Just a few thoughts along the lines of sports
Published 12:40 am Saturday, September 14, 2019
A few things have been passing through my mind lately when it comes to the arena of sports that I wanted to just take time to share with my readers this week.
The first thing that I would like to touch on is how bothered I was last week inside Neyland Stadium to hear some of the comments being sent toward the players on the sideline of the orange and white.
I realize that Vol Nation is upset with the outcome of the first two games to date that has resulted in losses, but I wonder sometimes if people really take the time to think about how powerful words are and if spewing venomous words toward young men that are 18, 19, and 20 years old is worthy of even dressing out to play college football.
Many have not even considered that even though Tennessee is playing big boy football in the SEC, these young men are trying to live out dreams that they have had since childhood and I can almost assure you that they are feeling as low if not lower than the fans that throw tantrums when the team loses.
I was thinking that as a parent it must be hard when your son calls home after one of those humiliating losses and just tries to hear a voice that will remind them that they are still loved and that its just a game.
Also, a parent reminds them that adults are cruel and many are just trying to find something to cheer about after battling through a rough week on the job or at home and they are just taking the frustrations of life out on them because its easier to fuss and cuss at young men that they haven’t even met than to take it out on those they do know.
Sure, I realize that college football is a step up, but I have even witnessed this type of verbal abuse at some of the local football games where fans berate the coaches and players who are just trying their best to represent the schools and community they are taking the field in the name of.
Last week in the Hampton and Happy Valley game, a fan came across the fence and grabbed a player and police were called in to escort the fan out of the stadium. I have also heard even family members make comments from the stands that do more to tear down than to encourage.
I just think it does more of an injustice to young people no matter at what level to insult them to the point that today’s generation has lost interest in sports because they have seen and heard the very same things that I hear and in their mind they would much rather just play a video game or hang with friends than to physically be a part of these so-called games.
I can attest that fans have seen the plays on the field and the final score on the scoreboard, but what I have seen as these young men walk off the field are tears of frustration and embarrassment that they have not been able to send their fans home with a win.
They hear the jeers and often are pelted with an occasional drink tossed from the stands by fans angered over the loss.
Boy, what winners we are as fans!
I understand the cost to come to collegiate games is not cheap and everyone wants a win from the team they pull for when they are in attendance. But I also know that the definition of a winner is not what the final scoreboard reads but what these young men contribute to society after they hang up their uniforms and cleats and move beyond football.
Yes, I am a Tennessee fan and I will always be a Tennessee fan. Yes, I love to see them win, Yes I talk about the game just like everyone. But I also want to remember that behind that orange and white helmet and uniform is the beating heart of someone’s son, grandson, brother, and possibly even husband and I want to do my best to not disrespect them.
I will continue to support the University of Tennessee and I will be forever a Volunteer. I just hope that others will rise up and realize that football is a G-A-M-E. It is not life nor death. It is meant to entertain and enjoy.
If anything, maybe lift a prayer for these young men that they can put aside every weight and balance that besets them and run with patience the race that is set before them to the very best of their ability.
And forget not the coaches as well.
