Player haters why do you hate? So much gets made out of knocking star athletes, teams or coaches off their lofty, self-created pedestals. The problem is that no matter how many people claim to “hate” these individuals, there’s always a fan base ready to step up in their defense. I’m typically the first person to defend just about anyone, but the real reason that some attract so much ire has nothing to do with the standard accusations that we’ve become accustomed to.
Take for example the “you’re just jealous approach”. What exactly should we be jealous of? Is it millions of dollars that we’ve never possessed? Is it fame and advantages that we'd more than likely be uncomfortable with? You don’t miss what you’ve never had. Besides, if that were the case then we should basically hate every athlete since even most bench warmers make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, if not far more. Nope, that can't be it.
Maybe it’s because we're tired of certain teams constantly tar and feathering our favorite squads. Take it from me I know that feeling. I’m a New York Jets fan. I watched Dan Marino gather a disproportionate amount of his career stats at Gang Green’s expense. When Buffalo was losing fourSuper Bowls in the early 90s my crew practically went oh for the decade against them. Don’t even get me started with everyone’s favorite team to currently hate… the New England Patriots. I may not have “liked” Dan Marino, Jim Kelly and Tom Brady but they have nothing but my respect.
How about the theory that nobody likes the guy on top? If I remember correctly even Knicks fans almost masochistically enjoyed watching Michael Jordan dismantle Patrick Ewing and friends on the Broadway stage. We waited with baited breath to see what magic His Airiness would pull from his bag of tricks to stick yet another dagger into our hearts. You just couldn’t avert your eyes from the train wreck waiting to happen. You’d peek out from between your fingers and grudgingly appreciate the history you were watching.
It’s not even the perceived arrogance involved. In the sports world the literal definition of the word arrogant is actually a necessary evil. Without arrogance all athletes lose their edge. If you do not unconditionally believe in your heart that you are at least the equal of the person standing in front of you… then you’ve already lost. Arrogance may not be the most enviable trait in mankind’s repertoire but in athletics it’s a cap where one size better fit all.
What is IT then? What brings otherwise sensible people to almost blind fits of rage whenever they discuss that certain someone they despise? Depending on who’s doing the talking, ITis a word that gets conveniently replaced by positive adjectives such as proud, confident and competitive when it suits our purposes. That word is smug.
Smug: well satisfied, or too obviously pleased, with oneself
Self-absorbed people
Making ridiculously rude and
Unnecessary choices that
Gratify only them
Smug is Kobe Bryant putting his desires in front of the team to participate in running Shaquille O’Neil out of Los Angeles, even if Shaq's ego played an equally significant and petty role. For that matter smug is also what allowed his reputation to be further sullied by brazenly putting himself in a situation where he could be accused of rape… even if the girl in question was possibly a mentally unstable young girl looking to set him up.
Smug is Alex Rodriguez's notorious double-speak…during a year of tremendous statistical significance… where he practically single handedly carried the Yankees on his back…culminated by the widely criticized negotiations with Joe Torre...following a season of unjustified booing and catcalls at the hands of his very own fan base...that finally saw public opinion sway to his side. Smug is then choosing to make his “opt-out” announcement on the day that the rival Boston Red Sox won a second World Series title and demanding 350 million dollars as the starting point of negotiations. Talk about a fleeting moment of renewed popularity.
Smug is New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick making a mockery of long held standards in the NFL. Smug is including Tom Brady on his “injury report” for roughly 5 straight seasons as “probable” due to a shoulder injury… just because he can. The whole world knows by now that Tom Terrific is just hunky-dory… especially after 33touchdowns in only 9games. Smug is shoving a cameraman in the back of the head to shake Jets coach Eric Mangini’s hand after a game, simply to “prove” that you’re really a “good” guy. Smugis running up the score against any and all opponents, including fellow legendary coaches such as Joe Gibbs, simply because you have a vendetta against the league because you got caught cheating…whether it was insignificant or not.
Smug is a cat with your canary in its mouth… staring at you with an expression that says, “Who me? Ain’t I cute?”
Smug is why some people “hate” those that we blindly root for. Now wipe that smug look off your face every time you look in the bathroom mirror… just because your favorite team happens to be really good at the moment… because it won’t last forever… and sooner or later you’ll have to admit the truth
(In my imagination half of New England just gave me the finger).
Agreed, the sports world is so cyclical. Any fan that thinks their favorite team is going to stay on top forever is in for a rude awakening (and plenty of humble pie). And the idea that there's some intersection of being a fan and the team's actual performance is just bizarre. For me, you just enjoy the wins when they happen and take sports for what they are - a fun diversion in between the serious stuff in life.
Nooch---Well said. Some folks get so crazy for their teams you would think they played for them.
As for the players I do subscribe to the "Don't hate the player, hate the game philosophy". The players are just trying to do the best they can and there's nothing wrong with striving for excellence.
Being smug though is not part of the game literally or figuratively. I think it's a trait that's fairly easy to pick up on. All it takes is the ablity to read body language and facial expressions. That's why so many people can agree to dislike someone. Smugness is usually as plainly visible as the nose on someone's face and thousands of people can't all be wrong.
Thanks and it's always good to see the Space Ghost avatar.
Nice read Rivjo. But your last statement is inaccurate. . .twice!
1st. It wasn't your imagination, it really happened.
2nd. Your number was wrong; it was probably more like two thirds of New England.
This next statement will will make you smug.
Yours must be bigger than mine.
Your dictionary, that is. Mine has the definition of the word "smug" as self-satisfied. What's wrong with that?
Because you know I have stated numerous times that I think you're the best writer on this blog conistently, I think also that I should be able to get away with disagreeing with you now and then.
It's a negative society. Americans love to build up and tear down. Simple as that.
It doesn't matter that what you said about Kobe and Shaq bore absolutely no truth in fact. It's an urban legend that virtually everyone repeats. Not one single person (other than myself) repeats the truth about what went on between Shaq and Buss and that Shaq tried a power play to get rid of Kobe and the truth is it didn't work because Shaq was consistently out of shape and not committed to the game and age. That was the true story but Kobe is America's NBA whipping boy and America loves nothing more than a whipping boy. Arod is America's MLB whipping boy. People say "yeah but they deserve it, look at how they act." YOU get treated as they have been treated and look at how YOU act. Money is a big deal to me but once you have the money and they can't take away the money then how you are treated comes into major play.
Young kids are writted up as the next best thing since sliced bread, said to be the next Wilt or MJ or whatever and then we sit back and critisize every single mistake a young kid makes and they respond predicitibly. It's easy for a Lebron to not go south since he's not been held accountable for taking money under the table, a Hummer, etc.. His supporters says IT WAS JUST A LOAN (which was illegal as well) and nobody else says anything. Treat Lebron as Kobe and Arod have been
Last edited by Dusty_Outlaw on November 6th at 2:37 PM.
treated and see how Lebron reacts. His time is coming. America never let's a "superhero" off the hook for very long.
We reap what we sow in society and seldom stick to the facts of what is really going/went on.
Since neither you nor i nor any fan know Tom Brady or Kobe Bryant or anyone else in betweeen much less whether what is being reported in the press is even remotely close to being truth; because we are a society that quotes public opinion polls when it supports our own views and then decry "the liberal press" or similar when they don't, then I suggest SMUG is US.
Last edited by Dusty_Outlaw on November 6th at 2:35 PM.
rivjo
The smug athletes'll use that as a prop to create some sort over extorted value as to their self importance.
That's the way it goes with most. I'll decry an athlete who shows no respect for his fellow players or peers and above all the law. That's my only real gripe in that context.
See my post under the justanotherfan Just Throw Me The Damn Ball Ocho Cinquo !
Have fun whilst reading but also check out if you haven't already. Did You Hear The One About The Welshman Who Went Up A Mountain And Stayed On Top ? Also Sporting Heroes ! The latter were written under the tophatal guise.
Have fun whilst reading !
tophatal
Last edited by tophatal on November 6th at 1:37 PM.
Another exceptionally well done post. I believe you and I are of the same ilk. You appear to write about topics that interest you, as opposed to just having fun. While the many blogs on Fox are enjoyable, they don't tackle the issues.
I invite you to check out my blog - I think you'll find we are of a common mind.
bosox61---Well if even close to half of New England read this then I'd be doing pretty good!
Seriously though, of New Englanders who did actually read this...I'd bet that the total would be even more than the two-thirds that you mentioned giving me the finger.
As for the definition of smug, mine said the same thing as yours but just a bit more. For the record I use dictionary.com usually. I chose the entry I did since it included the all important implication that smug people are quite a bit "too" self-satisfied. But I'm actually with you that there's nothing wrong with that. It just tends to aggravate the hell out of the rest who aren't on their side.
Thanks for reading and your humorous comment. Hope to see you back again.
Dusty---You have more than earned the right to disagree with anything that I have to say. Your past support of my blog has always been appreciated. Feel free to always be comfortable speaking your mind.
As for Kobe and Shaq, you know far more about the situation than I. My opinion has always been that they were both to blame. They should have found some common ground to meet on and kept things going. Together they could have won more championships had their egos not gotten in the way. Shaq's conditioning was a major problem as was his attitude.
Keep in mind though that my contention is more about the perception of "smugness". I chose to use him more so as a common example o####uy people despise. I for one have nothing against him or A-Rod for that matter. I can just see how the simple way they carry themselves puts people off. In actuality this post is more about perceptions people have about them, rather than the athletes themselves. As we know perception can be everything.
It's funny you mentioned LeBron cause I thought of him as I was typing the blog. Like you said, I was wondering when his time was coming in regard to folks turning on him.
Dusty---A few more thoughts I just had. You are also right that SMUG is us as a society.
We create these guys and give them special treatment but it comes with a price. Slip up and the public comes after them. Things no one would care about if you or I did them become big news when it's an athlete. Like being rich should automatically make you exempt from ever making a mistake.
However, many athletes themselves do become very smug because of their status. I think people get extra mad because it's such a distasteful characteristic that nobody likes or ever wants to admit to having themselves. Its kind of like displacing one's feelings onto someone else.
Please don't read too much into my choice of athletes. They were simply the most obvious to me to try and make my point. It's less about whether or not they deserve their treatment and more about what I think the reason is behind it all.
tophat---In ranking importance of possible transgressions of athletes, I would tend to agree with you. I have less respect as well for those who break the law and carry on like hooligans. However, those are the ones who are crucified in the media just briefly, but ultimately get their required second chances. For example Tank Johnson and Chris Henry are both returning from suspension and Pacman Jones shall return next year.
As for the players the public REALLY despises (Bonds, Kobe, A-Rod, T.O. for example) it's more so for how they are perceived based on the way they carry themselves. They make questionable personal decisions, at least in the public's opinion, that imply feelings of superiority in comparison to everyone else. In this case the word that obviously came to my mind was Smug. People just don't like that trait at all.
Thanks for stopping by and I'll be sure to check out your latest.
Moondog---Thanks once again. I think your description of me is pretty accurate. I need to feel properly motivated to write to my best potential. Don't get me wrong though. I very much like to have fun but I won't write "just because". Something has to strike a chord in me.
There's also typically some reading between the lines with me. At least I think there is. For example, in this case I personally have ZERO against Kobe And A-Rod. I'm not a huge fan of them but they don't bother me as much as many others and I admire their talent. However, I can also understand why so many people can't stand them and I can't say that I begrudge these folks their opinions either.
I'll definitely be over to read your blog. You can count on that.
Nooch---If for some reason you come back to check this post, I'm a total dolt.
Sorry for calling you Space Ghost... and many times before at that.
How could I forget the legendary Racer X from Speed Racer? Well other than I haven't seen that cartoon since I was like 7 years old but that's still no excuse.
I always thought there was something fishy about your "space ghost" avatar. Then it hit me all of a sudden like a smack to the back of the head.
Just had to clear my conscience. I don't like making dumb mistakes over long periods of time.
rivjo
It's not only how they carry themselves but also some of the inane things that say.
To my mind the worse thing that they say using an analogy. " I'm a warrior "
The closest those a-holes'll ever be to battlefied will either visiting the battlefront as part of a USO Tour. But on the field they're merely entertainers and nothing but that. Half of 'em haven't got the guts to do what's necessary of strapping on fatigues and going out to fight a real battle on the front where they're being shot at.
slshusker
They say that let those without sin cast the first stone. But I'd say we've a right to tear down many of these self righteous and narcissistic primadonna's. Especially when they think that they can be above the rules and laws that apply to us all.
Are you still of the opinion that the likes of Bryant have really are OK after their alleged transgressions ? It goes without saying that he 's still a smug bast*rd.
He may well be the supreme athlete of his generation in the game. But on the other hand his liabilities are immaturity and self righteousness and lack of respect for his teammates if nothing else.
By way of an invite refer to my latest post titled I's Got's Mine's Whose Got's Your's ? Let me know what you think as to the merits of the piece ?
I'll look forward to reading your comments.
husker---I think A-Rod has closeness issues. Something tells me he wasn't told that he was "loved" enough as a kid. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it.
tophat---I think their place of privilege since their teenage years has made more than a few athletes out of touch with the realities of the common man.
If I never worked a true day in my life and spent all my free time sculpting my body so that I could play a game, I wonder if I could relate to everyone else either.
Even so it's not like they don't know right from wrong or at the very least good choices vs. bad choices.
rivjo
They all know right from wrong it's not as if we're not at haven't been built in with a moral compass ? It's just that many of 'em choose to ignore and use any excuse that they can to obfuscate from any responsibillity for their actions.
And it's not just within the realms of sport that this happens. But in all walks of life. And nowhere is this more self evident than within the halls of Congress !
Tell me of a politician that you've seen or heard admit to their misdeeds unless force to do so within the judicial system ?
tophat---You're preaching to the choir my brother. I typically CAN'T stand politicians. All a bunch of self-serving crooks for the most part and if they don't start out that way they end up that way.
Unfortunately a big flaw in most people is the inability to refrain from the temptation of immoral personal gain. I'd like to think I'd be able to avoid this pitfall myself if opportunity came knocking.
rivjo
Where's the fight in Mosley now ? Cotto handed him his as$ on silver platter. So now there's nowhere for him to go now but down. As for Cotto the sky's the limit !
I'm a special ed teacher by trade. Funny, I spend my day wanting to say shut-up to people and then do the same here. Just can't seem to. That would be rude and most uncivilized.
I like to write and never met a thought I couldn't continue. My blogs, like this bio, tend to be far too long. I can admit it. If you make it to the end of one of my "essays" there's usually a message that could have been written in half the time by a better writer than me.
Did I mention I was a finalist in NGS II? No really I was, further proving that theyll let anyone in this place. I came in 10th, which is better than 16th I guess. Other than winning the 4th grade graduation writing award it was the biggest literary accomplishmen t of my life. I still haven't gotten used to being famous.
Player haters why do you hate? So much gets made out of knocking star athletes, teams or coaches off their lofty, self-created pedestals. The problem is that no matter how many people claim to “hate” these individuals, there’s always a fan base ready to step up in their defense. I’m typically the first person to defend just about anyone, but the real reason that some attract so much ire has nothing to do with the standard accusations that we’ve become accustomed to. 
Besides, if that were the case then we should basically hate every athlete since even most bench warmers make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, if not far more. Nope, that can't be it. 
on sway to his side. Smug is then choosing to make his “opt-out” announcement on the day that the rival Boston Red Sox won a second World Series title and demanding 350 million dollars as the starting point of negotiations. Talk about a fleeting moment of renewed popularity. 
