The award for the most ridiculous, self-absorbed, overzealous all sports entertainment network in the world goes to...
ESPN, for the 10th year running.
They have once again proven that outside the 4 major sports, Tiger Woods, and the Williams sisters, you're really not much of an athlete. Unless you count token consideration of Cael Sanderson and -ahem- Sarah Hughes (don't even get me started on figure skating).
No offense to college athlete of the year Sue Bird (UConn BB) but a certain swimmer from Cal who set at least 6 AR and 1 WR over the short course season would have had my vote.
Anyone else? Natalie Coughlin, female college athlete of the year as awarded by the USMS discussion crew?
-RM
I realize the ESPYs are really, really bad but let's face it, they cover the sports that most Americans watch. We, as dedicated swimmers, think swimming should win every ESPY, but it won't now or ever. Just gain satisfaction in something you enjoy and let ABC and ESPN do their thing, which they generally do quite well when it comes to sports, especially baseball and college football.
Now, about this comment about golf and baseball barely being sports. Why don't you try to hit a tiny white ball into a tiny white hole from 500 yards away in 4 strokes. Or, try hitting another tiny ball going 93 mph being thrown at you from a raised mound with a little wooden stick. I love swimming as much as the next guy on this discussion forum but please don't knock all sports and those who participate in them. That just gives swimmers a bad name.
I realize the ESPYs are really, really bad but let's face it, they cover the sports that most Americans watch. We, as dedicated swimmers, think swimming should win every ESPY, but it won't now or ever. Just gain satisfaction in something you enjoy and let ABC and ESPN do their thing, which they generally do quite well when it comes to sports, especially baseball and college football.
Now, about this comment about golf and baseball barely being sports. Why don't you try to hit a tiny white ball into a tiny white hole from 500 yards away in 4 strokes. Or, try hitting another tiny ball going 93 mph being thrown at you from a raised mound with a little wooden stick. I love swimming as much as the next guy on this discussion forum but please don't knock all sports and those who participate in them. That just gives swimmers a bad name.
