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Why I Don’t Watch Sports

Written by twistedxtian

Topics: Random

Germany’s loss in the semi-final round of the World Cup today reminded me why I don’t watch sports: I hate getting emotionally invested in something I have no control over. Now I know some people that honestly believe that by watching and cheering, some psychic energy is sent to the team, but I’m not one of those.

See I’m not a huge sports fan, never really have been. I’ve always called myself a Montreal Canadiens fan, but that is because I was a Patrick Roy fan. When he left and went to Colorado, I remained a Montreal fan. I’m not big on switching up my allegiances (which is funny given my complete lack of patriotism), so I’ve been a Montreal fan since grade 4, and always will be. In high school I was introduced to soccer on the international stage during the 1998 World cup. The introducing friend was born in Germany, and thus a fan of his home country. As I have a mixed heritage including German, along with a German/Mennonite last name, I jumped on the Germany band wagon, where I have been ever since.

Now though I say I am a fan of these teams, it isn’t like I watch them play. It is socially expected that one has a favourite sport team, and these are mine. So in conversation, when asked, I can provide an answer, even if I know absolutely fuck-all about them.

But this World Cup? This World Cup I allowed myself to become emotionally invested. I watched all of their games, and cheered for them the whole way. I was elated when they creamed the Aussies in their opening game, and crushed when they lost to the Serbs, but my spirits were buoyed when they beat Ghana. I was watching when they cleaned up against Argentina, and yes, I was watching when they were outplayed by Spain. And yes, following that game I was sad.

Sad? Really? Why was I sad? Because I was emotionally invested in something I had no control over. It is the same reason that I hate emotional conflict in movies. I get sucked in, I get invested, and my heart doesn’t like it when something sad happens. (Yes, I handed in my mancard a long time ago for crying during chick flicks. I mean, I cried at the end of The Little Mermaid when Ariel and the Prince float off into the sunset back in grade 4.)

This is why I don’t get invested in sports, or most things that I have no control over. It just isn’t worth the emotional stress.

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Posted on 8 July 2010

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  • http://www.dadisinthehouse.com Dad is in the House

    Amen bro. You hit the nail on the head. I am sports challenged and so I'm not even qualified to be a good sports fan. But I went to the baseball game the other night and was really awed by the ability the sports industry has to make everyone care about–and therefore spend their hard-earned money on–sporting events. If someone says it's fun and a good time, hey that's awesome. But seriously, folks who deep-down CARE about it? Like in their soul? That's curious to me.

  • http://LifeofaNewDad otter321

    I love sports. I follow my teams passionately. The passion has lessoned since I have gotten older because now I have a lot more responsibilities. I have a wife and kid. I still love going to games and watching them. I will still celebrate like crazy for a big win and get really upset over a big loss. But those people that are following sports 24/7 just don't have a life. Otherwise they wouldn't have time.

  • SkippyMom

    Pooldad is exactly like this with the Dallas Cowboys – passionate and then sad [and a bit cranky] – so I do understand. Poor Mrs. Bean. hee.

  • http://jugglingeric.blogspot.com Eric D. Bolton

    I don't watch sports because there's no way I can commit to a few hours of spectacles with all the kids and other things that aren't getting done..

  • http://twistedchristian.ca/dadblog twistedxtian

    There is also that. I tried to introduce Bean to the Beautiful Game, and he just sat there playing with his feet. :)

  • http://twistedchristian.ca/dadblog twistedxtian

    And now she makes fun of me because I don't care about the finals game tomorrow b/c Germany isn't playing.

  • http://twistedchristian.ca/dadblog twistedxtian

    I spent a summer in college painting houses, and everyday we listened to 3 hours of Jim Rome. By the end of the summer I could hold my own in any sports conversation, but otherwise I have no clue, though it seems to be expected that since I am a man I should.

    I'm totally with you in your awe of the sports industry's ability to make people care. It is pretty amazing.

  • http://twistedchristian.ca/dadblog twistedxtian

    Sports need people like you. :) I just can't do it. It's just too much for me. Once every four years is about enough for me. lol