Unsportsmanlike Conduct: “Narcissistic Football League”

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a passionate sports fan. Those who know me well also know that I really dislike the NFL. I love football. Even though it’s only my third favorite sport (Hockey #1, Baseball #2), I just prefer the college game. And unfortunately, I am beginning to have major issues with college football too. But here is why I have issues with the NFL.

For the last several years I have watched as the NFL has gradually evolved into a show rather than a game, and a big part of that has been caused by allowing showboating and unsportsmanlike conduct.

In the past, the players from each team would run their respective plays and when the play was over they would get up, high five and go back to their huddle to prepare for the next play. Frequently you would see acts of sportsmanship as players on opposing teams would help each other to their feet, exchange slaps to the butt or helmet, and the occasional pat on the back before returning to their respective huddles.

Now we get to watch the glorification of disrespect and poor sportsmanship, and of self instead of team. After a successful play, players are frequently seen to prance around the field while furiously thumping their own chest, striking some thug pose to show everyone that they are “playas” and not “players,” or waiting for teammates to join them so that all of them can engage in the previously mentioned acts. My personal favorite has always been when a defensive player sacks the quarterback and then stands over him and taunts him.

Terrell Owens is a prime example of this behavior, though he has severely toned down of late (probably due to his lack of success on the field and not because he has matured). A couple years ago, SportsCenter spent at least 5 minutes a day showcasing and glorifying his behavior as acceptable by letting us watch it from three different angles and having it included as a Top 10 play of the day or week. I got to see T.O. score and then pull a cell phone out and call somebody while still standing in the end zone and holding the ball. The next week, he pulled a sharpie out of his pocket, autographed the ball and then chucked it into the crowd.

I am so sick and tired of seeing these actions, and they set such a horrible example for the youth of America. What are we teaching our children about respect and good sportsmanship when we encourage and cheer for this type of behavior?

And as if that isn’t all, this type of behavior, which in the past would have been completely unacceptable and severely penalized in the college game, is slowly creeping in and becoming more acceptable.

Check back soon for Part II of Unsportsmanlike Conduct: “College Game Day Edition”