FanNation - The Republic of Sport

And no, it's not what you think, I am speaking of John Madden, Chris Berman, Marv Albert, Tim McCarver and many of the other scrub American play-by-play announcers. Here in Phoenix the voice of the Suns, just won the "Curt Gowdy Media Award." Why? Using phrases for 25 years like 'Shazam,' 'Hoop-De-Do' and 'Zing Goes the Strings' merits an award? Why do we feel compelled to award someone simply because they have been around for a while.....is this the equivalent of a participation award?

I have two issues, one is that we have WAY too many awards in everything today, and two is the fact we consistently perpetuate the stereotype that Americans are complete idiots that can only understand one-syllable words.

(NOTE: I wanted to use the word 'monosyllabic" but I didn't want to send everyone scrambling for the Webster's.) 

Anyone else notice the last 20 years have seen a blatant increase of "over-awarding." Anyone else remember when award shows consisted of the Academy Awards, the Emmy's, the Tony's and the Grammy's? I believe journalism has what is called a Pulitzer and broadcasting has the Peabody. Why does Curt Gowdy have his own award? Why is there a Golden Globe, People's Choice, MTV Movie, etc. etc. etc. if the Academy Award is the one that counts?

Why does everyone get a participation trophy today? Does this really help kids? I'm 35 and I know when I was a kid you had to work hard to get any sort of award. First Place had a trophy (and sometimes a night with the prom queen), Second Place had a plaque (if the league could afford it) and the rest were told by their parents to get out there and work hard. Are you a parent with a child who has a room full of 'participation' trophies? You May not want to hold out hope of your kid getting that athletic scholarship at USC.

As for my other point, watch a British Premiership Futbol or Rugby or Super XIV Rugby Union match. The announcers speak in complete sentences and let the game be the feature....they have the incredible ability to actually BE QUIET and not feel they need to be poor stand-up comedians. They understand the sophistication and education levels of their audiences. How does this make you feel? The American announcers are honored for treating you like an 8-year-old with ADD. I would be pretty offended and demand more. Bob Costas and Al Michaels are both as sharp as they come and had to be told to 'dumb down' their comments so they wouldn't scare off the American public. And I had thought we had evolved from dragging our knuckles.

As the servants whispered to the victorious Roman Emperors in their golden chariots, 'all glory is fleeting,' however in this day and age it is important to teach kids that 'participation does not equal accomplishment' and high education and study will yield a lifetime of success. We need to return to a time when EXCELLENCE is rewarded, not mediocrity.