What Exactly is the Appeal of Professional Sports?

[Burningsok]

Because people are different and like different things. I don't see why so many people here have such a hard time accepting this fact. Get over yourselves, anyone could question the things you like and make them seen stupid as well.

For one thing, all the players are just steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play, and I personally see it as an industry fueled by hero worship.

that's a really ignorant thing to say. Now I can understand why people don't like sports at all, but not liking sports because they are "steroid-induced bratty millionaires" is absolutely stupid. Yes, those kinds of players exist... mainly the bratty ones, such as Floyd mayweather (who I personally believe should be shot and pissed on) I truly think he would rather sell his daughter to slavery then give up a chunk of his fortune to charity. He gives all professional sports players a bad name. But seriously you think you can play with the big boys? try squatting 700 pounds and bench pressing 225 pounds 32 times. Games like football, baseball, hockey, ect, ect are waaaaay harder then you think.

Also, way to generalize and really show your ignorance. It would be like me saying all gamers are fat, antisocial, basement virgins. And if anyone could play the game then why aren't they, and getting paid to do so? It takes skill, saying that just anyone is capable of playing these sports is ludacris.

 

[Robert632]

To put it plain and simple, it entertains peop

EDIT: I have a question for you about what you said about all atheletes. How many profesional atheletes do you actually know? If your answer is none, then you have probably been manipulated by the media, who makes nearly everyone into something negative.

 

[manythings]

I enjoy American football because of the tactical component and as a human male competitiveness is inborn. The athletes are great athletes (there is the dick head component and there is always the dick head component in EVERYTHING(E.g. Movies: Gwyneth Paltrow, Literature: Dan Brown, J. K. Rowling, TV: Bill O' Reilly)).

To put it in perspective everyone I know considers me mentally ill because I hate the fucking Beatles! I have listened to it, I don't enjoy it ergo I don't need to consider it good but because more people like the beatles than dislike them I have to simply be wrong.

Don't try to understand the only thing you need to know is you don't care and that is alright and people should accept it. Conversely stop being a tool and trying to make people justify their tastes, there is a reason for freedom of expression.

 

[McNinja]

I don't really care about sports. If sportscenter is on while I'm doing something else, I'll make random comments about the latest shenanigans. Most of my friends don't watch professional sports, but a few watch Hockey all the time.

 

[Enigmers]

I personally have no interest in the endeavors of people who get overpaid to kick a ball around a stadium. The only "sport" I like to watch is Poker, and that's because I can learn something from the people playing, and I can try to do my own commentary behind what they might be thinking, etc.

I won't argue that they are overpaid but being a professional athelete takes more than "just kicking a ball around."

It takes years of practice and skill

Almost everything anyone does for money requires years of practice and skill, and few people make as much money as professional athletes.

 

[Booze Zombie]

I don't see the appeal, either, really.
My guess is it's people comensating for being violent and shouty by attempting to obtain wealth and the illusion of power from said "wealth"?

Seems kinda childish to me, really.
Kicking around balls, cheering and booing, oh hiss "our side" lost.

 

[Jinx_Dragon]

I have never really understood it either, but what gets to me isn't the sports themselves but the 'armchair athletes' that go along side with it. The fanatical watchers that will be willing to riot in the streets if their team doesn't win. The people who have not played the game since they where teens, if at all, becoming so enthralled with the idiot box that dominates their lives where sports is concerned. The people who end up setting the ground for hero worship to such a level that the very sport athletes themselves become like gods to their followers, usually with a ego to match.

What the hell is up with the damn sport fans!?

Bread and Circuses, bread and circuses.

PS: Before someone complains just because they like a sport... not all fans are like this I know. Just having a interest in the sport, maybe playing it yourself for fun, doesn't make you insane... just healthy. My question is directed towards those whom are armchair athelets with a fanatical love of sports, what is up with them? Really...

 

[Ham_authority95]

It entertains people and gives them something to talk about.

Pretty straight forward.

 

[Jinx_Dragon]

On a related note, THE SABERS JUST WON AND ARE STILL IN THE PLAYOFFS!!!!

The reason I watch hockey (and really, it's the only sport I like watching) is for just that reason. You get attached to a team, and you root for them. You get to feel like you are competing without actually leaving your couch. And when they win, you get to flip out and act all excited. And that's awesome.

But why?
Why do you feel like your competing in something where your lack of input means squat? Nothing, not a god damn thing, you do is going to change the out come of the game in question unless you get a sniper rifle and start to pick off the other side... and that just gets the game canceled. Really, why do you have any emotional or chemical response to something you have done nothing for?

It makes no sense to me.

 

[Kagim]

What I don't get is why pro sports pays so well? Sure I like a to see a good competition which I think is the main attraction for most "sports fans" but do they really need to be paid millions? I would love to attend a game but seats are way too expensive so I watch on TV (where most of their revenue comes from anyway). Mind you I feel the same way about actors and anybody who makes a totally ridiculous salary; are they really worth the money? If so why?

So to answer the original question, I love to see good competition, whether is sports or gaming, that is the appeal form my seat.

Because they are hard jobs. As much as people say they can compete against them or its not that hard... Seriously if you can compete against these people why aren't you? Athletes are monsters. There job is hard, they have to train hard. It takes a huge amount of dedication. Your going into a job where every game is either ending in victory or humiliation. No do overs.

Same with actors. Acting and being believable is hard. I know i know "We all can do that its easy" Its not. Acting can be one of the most mentally draining things people can do. Having to stay in character doing the same shot from forty different angles then finding out not a single one of them will be used. Having a director constantly tear you apart. A lesson you don't learn is when your first starting out your a maggot. Your shit. You can be replaced like that. Until your name is Jack Nicholson or Morgan Freemon your a nothing.

Sports are worse. Not only do you need to stay on top of your game but every failure, every fuck up will be on national tv. Everyone will know we lost because you struck out, because you fumbled the ball, because you chocked on the free throw. There's more to this stuff then we know. To many bad games and your cut and not only are you forcibly retired but people spit on you for your failure to do what they never could. Could luck getting a job when all you have on your resume is "That guy who screwed up the Yankees winning streak"

Edit: In short its a long dirty painful road getting to the point where your paid millions. You don;t start off a big league player, you start off in scrub leagues. Yo ustart off as guy in background number 36. You can spend years of your life working your way there and NEVER have a guarantee you'll make it. Those that make it deserve what they are paid. And if anyone thinks its easy to get there. I welcome you to try. (Note to dude i quoted, not targeted at you at all. Just general statements)

 

[TylerC]

Because people are different and like different things. I don't see why so many people here have such a hard time accepting this fact. Get over yourselves, anyone could question the things you like and make them seen stupid as well.

For one thing, all the players are just steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play, and I personally see it as an industry fueled by hero worship.

Also, way to generalize and really show your ignorance. It would be like me saying all gamers are fat, antisocial, basement virgins. And if anyone could play the game then why aren't they, and getting paid to do so? It takes skill, saying that just anyone is capable of playing these sports is ludacris.

3 posts in and we already have a winner.

I'd like to see the OP go jump in with some professional football players, and see how they do. Or any sport for that matter. Cheerleading is a sport, can you just jump in and start doing backflips and catch people flying in the air? No. Can you hit a 90+ MPH fastball? Most likely not.

There really isn't a difference when you're talking about video games and sports, they both take some amount of skill. And you're being completely ignorant for basically calling them brain dead brutes, and bratty millionaires.

Here's an example, Walter Payton played in the NFL from the mid 70's to the mid 80s, and was one of if not the greatest running back of all time. "Hall of Fame NFL player and coach Mike Ditka described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen?but even greater as a human being." Payton died due to a rare disease, but before his final days he became a large advocate for organ donations, appearing in commercials. Payton helped bring national attention to organ donations. Besides football, he was also a dancer, chess player, and enjoyed cooking.

Tell me, how does that fit your stereotype? And trust me, there are a lot of others like him. You're treating sports like a lot of the media treats videogames. If 1 murder happens due to someone being influenced by 1 videogame, it shines a bad light on the entire industry. I'm sure you don't like that as a gamer, and those professional athletes who work extremely hard year round, probably don't like being called stupid steroid abusers with no skill.

By the way, it's not all about the wealth. They make so much money because people enjoy watching the games. The players are role models, showing what hard work can do. Fame and money is just a bonus to what they love doing. Is it wrong to love your job? And why do you think there are little league baseball teams, and football teams. Hell, I started playing tackle football the summer before 3rd grade, and other sports before that. Was I being paid? Hell no! It's the rush of competition and people cheering for you, the fun of the game, and working with a team. One of my football seasons my team was undefeated, and let me tell you, that was one of the best feelings I've ever had. To know you're hard work and the others around you accomplished a goal that you set at the beginning of each season is amazing. And it's why you see players cry over losing, there are no "Continues," no "Save points," what happens happens, and it really sucks to have all of that hard work to end without reward.

 

[Marter]

But why?
Why do you feel like your competing in something where your lack of input means squat? Nothing, not a god damn thing, you do is going to change the out come of the game in question unless you get a sniper rifle and start to pick off the other side... and that just gets the game canceled. Really, why do you have any emotional or chemical response to something you have done nothing for?

It makes no sense to me.

At a sporting event, the hometown fans can "get the players going" by making a lot of noise. This sometimes helps them get their adrenaline going, and sometimes results in a goal/basket/touchdown/etc.

Some bodies get excited to see a close game, or something good happen, even when they have no influence. Here's an example: In an action movie, if someone just manages to escape danger, the entire experience gives you a rush. It is the same type of rush sports fans get while watching a game.

That, or they are actually dying inside as their bodies can no longer hold up to the physical exhaustion that comes with playing a sport.

 

[CK76]

I don't know about others. For me, it is a community, a tribal bond, a place to belong. I don't go to be mildly entertained, I go to be moved. To sing with my brothers and sisters an feel despair and suspense and the cathartic sensation of a goal. My body sore, my voice raw and soaked in sweat and alcohol. From the march to the stadium, the 90 minutes of pure effort of songs, chants, streamers, drums, flares, smoke bombs, banners, and the aftermath either celebrating or enduring at the pub.

If it does not appeal to you, fine. I lead a healthy life of various interests, but 15 times (more depending on cups) a year I get to delude myself that 11 men kicking a ball is all that matter for 2 hours, and it is glorious.

 

[Gildan Bladeborn]

Damned if I can tell, I see no logical reason whatsoever to invest so much concern in the outcome of games grown men are being paid millions of dollars to play, and yet guys everywhere rejoice/despair when "their team" loses. I could understand being moderately upset if you just lost a game that you were playing, but why the hell should the outcome of games played by strangers be anything other than potentially entertaining to watch, but otherwise completely irrelevant?

And yet, sports news exists.

More proof nerds and sports don't mix.

 

[photog212]

snip

Well why should it be different than any other spectator event. People get attached to characters in movies, books, games etc. why should sports be any different. A lot of people even refer to their team as we (ie we just won the title or playoffs, etc.). I don't understand how someone can try to take credit for something by sitting on a couch. A lot of it has to do with hometown pride. Fans of sports aren't really that different from fans of anything else.
If you live in the US try watching hockey. Tends to be less of the BS that follows other sports.
Also, try checking out the World Cup this summer (soccer). If you can't get interested in some third world country taking out some uber-powerful nation, or countries with political differences taking it out on the field, than sports are definitely not for you.

 

[Kagim]

Damned if I can tell, I see no logical reason whatsoever to invest so much concern in the outcome of grown men being paid millions of dollars to play games, and yet guys everywhere rejoice/despair when "their team" loses. I could understand being moderately upset if you just lost a game that you were playing, but why the hell should the outcome of games played by strangers be anything other than potentially entertaining to watch, but otherwise completely irrelevant?

And yet, sports news exists.

More proof nerds and sports don't mix.

When you watch something scary are you ever in any real danger?

Do you get scared anyway?

That.

You were never in danger but your hearts pounding and your senses are through the roof. That's why sports fans are excited. They aren't playing but they are part of what they are watching. They cheer when the win and cry when they lose. Its the thrill of the game.

 

[CK76]

Also, try checking out the World Cup this summer (soccer). If you can't get interested in some third world country taking out some uber-powerful nation, or countries with political differences taking it out on the field, than sports are definitely not for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXlBSlyU8xY

I can not wait.

 

[Jinx_Dragon]

At a sporting event, the hometown fans can "get the players going" by making a lot of noise. This sometimes helps them get their adrenaline going, and sometimes results in a goal/basket/touchdown/etc.

First that doesn't incorporate the main body of sport fans whom watch from home. Second it doesn't take into account that there is going to be fans for the other team present as well. So I find the 'moral boost' to be balanced out and even if it is not... these are professionals. If they are not going out in the field with the mentality that they have already won then no amount of cheering will help them win against a team that has already decided victory is theirs before the game even begins. Sun Tzu.

Some bodies get excited to see a close game, or something good happen, even when they have no influence. Here's an example: In an action movie, if someone just manages to escape danger, the entire experience gives you a rush. It is the same type of rush sports fans get while watching a game.

I never really had this effect happen, makes it harder for me to understand, but the chemical reaction to watching a sport is why I am asking why.

The chemical response is the effect, not the cause, but why does it do that? I guess we would need a whole bunch of neuro-scientists and psychologists to just explain what this chemical reaction does. As to why we have such responses to events we are not taking part in? Interesting to ponder on though.

That, or they are actually dying inside as their bodies can no longer hold up to the physical exhaustion that comes with playing a sport.

Oh the (misused version of) irony that, for many, it is the lack of sports that put them into this position.

 

[Chicago Ted]

Because people are different and like different things. I don't see why so many people here have such a hard time accepting this fact. Get over yourselves, anyone could question the things you like and make them seen stupid as well.

For one thing, all the players are just steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play, and I personally see it as an industry fueled by hero worship.

Also, way to generalize and really show your ignorance. It would be like me saying all gamers are fat, antisocial, basement virgins. And if anyone could play the game then why aren't they, and getting paid to do so? It takes skill, saying that just anyone is capable of playing these sports is ludacris.

This is my point. People go on about my ignorance, and use that as an excuse to not answer my question, no matter how honestly I'm asking it.

Furthermore, all of that was my opinion. There is no need for you to go putting me down because I can't see from a certain perspective, give my own opinion on the matter (even if I don't know much about it, and then ask why people see it that way.

General advice, change the tone. The way you're coming across is someone who is sitting on a high horse who's looking down upon everyone who enjoys professional sports. You getting defensive and acting as though you've done nothing to garner it is also quite arrogent. Furthermore, the use of stereotypes and language in your original post is rather offensive and rude.

Now as to the point of the appeal, most of it comes from the spectacle. For some people, seeing a well executed goal/throw/shot is as entertaining and fufilling as seeing certain scenes from movies. A game usually involves a degree of drama and tension as they battle it out in front of you. I'm like to watch football from time to time, but normally don't skip on the opportunity to skip out on a live event. I am not a huge fan of soccer, but my cousins insisted on bringing me to a match with their favourite team while I was there. The tension, rivalry, and excitement that was held in the arena was suffocating, and I had a great time watching it. When our team finally pulled ahead by two goals, everyone broke out into cheers.

Like I said, it's all in the spectacle.

 

[Marter]

First that doesn't incorporate the main body of sport fans whom watch from home. Second it doesn't take into account that there is going to be fans for the other team present as well. So I find the 'moral boost' to be balanced out and even if it is not... these are professionals. If they are not going out in the field with the mentality that they have already won then no amount of cheering will help them win against a team that has already decided victory is theirs before the game even begins. Sun Tzu.
Fans who watch at home can't do anything, but the mentality is the same as to watching movies. You can still get a rush from action movies, and you can feel emotions from a drama. Sports can make you get very excited, and make you feel emotions. This can be very hard to explain to those who aren't interested in sports.



I never really had this effect happen, makes it harder for me to understand, but the chemical reaction to watching a sport is why I am asking why.

The chemical response is the effect, not the cause, but why does it do that? I guess we would need a whole bunch of neuro-scientists and psychologists to just explain what this chemical reaction does. As to why we have such responses to events we are not taking part in? Interesting to ponder on though.

I think it can be the cause, as many wish to experience the rush. I'll give an example to this:
You masturbate for the feeling at the end, not for the path getting there. (Quick example, don't read too much into it >.<)

Oh the (misused version of) irony that, for many, it is the lack of sports that put them into this position.

Yes, but most cannot compete at that high a level regardless of their current physical condition. Watching someone else do something that you can never do is a reason some watch.