Are They Even Issues?

A major newspaper in San Diego, presents contrasting opinions on a “major” issue every week.  Major issues have included who is the better team, who is the better coach, should the coach be fired, how long or short should women tennis players’ skirts be, and other similar issues.  Just recently, they had one on who is worse for college basketball?  Bobby Knight or Bob Huggins? And who would you rather play with, Tiger Woods or John Daly?   In each of the opposing views, examples and opinions are enumerated.  They may make for interesting reading but are they really issues?

To argue that one person or one team is better or worse than another or to give your opinion as to why a certain player is better is merely b.s.  The reason for this is that when there’s a discussion on any topic based on opinion, it invariably must be b.s.  The only time an issue is not b.s. is when it is presented with backed up data (facts), preferably based on science or the best that we have from the practical world.  Issues as mentioned above when “debated” with opinion are best suited for the bar room, as they are great for arguments since they will never be resolved. 

Of course, everyone has a right to their opinion and a right to have it voiced.  But when opinions dominate the sports page rather than factual information, a false impression of what is truly taking place in the sports world is presented and usually serves as a cover up. 

It appears that I may be a lone voice with this opinion since readers appear to be more interested in the entertainment aspect and arguing an opinion than they are of knowing and understanding the major issues confronting players and player development.  The majority of fans have poor concepts of what it takes to be able to play on the collegiate or professional levels that they watch and try to live vicariously through the players. 

I have no problem with this, but there should be some balance between opinion, entertainment and player development and performance.  We need more sports writers, commentators, coaches and athletes who understand what is involved in the making of an athlete.  They should have a good idea of what is involved in the technique of skill execution as, for example, what is involved in pitching or throwing the football, how one swings a bat most effectively, or what it takes to run well.  Once there is some understanding of what is involved in these skills, there can be a much better appreciation for what the athlete does and a greater appreciation for the sport.

For example, I have yet to participate in a sport that I did not like.  But yet, when you ask most people they will tell you that they like such-and-such a sport but do not like another sport.  If you then question them to examine their likes and dislikes, you will find that all of the sports that they do not like are those in which they are not skilled.  I have never met an athlete who could honestly say that he did not enjoy a particular sport—if he or she was a good player in that sport.  He or she may prefer playing another sport, but they would not dislike the sport.

Thus, newspapers and sports magazines can do a major service to the fans and sports readers by bringing in some of the scientific and factual information to better understand what is involved in a sport.  It should not merely be opinion on issues that are immaterial since they are most often not resolved, and even if they were resolved, it would not change how sports are being conducted.  For example, whether women tennis players wear shorter or longer skirts will not change how the game is played.  They will still be playing the game and executing the skills as well, regardless of the skirts that they wear (unless it limits their movements).  Sports writers and commentators do a great job on peripheral aspects of sports; it is now time to do likewise on core issues.