I used to think it was a male thing. We were just genetically predisposed to watch any sport, any time, anywhere, no matter how inappropriate it was to do so. However, my theological mind wonders why God would programme us that way. Maybe not the deepest theological thought I have had but there it is.
During my Amercian sojourn I found so many women just as obsessed as I am (some even more). Come to think of it, look at all the women at the Aussie Rules games. It's not just an American thing.
So why do I like sports so much? Here are my thoughts on the matter (read justifying my sport's addiction).
Sports are a live unfolding struggle with no ending scripted or predetermined. Barring any mafia shenanigans (always wanted to use that word) this is the truth of sport. Yes, there are plans and plays but all that is constantly changing according to the flow of the game. No game is ever the same as any other. The drama is there with every play. Who will prevail? Who will fold? When that drama is gone, like in a blowout, even the sports obsessed turn over to the chick flick their wife wants to watch.
Sports are a highly skilled art form. Now, not all sports are. That's why I can't watch UFC. I have tried and I just can't. But when you see LeBron dunk or Jarryd Hayne run around a defense, it is a work of art and grace. Skill, beauty, and elegance. An outfielder taking a running catch on the warning track is pure art in motion. Most sports participants are athletes looking like the perfect human physical form. There are exceptions of course like Sumo, Shot Putting and some golf players (check out Craig Parry).
Sports, especially when you are in the crowd, are an event. Majestic stadiums, unique food, great entertainment, giant screen, loud music. I must admit that even though I played field hockey for many years in my youth I have never wanted to go to game in my mature years (read old age). During the Sydney 2000 Olympics (I was in hog heaven) I scored some free tickets to a field hockey game. Turned into one of my favourite sports experiences. It was an event and it felt so good to be there.
I hate reality TV (well most of it). It is not real. It is scripted. It is just WWF (which I also dislike) with more boring players. However sports are the ultimate reality TV. No script. No pretend drama. If Mick Malthouse is spitting invectives at a player on the opposing team, believe me, he is not pretending. This is real. Warts and all.
There it is. I am not just some mindless slob sitting on my recliner, with a diet coke in one hand and a packet of chips in the other. I am a deeply committed aficionado of competition, drama, beauty and truth.
Finally, some athletes prove there is a God, a divine force who designed this universe. How else do you explain the talent and perfection of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Wally Lewis (in his hey day), Chris Evert, Roger Federer? You think all that happened by a concoction of minerals, water, dirt, electricity and lots of time? Yeah right! Such extraordinary design demands that there is a designer bringing about all that beauty and talent.
Hey, NBA playoffs begin Monday (Aussie time). All right!! Go Lakers.
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