to sports over the past 20 yrs. The huge salaries are insane, but hey its "us" the fans that are helping pay for it by going to games and watching on TV. TV contracts give the big teams huge budgets. I have not been to a NFL game in years because I have no interest in paying $100+ for a seat....At least MLB is affordable to go to a game. I like college sports too, from the athlete appreciation view. College baseball and college lacrosse are at the top of my list for following, next probably college football. Both college baseball and lacrosse to me are the best for hand eye coordination and lacrosse probably the fastest sport on two feet. Probably the hardest thing in sports to do is hit a baseball, let alone a 95mph one. The business of sports is less than desirable.....Scott Boras has made a ton of money.

>mfw no emo music jokes.

Oh well.

I actually like the sport. It's f**king unbearable to watch on TV though because of all the dumb graphics, popups, stats, commentary and ads. It's really not a game anymore, it's just Dungeons and Dragons for jocks sponsored by Bud Light. What's the point?

Anyway, the XFL is where the real action was.


Edited by stonebeard - August 18 2014 at 21:48

stonebeard wrote: >mfw no emo music jokes. Oh well. I actually like the sport. It's f**king unbearable to watch on TV though because of all the dumb graphics, popups, stats, commentary and ads. It's really not a game anymore, it's just Dungeons and Dragons for jocks sponsored by Bud Light. What's the point? Anyway, the XFL is where the real action was.

^^ Where do you get those emoticons??   A few people seem to agree though 

MillsLayne wrote: And the strategy!  It's like a game of chess, with 11 players on either side of the ball and each one plays a vital role.

Ya...it's exactly like chess.

Yes.  Better if they didn't use their hands. Had a round ball. Maybe 11 a side?  No, perhaps one of each side could use his hands and they could block the goal.  Then get rid of all the ridiculous padding.  And all the stupid breaks.  then call it something like...

Catcher10 wrote: I sure don't like what money and TV has done to sports over the past 20 yrs. The huge salaries are insane, but hey its "us" the fans that are helping pay for it by going to games and watching on TV. TV contracts give the big teams huge budgets. I have not been to a NFL game in years because I have no interest in paying $100+ for a seat....At least MLB is affordable to go to a game. The business of sports is less than desirable.....Scott Boras has made a ton of money.