Why I Love Sports

Okay, I admit it.

My favorite pastime in life is meaningless, over-hyped, and admittedly unintellectual.

I love sports. And what's more, I love fantasy sports, which makes me look like even more of a simpleton.

But in a week when my entire university is ripe with heated political and personal debate over a controversial editorial in the campus newspaper, I find it a nice escape to head to football practice and talk about an effective pass rush or the demands of a long-snapper.

This week I was reminded of covering the Cal-Colorado State football game on Sept. 8 at Hughes Stadium in Fort Collins, Colo.

It was a competitive, physical game. Several of the players commented afterwards how hard each side was hitting.

The game came down to the very wire, with the Rams scoring two touchdowns in less than a minute to pull within striking distance of a win only to watch the Golden Bears pull out a tight victory.

After the game, I marveled at the fact that there was not one argument between opposing sides; not one Cal player was showboating and not one CSU athlete was found cutting down their victorious opponents.

In fact, several Rams and Golden Bears were talking to each other, shaking hands as they walked off the field, complementing each other on what was a good football game.

Cal stud wide receiver DeSean Jackson gave credit to the Rams and even admitted they deserved a better fate than a loss.

These guys had just spent 60 minutes trying to kill each other (athletically-speaking) and yet they were smiling as they talked to each other like real human beings.

Mutual respect carried the day.

I know. It doesn't always happen like that. But it certainly happens far more than it does in the world of politics, or in our daily lives with friends, family, and peers.

Come on, people. We will always be in competition with each other over ideals, right versus wrong, social issues, politics, journalistic dilemmas, and a whole host of other things.

But why can't we take those football players' actions to heart?

They give everything they can to beat their opponent but, in the end, no one has to lose their pride.

No one has to lose their humanity.