On Being A Patriot (fan)

I have a tortured relationship with the National Football League.  For years I've struggled with the on-field violence; head trauma especially, but there is no shortage of gruesome injuries from the contact of large men running at each other at 15 miles per hour. It can be difficult for me to watch.

This dilemma is compounded by the off-field behavioral problems of more than a handful of young players. These men have been thrown into the spotlight, often at a ridiculously young age, and glorified because of their athletic prowess. It's too common to hear about a player in trouble today - domestic abuse, drugs (particularly PEDs), road rage, gun issues and general mayhem. Whether the cause is environmental, emotional, trauma-induced, or related to drugs and alcohol, there is something about the structure of this violent sport that undrergrids these circumstances.

There is beauty in the sport.  A great catch or brilliant move by a player can be fun to watch and, of course, as a human I like being part of my tribe, rooting for my 'warriors'. It can be very good theater and entertainment.

My struggle has been further compounded by the injection of politics into the sport, particularly the local team, the New England Patriots.  It seems there is a close relationship to president-elect Trump, at least through the owner, Bob Kraft, coach and quarterback. I certainly respect opposing political views but view sports through an entertainment prism - I don't like this development and it would not matter to me one bit if the political affiliation were reversed.

Hyper-partisan politics is seeping into every part of our lives and we need to stop it. It affects how we engage with our friends and families.  It has an impact on where we shop and dine.  It appears that it is even impacting where we choose to live. Sports is an arena that brings our tribe together to root for the home team. It transcends race, ethnicity, gender and most, if not all, of the opposition is in good form - it's about the sport and team.

This could be the straw that breaks me.