The ratings don’t lie to the grand jury deliberating the fate of sanity and reason.
The ardent intermixing of sports and a one-sided political agenda disbands a fanbase faster than a local pub roller derby team of 40- something regulars clad in second skin body suits or yoga pants, the rolls of excess belly fat oscillating provocatively under the NASA engineered microfiber with every beer lap round the rink. While the NFL still enjoys the gift that keeps on giving from the Kapaernick factor and the blatant anti-firearm and law enforcement sentiment which permeates from the locker room along with a smoky cloud of hypocrisy laden with some wicked North Vancouver mind numbing bud, the politicization of professional football, has left a damaging mark on the future of the game. As major league baseball has officially launched the fanfare and steady intrigue of another regular season, will “America’s game”, be able to withstand six calendar months of grueling and consistent action, without an off field incident crossing into the realm of politics marring and otherwise storybook season?
The chances of societal debate crossing over the third base line and penetrating the very core of the diamond, are unfortunately enhanced by the incorrigible precedent established by Colin and company, and the willingness of the sports broadcast universe of ESPN, to capitulate to the demands of the extreme fringe, in pivoting programming content towards celebrating political correctness and creating a narrative of victimhood with an underlying tone screaming “white privilege”. The ratings in Bristol have taken a Chinese satellite’s out of control descent into the atmosphere style nose dive, and complete with flaming wreckage. The other huge factor in driving a possible collision with controversy is the reality that African Americans only represent 8% of the total players, a number that is curiously miniscule compared to NFL and National Basketball Association rosters. As Jackie Robinson is synonymous with the celebration of diversity within the game and resounding throughout the 30 MLB stadiums, the ammunition is there for a reporter or activist to attempt and spin the low percentage in a rant about social injustices. Relax people, just sit back, grab a pop and enjoy the game that bridges the gap between Spring and Football, and leave the politics at the front door. (I refuse to put Elizabeth Warren or Mitch McConnell on my fantasy team! Alright, maybe Tomi Lahren… Are we still talking baseball?)
Opening Day of the 2018 season has gotten off to a fantastic start, as Chicago White Sox DH Matt Davidson belted three home runs, and two games were decided in walk-off fashion. And, gasp, everyone stands for the National Anthem.