The argument against sports intersecting with politics or social issues generally includes something along the lines of fans wanting games to be an escape from reality. But according to FOX Sports Radio’s Colin Cowherd, that excuse only highlights your own faults.
“What are you escaping? If your life needs regular escaping — maybe some of that shit is on you. Maybe? Just some? The solution to an unfulfilled life, is often just mirror,” Cowherd wrote on Twitter.
Many of Cowherd’s Twitter followers were quick to point out the millions of dollars he’s made talking sports for a living, whereas others might have careers more conducive to needing an “escape.” Credit Cowherd for his willingness to engage on Twitter, taking time to read and respond to a lot of the disputes.
Among those who countered Cowherd’s take was his FOX Sports Radio colleague Doug Gottlieb, who argued for sports serving as a source of entertainment that can provide an escape from life’s challenges.
Needing an “escape” doesn’t necessarily mean that person’s life is unfulfilled, as Cowherd describes. The idea no person encounters hardships that would benefit from an escape for a few hours is illogical. But one point of contention is choosing to use the term “escape,” whereas “distraction” might be a better word.
Sports is unifying, it prompts memories from childhood and entails focus. Earning focus means it gives fans an opportunity to turn their attention toward the “toy department” and forget about outside challenges for a few hours. But the line gets crossed when fans forget that professional athletes are not actors. Just as sports can provide a distraction from reality, fans should similarly be able to separate the live action from an athlete’s opinion they might not agree with.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
