Hey, don't forget the "little" guy!

Unless I am so exhausted I could sleep standing up, I have to fall asleep with the TV on. I'm probably not alone in this; having the TV on brings on an unexplainable comfort that doctors usually say is bad for children, but I think I turned out okay. As my interest in sports has grown, I usually turn on the late night version of SportsCenter, and last night was no different. Just as I entered that state right before sleep was about to set in, Stan and Neil started talking about how many people thought the Cleveland Cavaliers would cease to exist after the departure of LeBron James. I got to thinking "wow, they're going to finally mention how well the Cavs are doing in the preseason." It was too good to be true. Instead, they talked about the original 2011 Cavs calendar with LBJ on the cover and how he hasn't completely left the city yet. Then they went to talk about his performance with the Heat and all of his awesomeness.


Immediately, I woke up and actually had to turn the TV off. By now, I'm used to everyone disregarding the Cavs, but I have barely heard any mentions in the sports world outside of Cleveland how well they are actually doing. I know, it's just preseason, but everyone thought they were going to be horrible. While they are missing a superstar, one thing they've always done well, is work together. I was at the only preseason game they lost so far (go figure) and I was impressed how they played like LBJ never existed. They were nowhere near "best team ever" status, but they put on a show that was still so dynamic that it's gotten them to a 4-1 record.

From a media standpoint, I understand why the Heat are going to be the most-talked about team this season, but from a fan standpoint, I hate that the Heat are going to be the most-talked about team this season. But what agitates me more than the Heat is how much hierarchy exists within American sports; how a synchronized swim team can bring a school the most national championships out of any of its intercollegiate programs, yet barely get recognition because football is "better"; how a state can have seven Division 1 FBS teams but only one really matters; and how a professional basketball team is only as important as its number of superstars (times that by three and, congratulations, you won yourself a special section of ESPN).

Before I continue, I must make one thing clear: I am all for competition. If life didn't thrive on competition, we may avoid major problems like war, but, if it wasn't for competition, how would we ever form goals? How would this country become what it is? How would we be pushed to constantly better ourselves? If there was no competitive aspect about sports, then why play them? Even in an intramural game that's supposed to be "just for fun", there has to be a level of competition or else everyone would just stand there and stare at each other. Someone has to be the best, and ties don't work- which is probably part of the reason Americans are nowhere near as excited about soccer as the rest of the world.


But, can we really pinpoint how to measure the best? If you said it is measured by the number of championships, then, fine. Let's look at Ohio State athletics.
Number of intercollegiate teams: 35 (36 if we count cheerleading, er, spirit program).
Most popular sport: football.
Sport with the most national championships: synchronized swimming (26)

When I wrote for The Lantern, I covered synchronized swimming and other sports that no one else would, because, as a school newspaper, I felt it's only fair for it to represent the entire school, including its athletic department. Most people would argue that synchro is boring, but that doesn't mean it sucks and doesn't deserve notoriety. If anyone has a chance to go watch synchro at OSU, I highly recommend it because it is incredible how strong their bodies are. They don't just float around and do little flips and leg kicks like on those Nuva Ring commercials; they tread in 10 feet of water for about 4 minutes, hold their breath for 30 seconds at a time and flip into the air like dolphins. These girls can do things the Terrelle Pryor could never pull off. If he did, he would either drown or severely injure himself.

Even with their success, people would much rather spend a Saturday at the Shoe than at McCorkle Aquatic Pavillion. But, if we talk strictly about football, why is it that most people would rather spend it at the Shoe than at Dix Stadium, Summa Field or the Glass Bowl? Ohio is home to 7 Division 1 FBS teams, but only one really matters. These MAC teams can be found in all corners of the state, so their fan base is strictly a niche market. Also, the MAC has never had the funding or the talent to ever compete with Ohio State for market share. In fact, when MAC schools face OSU, some of their students actually cheer for the Buckeyes. What is really crazy to me, though, is how people actually wear OSU stuff to MAC games that have do not involve OSU.










I went to the Kent vs. Akron game last weekend. The only thing better about KSU's Dix stadium than the Horseshoe was that it sold beer. Two of the people we were with wore OSU jerseys (in their defense, they were alum who, unlike me, are not continuing their education at Kent), and as we walked around the stadium, there were way more. The worst non-display of Kent or Akron spirit wear had to be the people wearing Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys. Seriously? I could see Browns jerseys because KSU is Josh Cribbs' alma mater, but Pittsburgh. This would never be seen at OSU, but I guess that's what happens when there is only one alpha dog in a state full of teams that never learned what it takes to be a football powerhouse. However, this doesn't mean it can't happen..Cue Boise State and TCU highlights.

The worst hierarchy system of all happens in professional sports, although, I'm starting to think this is more of a media issue than a fan issue. As mentioned before, the Cavs are surprising everyone with their winning preseason record, but the only people that know, or care to know, are Cavs fans. It's hard to remember too much of life before LeBron, but I'm excited for life after. ESPN doesn't think it matters though. What I heard last night got me thinking about all the other teams in the NBA that aren't the Heat, the Celtics, the Magic or the Lakers. All the other teams that lack those mega-superstars but probably play with a whole lot of passion. Why don't teams like the Cavs or the Grizzlies or the Warriors get a special section devoted to them on ESPN? Even the Celtics and the Lakers don't have devotion pages, which could be called things like "Shamrock Showcase" or "LA Confidential". I was taught that in the media, whatever media it is, you should remain fair and balanced. ESPN might be relatively neutral in their content, but that doesn't mean they're fair to the world of sports. Again, I get that some sports, teams, and athletes are just more popular than others, but if you are going to over-analyze LBJ's new team you better be able keep tabs on where he came from.

Many of you who sat through this post might think I'm crazy and the answers to my questions are a no-brainer. I know why the sports world is the way it is. I know that competition is one of the things humans thrive on. And I know that things are not going to change. But that doesn't mean we can't question it and stop to think about the "little" guys (and girls) once in awhile because to somebody, they matter.


By the way, The Heat are 3-2. Every loss is Cleveland's gain.