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
Parents
Former Member
Swimming is NOT the be all and end all of competitive sport. It would however be nice if its deserving athletes were recognized on occasion to perhaps popularize the sport a little better than it is now. To not give female college athlete of the year to Ms. Coughlin is like not giving golfer of the year to Tiger Woods. Well maybe not THAT bad but close. I really think it went to Sue Bird because the only women's college team ESPN knew the WHOLE nation would be familiar with was UConn BB.
I'm not even going to enter the sport vs. not a sport discussion other than to say every game/sport/exhibition/display we see on TV advertised as part of the "sporting world" contains individuals who are EXTREMELY talented at their respective game/sport/exhiition/display.
-RM
Swimming is NOT the be all and end all of competitive sport. It would however be nice if its deserving athletes were recognized on occasion to perhaps popularize the sport a little better than it is now. To not give female college athlete of the year to Ms. Coughlin is like not giving golfer of the year to Tiger Woods. Well maybe not THAT bad but close. I really think it went to Sue Bird because the only women's college team ESPN knew the WHOLE nation would be familiar with was UConn BB.
I'm not even going to enter the sport vs. not a sport discussion other than to say every game/sport/exhibition/display we see on TV advertised as part of the "sporting world" contains individuals who are EXTREMELY talented at their respective game/sport/exhiition/display.
-RM
