In over 20-years as a sportscaster, I've dealt with fans of all sorts in addition to the teams and athletes they admire. So, during this time of year when baseball, football, hockey and basketball all merge, I thought I'd give a few thoughts on these sports fanatics who support their teams. While watching a game a few weeks ago, my middle daughter Kara asked me why I follow sports. Afterall, she said, half the fans always go away unhappy !!!! Good observation, which led me to think about why fans do what they do.

First of all, why are some fans so miserable watching their teams. Stressed out, on the verge of passing out, sometimes, they have to turn away and not even watch. So what enjoyment are you supposed to get out of it ???? Nearly suicidal if your team loses !!!!
I have a hard time with fans like this. Afterall, YOU'RE not playing, they are. Just enjoy the game for what it's meant to be..entertainment.

I don't like fans who refer to their teams as "WE". There are some exceptions to this, espcially in high school and college if you are or you've attended the school. you get some room on that one. But "WE" if you are referring to the Steelers or Browns is just not sane. These are professional athletes, they usually have no ties to your city other than they were drafted by that franchise and would leave in an instant for more money. Don't get me wrong, having blind loyalty to a team is great, but once again, YOU'RE not playing, they are. You don't go to practice, go to meetings, get beat up on Sunday afternoon, hear the coach yell at you, get cut, get waived, etc. etc. You are not part of the team. So no more "WE" Cheer, yell, paint your face, paint your car but don't act like you're part of the team. You are not.

Finally, one other observation about fans and their world. Pro athletes don't have much of an obilgation to the fans. Pro athletes have an obligation first to the team that pays them and secondly to their teammates, then maybe the fans a distant third. They know fans who chant their name one week will boo them the next week. And if they refer to fans, they are usually talking about the ones who actually paid to see them play at the stadium and not the guy watching TV Sunday afternoon who's never spent a nickel of his money supporting the team. Yes, to pro athletes, supporting your team involves spending money, not cheering. It is a business and they know it but some fans don't. While we're on the subject, I've never seen anything in the Bible or Constitution that says a fan HAS A RIGHT to see their game for free in the comfort of their living room. As if being a fan entitles you to see the game on TV for free. Doesn't work that way !!!

So, in conclusion, enjoy the games, enjoy the athletes but take it in stride. Yes, you can be proud when you're team wins, sad if they lose but just remember, they got paid, you didn't.
As always, I'd like to hear from you and your thoughts, just e-mail me when you can.