Monday, February 1, 2016

I Remember When a Tank was The Symbol of a Strong Force

Capitalism breeds competition. Participation trophies are for pansies and are socialistic in it's pure form. If winning isn't everything, why do we keep score?  Nice guys finish last. Show me a good loser and I'll show you an idiot. Competition gives me energy, it keeps me focused. A good loser is just a loser.

For all my years I've heard these quotes and more like them that raise the competitive juices to the boiling point, and attempt to instill a stronger self worth. Coaches, employers, and teachers alike tried to pump me up with motivational jargon. In the last few years however, a new phenomenon has been born especially at the professional sports level. "Tanking" or losing on purpose has become fashionable. Years back the Indianapolis Colts won the 'Suck for Luck' campaign. The Philadelphia 76ers have been so bad for so long and have accumulated top draft choices for so long they should be a super power.

I've been a participant, a coach, and a fan of many sports teams for many years. I admit freely I have seen one NBA game in the last two seasons - game four of the Finals between the Warriors and the Cavaliers - but the losing of the Lakers is disturbing. The radio talk show circuit claims that the crappy roster and lack of a good coach are purposeful. Such a storied franchise put to the punch line of a bad joke, it's so disheartening. From a consumer point of view,  why are people paying for such and inferior product? Like creating a cleaner to compete with 409 or Simple Green and just filling bottles with water.

I have been skeptical of the Spanos family down in San Diego for a few years as well. They have a very good quarterback, hired a top notch coach, and yet let all other impact players go to other teams via trade or free agency. I believe the Chargers owners intentionally sabotaged their roster to lose, so fans would quit them, and they could move to L.A. free and clear.

Last, my Rockies ownership that collects money for tickets and for memorabilia, and yet they refuse to build a winner. They trade talent for nothing or in their words prospects, they claim poor, and yet they pocket millions. The owners refuse to build pitching. they give away great players, and have no conscience about getting rich.

I long for the days when every team goes out on the field of play and does their best, every minute of every game.