Writing about sports is a useless and mind-numbing endeavor
Writing about sports, whether it’s the NFL, NHL, or anything in between, is in the past. It does nothing good for anyone’s health and well-being.
For the first time in ages, I listened to Stefan Molyneux, who hosted a video called The Truth About Sports. While Molyneux didn’t break any new ground with me, what he uncovered confirmed what I’d already known.
Before going further, it’s important to point out that Molyneux targeted pro sports and, to an extent, college sports. Youth and high school sports weren’t part of the critique because of the teamwork mechanics and leadership skills they instill.
As for pro sports? Oh, god almighty, Molyneux was bang-on in just about every category. He touched on how sports fans are more likely to end up with an array of health issues. And when you think about it, it makes sense.
These people are sitting, sometimes for hours, in front of a TV, talking in hurried tones, even yelling, at a group of people who can’t hear them. Alcohol and excess food consumption are the norms. Fans let the outcome of an event dictate their mood, sometimes for the rest of their day. That all contributes to potential adverse effects in cardiovascular health.
Professional sports betting has gotten toxic
Molyneux also threw out numbers for betting, which has entrenched itself into American sports culture. While it’s a separate entity, Molyneux’s attack on fantasy sports was classic.
I used to play fantasy sports all the time. Molyneux’s quips on how absurd the entire idea of fantasy sports is, was one reason I stopped playing. To paraphrase Molyneux, “You’re obsessing over something that doesn’t exist! It’s like Dungeons & Dragons but without problem-solving skills.”
He’s right. There’s no strategy involved in fantasy sports, contrary to what magazines will tell you. Your first-round pick could be an all-out bust, or sustain a season-ending injury in the first game.
If fans thought about what they could buy with the money they’re (most likely) losing on sports bets, or invest in, the gambling industry would be dead tomorrow. But they know it’s addicting, and they know the psychological tactics they play on sports bettors and fantasy sports players. Those tactics keep bettors glued to their phones.
Sports outlets WANT to psychologically manipulate you
Newsflash for you: Sportswriters aren’t your friend. This is something I wouldn’t mind taking a deep dive into, because I know the ins and outs of the business better than the back of my hand.
That headline you just clicked through? It’s designed to get your adrenaline pumping. And to make you so curious that you fall to the temptation of clicking through.
Those outlets, especially smaller ones that make their primary income on ad revenue, aren’t “providing a service” to sports fans. The entire operation is to entice the fan to stay on the site and click through to the ads. Because every time a fan clicks on an ad, the company makes money.
Before I left my sportswriting job, mainly because I saw through the bullshit that was going on, they were introducing extensive data tracking measures. The final meeting I attended introduced a system that, when a user opted into it (at least there was an opt-in!), it gave the company permission to built an entire profile on that fan.
And yes, there were loopholes in the agreement that would grant that company another cash flow. You might know what it is, but for the uninitiated, I’ll be real: They’re selling your data.
Writing about sports is in my past where it belongs
Funnily enough, five years ago, well before I ventured into full-time sports writing, I’d have conceded that Molyneux was right. But the realization hadn’t yet sunk in. Even 10 or 15 years ago, I’d have still conceded to Molyneux, but I was also way too addicted to sports to care.
These days, I can no longer ignore it. It’s the ultimate bread and circus act and the more I contribute to it, the more it weighs down on my conscience. So I left, threw away the key, and dedicated myself to helping other people get out of the rat race, where many of them use sports as a distraction.
Meanwhile, instead of spending money on jerseys, memorabilia, other sports collectibles, and wasting time watching games they could be building something awesome. Something that could lead to generational wealth if they can buck the psychological war going on in their brains that sports brings.
My main character in Beyond the Lost, Quinn Cozens, was getting to that point. He could no longer stand being a sportswriter when he begrudgingly ventured to a K-pop concert. That concert sparked the end of America as he knew it, and led to Quinn fighting for his life.
Quinn’s time as a sportswriter ended unceremoniously, and that’s what makes him a more intriguing character than myself. Head over to The Rebel Lore Vault, grab your copy of Book I, Beyond the Lost Horizon, and quit numbing your mind over something idiotic that you can’t control.
