Readers, be warned. This list is long and varied, and includes sports from all across the world. I invite you to share your own frustrations as well, in the comments section below. This is part 1. Part 2 shall follow tomorrow
10.) Being a fan of the Kansas Jayhawks
This is frustrating, because by now, we as Jayhawk fans have come to expect Big 12 championships. Granted, we may have been spoiled by the streak of seven consecutive conference championships (and nine of the past ten), but Kansas always leaves us wanting more in the Big Dance. And here's why: 2004-05, first round loss to Bucknell. 2005-06, second round loss to Bradley. 2009-10, second round loss to Northern Iowa. 2010-11, Elite Eight loss to VCU. Looking at the teams the Jayhawks have lost to, most fans dream of what could have been. If it weren't for those Big 12 banners hanging in Allen Fieldhouse, this would be much, much lower on the list
9.) Watching a soccer player dive
I hate divers. They provide comedic relief during games, but unless a player screws up like Von Wafer did yesterday, comedy has no place in sports. Soccer is a game where faking injuries and diving helps you win the game, and is part of the strategy. Where's the fun in a game like that?
8.) Reading every golf story and realizing they're all about the same thing
Once in a while you're get a story about a golfer doing something charitable, or struggling with his own demons, but very rarely will you get a golf story actually about golf that does not include at least a mention of Tiger Woods. Look, Tiger is, and always will be my favorite golfer. But the accomplishments of Rory McIlroy can stand on their own. The fact that a South African won the Masters is a story in itself. But writers need to stop making every story about 'Tiger's fall' or 'The return of Tiger' or 'People aren't scared of Tiger anymore.' Tiger has had his day in the sun, and may yet have one again. For now, lets concentrate on a 21 year old prodigy, without talking about the 35 year old legend.
7.) Being a New York Mets fan
And here's why: The Mets spend almost as much as the Red Sox and Yankees. Yet every year, we managed to finish closer to the Nationals in the standings, than the Phillies. Two heartbreaking division leads lost, turns into two seasons of mediocrity with a bloated payroll. This season, even the Royals, who pay their entire team less than A-Rod makes in a season have a better record (and farm system) than the Mets.
6.) The fact that Deborah wins the NCAA March Madness pool every year
During the season, I watch anywhere from 100-200 NCAA basketball games. I read scouting reports on every team in the tournament, and I delight in picking upsets that I'm sure no one else sees coming. And then, every season, I get beat by everyone that doesn't know anything about basketball. Most successful reasonings I've heard include 'I like X team's color better' or 'Y team has a better mascot'. As a sports enthusiast, this kind of reasoning tears at my brain stem, and I can't compute it. Frustrating beyond belief.
Tune in tomorrow for the top five frustrations I've ever experienced in sports. Until then, leave your own frustrations for me to read!
10.) Being a fan of the Kansas Jayhawks
This is frustrating, because by now, we as Jayhawk fans have come to expect Big 12 championships. Granted, we may have been spoiled by the streak of seven consecutive conference championships (and nine of the past ten), but Kansas always leaves us wanting more in the Big Dance. And here's why: 2004-05, first round loss to Bucknell. 2005-06, second round loss to Bradley. 2009-10, second round loss to Northern Iowa. 2010-11, Elite Eight loss to VCU. Looking at the teams the Jayhawks have lost to, most fans dream of what could have been. If it weren't for those Big 12 banners hanging in Allen Fieldhouse, this would be much, much lower on the list
9.) Watching a soccer player dive
I hate divers. They provide comedic relief during games, but unless a player screws up like Von Wafer did yesterday, comedy has no place in sports. Soccer is a game where faking injuries and diving helps you win the game, and is part of the strategy. Where's the fun in a game like that?
8.) Reading every golf story and realizing they're all about the same thing
Once in a while you're get a story about a golfer doing something charitable, or struggling with his own demons, but very rarely will you get a golf story actually about golf that does not include at least a mention of Tiger Woods. Look, Tiger is, and always will be my favorite golfer. But the accomplishments of Rory McIlroy can stand on their own. The fact that a South African won the Masters is a story in itself. But writers need to stop making every story about 'Tiger's fall' or 'The return of Tiger' or 'People aren't scared of Tiger anymore.' Tiger has had his day in the sun, and may yet have one again. For now, lets concentrate on a 21 year old prodigy, without talking about the 35 year old legend.
7.) Being a New York Mets fan
And here's why: The Mets spend almost as much as the Red Sox and Yankees. Yet every year, we managed to finish closer to the Nationals in the standings, than the Phillies. Two heartbreaking division leads lost, turns into two seasons of mediocrity with a bloated payroll. This season, even the Royals, who pay their entire team less than A-Rod makes in a season have a better record (and farm system) than the Mets.
6.) The fact that Deborah wins the NCAA March Madness pool every year
During the season, I watch anywhere from 100-200 NCAA basketball games. I read scouting reports on every team in the tournament, and I delight in picking upsets that I'm sure no one else sees coming. And then, every season, I get beat by everyone that doesn't know anything about basketball. Most successful reasonings I've heard include 'I like X team's color better' or 'Y team has a better mascot'. As a sports enthusiast, this kind of reasoning tears at my brain stem, and I can't compute it. Frustrating beyond belief.
Tune in tomorrow for the top five frustrations I've ever experienced in sports. Until then, leave your own frustrations for me to read!
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