Football Calamity And The Importance Of Sporting Loyalty
So, I'm a lifelong Cincinnati Bengals and (since 1982 when I moved to Louisville) Cardinals fan.
Last year, of course, proved exciting. Both the Bengals and Cards showed signs of greatness. The Bengals made the playoffs, and the Cards won the Orange Bowl.
Expectations in 2007 were even greater. But it was not to be, and this weekend proved so. The Cardinals suffered their greatest school loss in 20 years. That doesn't say much for the new coach, his staff or the team itself. Debate fault all you want, this much is fact; this club has absolutely imploded. We went from being a national championship contender to failing to even qualify for a bowl game in a single season. Ouch.
Then there's the Bengals, for whom the season's proven disastrous. Yesterday, despite having a chance to tie the game with two minutes to play (and the ball), almost everyone at Paul Brown Stadium was headed for the exits.
Why?
They'd seen enough. Or so they say.
That's too bad. Because, where I come from, sports affinity isn't built around won-loss records. Who you pull for, who you like and who makes or breaks your heart is all based on who's your team, and that should never, ever change. If it does, you're among the weakest of the sporting world's inhabitants; you're a bandwagon jumper.
And that's a problem.
Why?
Because, as folks adjust affinity's to match the latest trendy team, equally wishy-washy television networks jump with them. Instead of being able to watch the Bengals, the team I've stayed true to through good times and bad, I'm forced to watch the Indianapolis Colts (relegating the Bengals game to the radio waves here in Louisville).
That's not right. Louisville is only 90 miles from Cincinnati. Indianapolis is 120 miles away.
Regardless of how well (or poorly) my teams play, at least I remain loyal. To me, that's the greatest measure of one's character (not one's ability to enjoy good times with one team this year, another team next year and so on -- anyone can do that).
Last year, of course, proved exciting. Both the Bengals and Cards showed signs of greatness. The Bengals made the playoffs, and the Cards won the Orange Bowl.
Expectations in 2007 were even greater. But it was not to be, and this weekend proved so. The Cardinals suffered their greatest school loss in 20 years. That doesn't say much for the new coach, his staff or the team itself. Debate fault all you want, this much is fact; this club has absolutely imploded. We went from being a national championship contender to failing to even qualify for a bowl game in a single season. Ouch.
Then there's the Bengals, for whom the season's proven disastrous. Yesterday, despite having a chance to tie the game with two minutes to play (and the ball), almost everyone at Paul Brown Stadium was headed for the exits.
Why?
They'd seen enough. Or so they say.
That's too bad. Because, where I come from, sports affinity isn't built around won-loss records. Who you pull for, who you like and who makes or breaks your heart is all based on who's your team, and that should never, ever change. If it does, you're among the weakest of the sporting world's inhabitants; you're a bandwagon jumper.
And that's a problem.
Why?
Because, as folks adjust affinity's to match the latest trendy team, equally wishy-washy television networks jump with them. Instead of being able to watch the Bengals, the team I've stayed true to through good times and bad, I'm forced to watch the Indianapolis Colts (relegating the Bengals game to the radio waves here in Louisville).
That's not right. Louisville is only 90 miles from Cincinnati. Indianapolis is 120 miles away.
Regardless of how well (or poorly) my teams play, at least I remain loyal. To me, that's the greatest measure of one's character (not one's ability to enjoy good times with one team this year, another team next year and so on -- anyone can do that).
Update: And it just gets worse. The Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team, a supposedly sole bright spot this winter with their number six ranking, just lost a key player. Center David Padgett is apparently lost for the season with a knee injury. When will this sporting nightmare end?
Labels: football cincinnati bengals louisville cardinals loyalty or lack thereof
posted by Erik Eckel at 9:31 AM
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