Realizations

"WE Are The Champions"

I have often been a fan of using the word “we” when I speak about my favorite sports teams. This has lead to endless ridicule and public humiliation, courtesy of my friends and most notably the creator of this fine publication. So, to all of you “we” users out there… this is me standing up for you! I am not a fan of Mike and Mike, but I did hear this subject come up on a commercial (what I could make out through the swallowing of speech by the adjacent cheeks). I have had hour long debates with friends and foes on the issue, so here we go.

I was not blessed with height. I was not blessed with an intimidating physical stature. I was not blessed with an obscene amount of athletic ability. I like to think I am an above average golfer and I can knock down the cliché amount of open three pointers for a short and scrawny Caucasian. These attributes have forced me to remain connected to sports in other ways besides actually playing them.

I grow a special bond with the teams I root for, none more so than MY Indiana Hoosiers. Since I had the privilege of being a graduate of this fine university, I feel a sense of attachment. When cheering them to victory (or 20 some odd defeats) it is my duty to give it all I have. Please do not get this act confused with maintaining a sense of perspective. Referees do not win or lose games… unless you are the Denver Broncos.

Fans are a bigger part of the game than ever before. Home court/field advantage can have an enormous effect on the outcome of a game. Go to Lucas Oil stadium and make loud noises when Peyton is under center… I dare you.

Neh-sayers believe that no one but players on the actual roster should use the word “we” when discussing the team. Usually this argument is coming from a current or former jock. Like somehow if the word “we” is used by a sports fan it somehow diminishes from your sense of team or will strike your three and a half career sacks from the record books. Honestly, if the athlete expects the fan to look the other way when it comes to off the field/court incidents… the athlete can return the favor. After all, it is the fan who ultimately pays the salaries.

The rules are simple. The kicker is you must maintain the usage of the word “we” when your team loses… or hires a coach who has addiction to cell phones. You must own up to mistakes, playoff losses and horrible personnel moves. You must always, always maintain perspective. You must never become obnoxious. You can not bring up your team in conversation simply to use the word “we”. The “we rule” is in effect for casual situations. Do not use “we” in an argument, it’s like calling the other person a meanie-head. Show your pride and your allegiance without shoving it where it does not belong… much like the aforementioned Tim Tebow/religion debate. And finally, do not under any circumstances, over use the word “we”. “We” is a safety net. It is understandable to be extremely attached to your team and an occasional “we” drop is acceptable.



These are the standards I have set for myself. You may disagree, which is fine… we wouldn’t have gotten along anyway and you probably have three and a half career sacks.