Politics and sports talk, they bring out the worst in some people. Today I would like to address the latter. (The former is coming soon, don't worry.)
Now if you watched the Big Game the last night then you probably think you know where I am going with this. But, you might also be wrong. Here's the thing. Negativity, bitterness, and immaturity doesn't look good on anybody and I think that sports fans need to look at themselves and find some class before bashing those in the spotlight.
I'll start with Cam Newton's Post Game Interview. I don't love Cam nor do I dislike him but I personally found his demeanor immature, not classless. He hid beneath a hoodie, he sulked like an 8 year old, and he gave responses that I found rude. Sport Center reported that he was asked 16 questions, gave 6 one word answers, and didn't answer 3 questions. In his defense, I think that the media is ridiculous asking questions like, "How does it feel to lose the Super Bowl?" and "Do you feel like you let your teammates down?" Seriously?! I mean, why do they even interview the losing team right after the game? They haven't even had enough time to digest it. Just let them lose in peace and talk with them at a later time when they are in a better state of mind. I digress. The reality is that both quarterbacks are interviewed after a game and that is something that I think he should have been better prepped for, win or lose. I think some of what happened was due to inexperience and some seemed childish. He is in a leadership role and he could have been a bit more encouraging to his team and fans while on that platform. Others are upset about how this looked to children who looked up to him. I agree it was not the best moment for a role model but have you ever unintentionally let someone down? Guess what people. Cam Newton is human! Say what?! He did not have a response and demeanor that I believe a professional should have but do you always respond the way you should to things? Do you ever look back and know that you could have handled a situation better? I don't know if he feels that way but he might. This man has done a lot of positive things for his community and has impacted many lives and it would be a shame to see it all tainted because of a response (or lack there of) stirred by emotions. He is a good athlete and an imperfect person. Show the guy a little grace.
Next, I want to talk about Peyton Manning. This guy is a great athlete. Sure he isn't perfect either because we all had to be reminded of that time in 2010 when he had a negative post game reaction. That wasn't ok either but, he is human too! Why take this joyous occasion away from him by bringing up that past event. He did it, it was wrong, let's move on (same goes for Cam.) Why take away from the positive by throwing in a negative story. I've learned over the years that people just love to hate. They hate teams, they hate players, they hate refs. Peyton and his crew have ruined many games for me, being a Patriots fan, but I don't hate the guy. I've seen multiple Patriots fans who can't even be happy for the guy. Why? Because he is good athlete? People have been quick to point out that it wasn't Peyton who won, it was the Broncos defense. Well, last time I checked they are all on the same team. Therefore, they all won. The defense had a greater effect on the game but each and every teammate walked out of there a Super Bowl Champ. Stop being so bitter and give credit where it is due. Others were quick to point out that Brady still has more rings. Well he doesn't have a Super Bowl 50 ring does he? Shoot, he didn't even play in that one did he? This is why Pats fans have such a bad reputation. I am personally happy to see him go out this way. I know he hasn't officially announced retirement but I don't know why he wouldn't at this point in his career. I'm still a Patriots fan all the way but I won't let that prevent me from celebrating another great quarterback who has found success.
Thirdly, let's talk about booing Tom Brady during the ceremony of past Super Bowl MVPs. Grow up people. What has he ever personally done to you? Has he beat your wife or killed your dog? He may not always have the best attitude either but he is a phenomenal athlete. You can't argue that. Many people hate him and the Patriots but few have good reason. I can appreciate bantering among sports fans and friends. It can even be fun at times. Most, however, take it to the extreme and it can get ugly quick. Just today I was talking to someone about the game and he quickly stated that he doesn't like football. I went on to say that I was a Patriots fan and he replied with, "Well, I like football enough to hate the Patriots." Come on dude. People try to get a rise out of me all the time by bashing the Patriots but it doesn't usually work. I am a Pats fan. I cheer for them and hope they win but sometimes they make mistakes or get outplayed and they lose. Oh well. My life goes on.
Football is supposed to be an outlet. It is entertainment. But it is surrounded by anger and negativity. We wonder why some youth sports are out of control. You can't always blame the players and the coaches. They spend more time around the people who talk about these things than they do the game itself. We should be the role models and MVPs in their lives and teach them to be good sports. Let us all take the higher road and just get back to enjoying the sport.
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