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
Beauty or boredom is definitely in the eye of the beholder.
Being from Charlotte, NC, I can say I know a lot more about car racing than someone from So Cal. What you find boring is hands down the fastest growing spectator sport in the nation, bar none. What you describe as boring has the most loyal fan base of any major sport, hence the corporate appeal. What you describe as boring grew from basically nothing into a multi million dollar industry doing nothing more than what you are advocating - namely by presenting a family oriented, homegrown appeal that all fans can relate to. NASCAR is from the school of hard knocks and made it's money the hard way.
Most, if not all, sports would kill to have the loyalty and positive image that NASCAR has. You think the NBA might like to improve their image?
Lastly, I am so glad you brag to your friends about all your meets. My co-workers know I am a swimmer and some has come along with me. It doesn't make you better or give you higher standards, it just means you like to self promote.
Swimming has nothing to do with higher standards any more than any other sports. It is a sport, that's it. Higher standards are derived from other areas, most notably religion.
Beauty or boredom is definitely in the eye of the beholder.
Being from Charlotte, NC, I can say I know a lot more about car racing than someone from So Cal. What you find boring is hands down the fastest growing spectator sport in the nation, bar none. What you describe as boring has the most loyal fan base of any major sport, hence the corporate appeal. What you describe as boring grew from basically nothing into a multi million dollar industry doing nothing more than what you are advocating - namely by presenting a family oriented, homegrown appeal that all fans can relate to. NASCAR is from the school of hard knocks and made it's money the hard way.
Most, if not all, sports would kill to have the loyalty and positive image that NASCAR has. You think the NBA might like to improve their image?
Lastly, I am so glad you brag to your friends about all your meets. My co-workers know I am a swimmer and some has come along with me. It doesn't make you better or give you higher standards, it just means you like to self promote.
Swimming has nothing to do with higher standards any more than any other sports. It is a sport, that's it. Higher standards are derived from other areas, most notably religion.
