Sport

I just looked up "Sport" in the dictionary. There are quite a few definitions, but mostly sport is defined as a game or pastime that is enjoyed, or is an amusement.

Now then, I'm well aware of what would pass as sport in today's society, but not really so long ago, the dictionary definition was entirely correct.

Yet switch on your TV to any of the myriad sport channels today and you will see many so called Sportsmen (yes, they're mostly of the male gender I'm referring to), throwing the biggest tantrums around, you'll also witness cheating, slander, blatant racism and lord knows what else.

So then, what has happened to sport that these unsportsmanlike traits now seem so prevalent? Is it by any small chance connected to money?

Money??

Well yes, it mostly is that, but other pressures bring about the worst in our sporting heroes.

TV coverage plays a part too, as in the past it was reserved only for those special events and weekend matches, and then only for a few hours. Now there are entire channels that output nothing but sport 24/7, and, then the sponsors appeared with big buck deals for teams and individuals. The Sport became associated with The Brand.

You can't blame anyone who plays any sport for earning a living out of it can you? But really, when the very definition of sport is changing, and when true sportsmanship goes out the window, what message does it give out to the millions of fans around the world who soak up every game in prime time HD?

Winning Counts! Win at all costs and to hell with second place.

Who wants to lose, and be labelled a loser?

But we have all become Losers in the end.

Isn't that rather sad.