On the TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS October 31, 2016 #617 Up next… Sports can bring hope and optimism!
After further review…It has been often said, “I always read the sport pages first, before I turn to the front page of my morning paper, since sporting events can give me an optimistic view of life and hope for the future.” That sounds understandable considering war-torn countries, continuous act of terrorism, widespread murder and violence, extreme poverty, homelessness, uncivil behavior—should I go on?
Unfortunately, some of the news that greets us in the sports pages these days concerns sports stars (as opposed to athletes—the distinction to follow) involved in drug use, domestic violence, and other egregious charges. Many such stars (and fans alike) tend to excuse this sort of behavior, claiming that social media magnifies allegations way out of proportion. It is the belief here that we must hold our sports stars to a higher standard. And here I draw the distinction: a sports “star” may possess special physical prowess, but an “athlete,” in addition to competitive skill, also embraces exemplary integrity, citizenship, sportsmanship, and character!
As another Major League Baseball season ends, we may wonder whatever happened to the ethos personified by “Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance,” the famous Chicago Cubs double play combo that Franklin Pierce Adams wrote so eloquently about over 100 years ago. Kids for generation after generation admired their athletic play, and their respectful approach to their opponents and the game itself. Too ancient for you? Has athletic style and grace gone “out of play?” The contention here is that it still exists, if you can get beyond all the media nonsense! In true athletic competition, you don’t hear opponents putting each other down, but more likely voicing their own T*E*A*M’s intention to win!
Moving to our political arena, present day candidates unfortunately are more likely to tell you (rightly or wrongly) how terrible or unqualified their opponents are, than they are to assure you what they can do for you. You don’t hear that from the sports world. More often than not you will hear athletes broadcast the qualities and abilities that their teams possess, and why you should “root” for them.
Will we ever get candidates vying for a position with the mindset of proclaiming their qualities in place of demeaning their opponents? Of course, it is Halloween, and amongst all of the ghouls and demons running loose perhaps there are a few with good character. Athletic character!
Will you put forth your best effort to adopt a positive view of the future?
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These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others.
