Enough Is Enough
By John Scognamiglio
Okay. I have come to a conclusion. There is a problem with ESPN and their showcase of sports. Now, I realize that I am a very big part of this problem.
Beginning in 2002/2003, depending on which one was watched, the World Series of Poker became a catalyst of making athletes and celebrities out of anyone. I admit that I thought I could play poker, and with a little tweaking, I hope to make my professional debut in the next five years.
But enough is enough. The new promos for the 2006 World Series of Poker are being showcased along with the World Series of Darts. Dear god...is there anything that isn't a sport these days.
Let me go into my memory banks and see if I can recall some of the events played on ESPN or ESPN2. Competitive eating, Scrabble, poker, darts, dominoes. Pretty soon, the sports staff of the Index, Tyler Madsen, Joe Barker and Conor Nicholl, may do battle with me possibly added to become the World Champion of sports-blogging.
Is there a reason why this is happening? Of course. Most of us hate it, but reality television does sell. These "sports" are the ultimate in reality television. They promote that anyone can be a part of it. Of course, we all wish for that one defining moment, where we are showcased to the world in being the best in something.
It's a wish that we all share, but few are destined to enjoy it. I will never hit a game-winning home run, make a game-saving catch or even attempt a game-winning dunk. But thanks to the miracle of ESPN, I might be able to catch that miracle card on the river, hit bullseye to send my opponent to the shower, score a triple-word score with the word Q-U-I-Z to win Scrabble, or catch a double one to win at dominoes.
Does any of that have a chance of happening? Well, odds are no, but anything is possible. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back training for the World Series of Sudoku.
Okay. I have come to a conclusion. There is a problem with ESPN and their showcase of sports. Now, I realize that I am a very big part of this problem.
Beginning in 2002/2003, depending on which one was watched, the World Series of Poker became a catalyst of making athletes and celebrities out of anyone. I admit that I thought I could play poker, and with a little tweaking, I hope to make my professional debut in the next five years.
But enough is enough. The new promos for the 2006 World Series of Poker are being showcased along with the World Series of Darts. Dear god...is there anything that isn't a sport these days.
Let me go into my memory banks and see if I can recall some of the events played on ESPN or ESPN2. Competitive eating, Scrabble, poker, darts, dominoes. Pretty soon, the sports staff of the Index, Tyler Madsen, Joe Barker and Conor Nicholl, may do battle with me possibly added to become the World Champion of sports-blogging.
Is there a reason why this is happening? Of course. Most of us hate it, but reality television does sell. These "sports" are the ultimate in reality television. They promote that anyone can be a part of it. Of course, we all wish for that one defining moment, where we are showcased to the world in being the best in something.
It's a wish that we all share, but few are destined to enjoy it. I will never hit a game-winning home run, make a game-saving catch or even attempt a game-winning dunk. But thanks to the miracle of ESPN, I might be able to catch that miracle card on the river, hit bullseye to send my opponent to the shower, score a triple-word score with the word Q-U-I-Z to win Scrabble, or catch a double one to win at dominoes.
Does any of that have a chance of happening? Well, odds are no, but anything is possible. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back training for the World Series of Sudoku.
posted by Anonymous at Tuesday, July 11, 2006
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