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MyFitnessPal Community

a rant about sports fans

BTinLC

I understand that some people can get really into a game, but what really irks me is that some fans complain about actions that they couldn't possibly do better if they were in that scenario. Example: the blocked penalty kick. Everyone was screaming "How could you miss that?!?!" I dunno, maybe because the other team was good? Maybe because the players are freaking exhausted? Maybe because crap happens? But everyone that was yelling was severely out of shape and acted like if they were in the game that America would have dominated.

End rant.

Replies

JoshTheGiant

"Soccer is finally a major sport in America!!!"

No, it's not. It was just here at the right to time to fill a void.

Air Soccer games in America on Sundays and Mondays during the Fall.
Watch the disastrous plummet in ratings then. Why?
Because American Football is 1000000000x more popular then soccer in America, as it should be.
Soccer is like the movie on an airplane in America. It's there and slightly entertaining, so you watch it.
But you would have never watched that specific movie if you could choose.

My point? Soccer will never be a major sport in America.
Even if it won a World Cup, the ratings are insignificant compared to The World Series, Super Bowl, and NBA Championship.

*DISCLAIMER* I'm not hating on soccer. If it's your thing, good for you. Just because someone else doesn't have the same taste as you doesn't make them wrong. We all have preferences and that's what makes us individuals, no matter how unpopular those preferences are.

headofphat

If you buy a t shirt and "demand success from your team and refuse to give in to the others who have a loser mentality and accept mediocrity" but have no idea where to locate the commons or rec center, you're basically a tourist when you're on campus. Be nice and stay out of the way, and be aware that nobody needs your ideas on how to run the place

Still missing the logic. Now we have to have an intimate relationship with the campus? I have to know where the mess hall is to be a real fan? I'm guessing by your responses that you are a fan who donates to the school? Maybe you only buy your gear from the school bookstore (which you know where the bookstore is because you're a "real" fan)? So, being that you are a "real" fan what makes you think that anyone at the school or sports department care about your opinion? Do they survey you for your opinions on running a nickel or dime package on defense? Do they ask you if the women's basketball team should attempt to run a triangle offense? News flash to those of you who think you're "real" fans because you "invest" in the school, if you're not donating millions of dollars on an annual basis they don't care what you think.

In my opinion, you're either an alumnus, booster, a student, or a tourist. Neither is necessarily bad, but a lot of tourists get a little butthurt when they're put in their place.

Just my opinion

You have to love tough talk from someone on the internet. Kinda like a guy being critical of his favorite sports team(in your opinion of course).

Orion782

I definitely disagree. If you look at the growth of the sport over the past 20 years, and the fact that the MLS averages higher attendance than both the NBA and NHL in many years, and comparable to the MLB in many markets. Factor in that the MLS is still a virtual baby (19 years old) and the other leagues have a leg up on history - NFL (94), NHL (97) and MLB (145), NBA (68), and the success will come.

The USA will continue to be competitive on the World stage, and the popularity will continue to increase as more overseas stars come to play in the MLS, because it is NOT the "terrible" league that Eurosnobs make it out to be.

I'm not saying this happens in 5 years, or 10 years...but it's happening.

DBoone85

I definitely disagree. If you look at the growth of the sport over the past 20 years, and the fact that the MLS averages higher attendance than both the NBA and NHL in many years, and comparable to the MLB in many markets. Factor in that the MLS is still a virtual baby (19 years old) and the other leagues have a leg up on history - NFL (94), NHL (97) and MLB (145), NBA (68), and the success will come.

The USA will continue to be competitive on the World stage, and the popularity will continue to increase as more overseas stars come to play in the MLS, because it is NOT the "terrible" league that Eurosnobs make it out to be.

I'm not saying this happens in 5 years, or 10 years...but it's happening.

Its just soooooooooooooooooooooooo boring. And watching them flop all over the place and lie there on the ground holding some 'injured' part instead of getting up and playing on drives me crazy. Its more like watching theater to me than a sport. I tried to watch some of the game yesterday, and I wanted to poke some players' eyes out after about 10 minutes. After 15 minutes, I wanted to poke MY OWN eyes out.

BoatsnHose

I definitely disagree. If you look at the growth of the sport over the past 20 years, and the fact that the MLS averages higher attendance than both the NBA and NHL in many years, and comparable to the MLB in many markets. Factor in that the MLS is still a virtual baby (19 years old) and the other leagues have a leg up on history - NFL (94), NHL (97) and MLB (145), NBA (68), and the success will come.

The USA will continue to be competitive on the World stage, and the popularity will continue to increase as more overseas stars come to play in the MLS, because it is NOT the "terrible" league that Eurosnobs make it out to be.

I'm not saying this happens in 5 years, or 10 years...but it's happening.

Its just soooooooooooooooooooooooo boring. And watching them flop all over the place and lie there on the ground holding some 'injured' part instead of getting up and playing on drives me crazy. Its more like watching theater to me than a sport. I tried to watch some of the game yesterday, and I wanted to poke some players' eyes out after about 10 minutes. After 15 minutes, I wanted to poke MY OWN eyes out.

I agree. The flop that guy from the Netherlands took is behavior that should be discouraged, instead you get rewarded with a PK which is essentially a gift wrapped win.

elprincipito

Woooo goooo love the world cup games!

LoneWolf_70

I definitely disagree. If you look at the growth of the sport over the past 20 years, and the fact that the MLS averages higher attendance than both the NBA and NHL in many years, and comparable to the MLB in many markets. Factor in that the MLS is still a virtual baby (19 years old) and the other leagues have a leg up on history - NFL (94), NHL (97) and MLB (145), NBA (68), and the success will come.

The USA will continue to be competitive on the World stage, and the popularity will continue to increase as more overseas stars come to play in the MLS, because it is NOT the "terrible" league that Eurosnobs make it out to be.

I'm not saying this happens in 5 years, or 10 years...but it's happening.

uh look at the amount of games played. NBA is 82, NHL is 80 I think, MLB is 162. Has soccer grown in last 20 years in US? yes, however its right at its ceiling right now.

No_Finish_Line

soccer is a sport?

elprincipito

soccer is a sport?

Yea futbol (football) is, and actually requires to have great physical conditioning *GASP!

cwolfman13

I understand that some people can get really into a game, but what really irks me is that some fans complain about actions that they couldn't possibly do better if they were in that scenario. Example: the blocked penalty kick. Everyone was screaming "How could you miss that?!?!" I dunno, maybe because the other team was good? Maybe because the players are freaking exhausted? Maybe because crap happens? But everyone that was yelling was severely out of shape and acted like if they were in the game that America would have dominated.

End rant.

i love sports. I love a lot of sports. but when I ask something like "how could you miss that?" it's usually a rhetorical question. I know that crap happens. i know that's the way sports go. but it's usually in reference to something i have seen a player do many times, so to see something go unexpectedly prompts the rhetorical question.

I don't really expect an answer. and i don't think anyone else really does either.

Pretty much this...apparently OP isn't around sporting events too much.

No_Finish_Line

soccer is a sport?

Yea futbol (football) is, and actually requires to have great physical conditioning *GASP!

and sharp teeth

mblair1968

fan is short for fanatic. Fanatics expect perfection. It is irritating at times, but unfortunately I have been "that fan" a few times. Not proud of it, but have been there.

yo_andi

i am an eagles fan and recently re-watched our 2004 SUper Bowl loss that was on at a bar and the game was driving me nuts. Now i know it was 10 years ago and I cant change the past, but as a sports fan im 97% insane lol.

Sorry your team sucks.

Jacwhite22

Because American Football is 1000000000x more popular then soccer in America, as it should be.

*DISCLAIMER* I'm not hating on soccer.

Conflicting post is conflicting.

Jacwhite22

I definitely disagree. If you look at the growth of the sport over the past 20 years, and the fact that the MLS averages higher attendance than both the NBA and NHL in many years, and comparable to the MLB in many markets. Factor in that the MLS is still a virtual baby (19 years old) and the other leagues have a leg up on history - NFL (94), NHL (97) and MLB (145), NBA (68), and the success will come.

The USA will continue to be competitive on the World stage, and the popularity will continue to increase as more overseas stars come to play in the MLS, because it is NOT the "terrible" league that Eurosnobs make it out to be.

I'm not saying this happens in 5 years, or 10 years...but it's happening.

uh look at the amount of games played. NBA is 82, NHL is 80 I think, MLB is 162. Has soccer grown in last 20 years in US? yes, however its right at its ceiling right now.

At it's ceiling right now? Ha.

mblair1968

Soccer will be huge in another 5-10 years?

I have been told since at least 2nd grade (I am now 46) that soccer is growing by leaps and bounds in the U.S. If you enjoy watching soccer that is great. I just cannot seem to gain an appreciation for the sport. If I cared enough to sit down with someone and find out why, one knock down results in just getting the ball, and another results in a yellow card, & yet another lets the play continue, then I am sure I could enjoy a game. After watching the U.S. against Belgium, to me, it was like watching an NBA game, or a 5 round MMA fight. You could have made it a 20 minute game, and had everyone play hard for 20 minutes, instead of dragging it out for 120.

Swaggs51

GO Bills!

Fat2Fit2Fineee

I understand that some people can get really into a game, but what really irks me is that some fans complain about actions that they couldn't possibly do better if they were in that scenario. Example: the blocked penalty kick. Everyone was screaming "How could you miss that?!?!" I dunno, maybe because the other team was good? Maybe because the players are freaking exhausted? Maybe because crap happens? But everyone that was yelling was severely out of shape and acted like if they were in the game that America would have dominated.

End rant.

it's a knee jerk reactive comment. Like when someone cuts you off driving and you yell "jerk" or "idiot" or flip them off. It's just how you feel at that second... guessing you're not a sports fan?

LoneWolf_70

I definitely disagree. If you look at the growth of the sport over the past 20 years, and the fact that the MLS averages higher attendance than both the NBA and NHL in many years, and comparable to the MLB in many markets. Factor in that the MLS is still a virtual baby (19 years old) and the other leagues have a leg up on history - NFL (94), NHL (97) and MLB (145), NBA (68), and the success will come.

The USA will continue to be competitive on the World stage, and the popularity will continue to increase as more overseas stars come to play in the MLS, because it is NOT the "terrible" league that Eurosnobs make it out to be.

I'm not saying this happens in 5 years, or 10 years...but it's happening.

uh look at the amount of games played. NBA is 82, NHL is 80 I think, MLB is 162. Has soccer grown in last 20 years in US? yes, however its right at its ceiling right now.

At it's ceiling right now? Ha.

oh hey Jac, good to see you.

Yes IMO, its basically at its ceiling in the US. On the high end you have Seattle, Portland that draw big, passionate crowds, but I think that is the exception, rather than the rule.

ItsCasey

I definitely disagree. If you look at the growth of the sport over the past 20 years, and the fact that the MLS averages higher attendance than both the NBA and NHL in many years, and comparable to the MLB in many markets. Factor in that the MLS is still a virtual baby (19 years old) and the other leagues have a leg up on history - NFL (94), NHL (97) and MLB (145), NBA (68), and the success will come.

The USA will continue to be competitive on the World stage, and the popularity will continue to increase as more overseas stars come to play in the MLS, because it is NOT the "terrible" league that Eurosnobs make it out to be.

I'm not saying this happens in 5 years, or 10 years...but it's happening.

uh look at the amount of games played. NBA is 82, NHL is 80 I think, MLB is 162. Has soccer grown in last 20 years in US? yes, however its right at its ceiling right now.

The changing demographics in America suggest otherwise.

JoshTheGiant

I played NCAA D1 Baseball for 3 years as a pitcher. As a part of our, "freshman student-athlete" responsibilities, we had to volunteer at soccer games on the sidelines and retrieve lost balls for the referees. We had a large and prestigious soccer program. Players came from all around the world to play at my school. The games were packed with students, faculty, and locals in the stadium. I was excited to see what all the hype was about.

I had played four years of HS varsity sports (Baseball, Football, and Basketball). The last soccer game I had watched before this was my eight year old cousins games three years prior. They ignored the ball but picked grass off the field like champions and always knew which moms to score the best snacks from. It always ended in a tie; because in the politically correct world of, "competitive," soccer, there is still a chance that there is a tie. Nobody is a loser. Now let's all get ice cream from Mrs. Hancock and pat each other on the back with our participation trophies. It's the effort that counts the most in sports, not who wins or loses. Go ask a football player in January if he cares about the Super Bowl. He doesn't as long as he tried his best. He probably would say they should stop keeping score too, right? The real world has "ties," all the time and life is all butterflies and rainbows. That's why I respect sports that are able to end in ties.

So I stood on the sideline with a front row view. What I saw was a bunch of young adult men falling all over the place, whining, and purposely making slight contact to try to draw a penalty. It was forever minutes of shameless flopping and begging referees for fouls. I was embarrassed for the players, because every time they fell and a foul wasn't called, which was often, they would get up and do it again. If another player breathed on them they would fall to the ground crying for a penalty. The score? 1-0. After that game I requested towel duty for the swim team instead for the last few hours I had. It was literally painful to watch the nonsense and crying on the field. They seemed like the brattiest, spoiled, and most immature sensitive "men" I had ever witnessed. I really was surprised that people enjoyed the sport so much.

So soccer isn't my thing. To you die hard soccer fans, save your energy when it comes to trying to force soccer down our throats. Enjoy your sport and accept that it's not as big as others in the USA. Forget useless Google facts. Just go into your local bar and see who can name more than two players on a soccer team. Then ask about players on baseball, football, and basketball and I'd bet my house you get a better reaction.

You're not going to convince me that soccer is an awesome sport. Don't cry about it. This is just the way the world works. I don't make claims that because I love baseball so much that people in Europe must love it as well. Everyone is entitled to opinions. And popular opinion in the USA says soccer is not getting huge here any time soon. Unless it's the world cup and the USA is competing. Then it's big for like a month and it's gone again.

DevSanchez

I work in a sports driven atmosphere, and have grown up around sports my entire life, both playing and watching on the sidelines. The word fan actually derives from a latin word fanaticus. Meaning "insanely but divinely inspired." People develop emotional attachments to teams, players, and the sport in its entirety. There is even argument that "fanatic" behavior stems from primitive times, when warriors and tribes would wage a war for "our people". There is a deeper rooted psychological aspect to it all. Fans have numerous reasons they act this way. Disinhabition, Socialization, Sense of community and unity, not to mention super fans consider themselves integral parts of these teams-this is actually called deindividuation. Fans lose a sense of self awareness and consider themselves solely as part of their team. Let them root and ***** for whoever they want! It's a beautiful thing to be passionate about something you love!

JoshTheGiant

I work in a sports driven atmosphere, and have grown up around sports my entire life, both playing and watching on the sidelines. The word fan actually derives from a Latin word fanaticus. Meaning "insanely but divinely inspired." People develop emotional attachments to teams, players, and the sport in its entirety. There is even argument that "fanatic" behavior stems from primitive times, when warriors and tribes would wage a war for "our people". There is a deeper rooted psychological aspect to it all. Fans have numerous reasons they act this way. Disinhabition, Socialization, Sense of community and unity, not to mention super fans consider themselves integral parts of these teams-this is actually called deindividuation. Fans lose a sense of self awareness and consider themselves solely as part of their team. Let them root and ***** for whoever they want! It's a beautiful thing to be passionate about something you love!

+1

Excellently put, Dev.

Orion782

You're not going to convince me that soccer is an awesome sport. Don't cry about it. This is just the way the world works. I don't make claims that because I love baseball so much that people in Europe must love it as well. Everyone is entitled to opinions. And popular opinion in the USA says soccer is not getting huge here any time soon. Unless it's the world cup and the USA is competing. Then it's big for like a month and it's gone again.

Man, my response got REALLY misinterpreted, didn't it?

I'm not crying about anything. I'm stating my opinion that soccer is continuing to grow, because it is. It's not "at its ceiling" because the MLS continues to expand, more Americans are playing abroad, and our national team is competing consistently at the highest levels. The World Cup isn't just an event that happens in the group/knockout stage, but a marathon of qualifying that takes the better part of 3 years to come to fruition.

I'm not saying everyone will love it, or it will displace football...I am saying that it isn't at its peak as you claim. All statistical and demographical evidence supports this. As the older generations of football, baseball, and basketball loving Americans age and die off, soccer will continue to grow. You don't have to get combative about it. I'm not using hyperbole to get my point across.

Tiernan1212

So now we have to search out and buy products of your team that are made in America?

Nope, not saying they have to be made in America. I am just saying that if you are a fan, you should seek out ways to financially support the school or team that you love. Buy your gear from the team website, or the school bookstore. Go to the games if you can....buy the beer and concessions, get season tickets, subscribe to the network that carries your team's games...whatever you can do to support the school.

Fans who do not support their teams in some manner still have the right to scream and holler.....they just should not expect to be taken seriously by anyone in the organization who has a say-so.

I really don't think Joe Somebody yelling at the players or at his tv really cares if anyone in the organization takes him seriously. He's still a fan and gets excited when his team wins and disappointed when they lose (unless you're a Cleveland fan then you expect to lose). So what if he bought his team gear at Wal-Mart or wherever, he still wears it with pride and has every right to be critical of the team that he not only financially invested in (although very little) but also emotionally invested in. That's what being a FANatic is all about.

:laugh: Guilty as charged!

DevSanchez

(unless you're a Cleveland fan then you expect to lose).

I resent this. We don't ever EXPECT to lose BTW. We hope and pray we will win and are true passionate fans who are optimistic....and usually end up getting let down anyways :laugh:

roanokejoe49

riveting tale

Yeah, yeah. Nice rack, *kitten*.

Tiernan1212

(unless you're a Cleveland fan then you expect to lose).

I resent this. We don't ever EXPECT to lose BTW. We hope and pray we will win and are true passionate fans who are optimistic....and usually end up getting let down anyways :laugh:

I kind of expect to lose most times, it makes it that much more awesome when we do pull out a win! :laugh:

DevSanchez

(unless you're a Cleveland fan then you expect to lose).

I resent this. We don't ever EXPECT to lose BTW. We hope and pray we will win and are true passionate fans who are optimistic....and usually end up getting let down anyways :laugh:

I kind of expect to lose most times, it makes it that much more awesome when we do pull out a win! :laugh:

true. One thing they can never take from us is that we are the most loyal. We appreciate those wins much more than the average fan lol

bd0027

i am an eagles fan and recently re-watched our 2004 SUper Bowl loss that was on at a bar and the game was driving me nuts. Now i know it was 10 years ago and I cant change the past, but as a sports fan im 97% insane lol.

Made the mistake of going to a bar when u of l and u of k played each other...I live in Kentucky.

OP, are you a louisville or UK fan?