I finally saw the movie, Friday Night Lights, after reading the book over four years ago. It was truly terrific. The flick made me think of stereotypes in sports and how certain athletes are portrayed by the public. It was funny to see the star running back Booby be the team chatterbox and spirit. The quarterback, Mike, was very timid. Here are some stereotypes commonly (at least I think) associated with each sport. Keep in mind, not all these are necessarily true reflections.
The “cerebral” golfer (Tiger Woods): Golf is such a heady game and one of preciseness and exactness. You definitely need patience and wit.
The “eccentric” runner (Marion Jones): Runners are very independent and individualistic. You have to be when it’s really only you and the track. Runners are used to their own routines and training.
The “preppy” soccer player (David Beckham): In high school, soccer was considered one of the preppie sports. Interestingly, it’s also probably the most popular worldwide one.
The “wimpy” tennis player (Andy Roddick): Tennis players are sometimes considered soft and sensitive. Being a tennis player myself, I tend to disagree. I am sensitive, but I am also a tough competitor. People always assumed Pete Sampras was a pretty boy, and maybe he was, but he did bring his best to the table. He was so consistently good.
The “overzealous” defensive lineman (Michael Strahan): The team tough guys have passion. They fire up their team and themselves. He is the center of the universe and enjoys every minute. When it comes to tackling and taking down quarterbacks, the serendipitous sack standouts know how to hit.
The “ritualistic” baseball player (Nomar Garciaparra): Is there a more superstitious sport than baseball? No mentioning no hitters, don’t mess up a batter’s batting practice routine or a pitcher’s scheduled throwing session, etc. The list goes on and on about rituals in baseball.
The “nonchalant” basketball player (Allen Iverson): Basketball is a casual sport played by laid-back stars in my opinion. Most of the NBA players are carefree and just look like they are having fun with the game. These guys have a “too cool” attitude. They also do not seem to care much about teamwork or the fans.
The “hotheaded” fastball pitcher (Roger Clemens): Think Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens in their heyday. Fierce and just darn mean on the mound, you do not want to mess with these screwballs! They throw as quickly as they rouse.
The “quiet” quarterback (Eli Manning): Last year’s Superbowl MVP is a perfect example of an A plus athlete who leads their team by example. Manning never had to declare he was the team’s most valuable player but let his actions do the talking. Most good QBs of the past (Steve Young, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman) were similar.
The “Redneck” racecar driver (Dale Earnhardt): Nascar and racing in general is such a southern and Midwest sport. The popularity is seen mostly in rural towns and it just makes sense they are labeled as such.
The “nice” hockey player (Mike Richter): Ok, so there are violent fights all the time in the sport of hockey. But, if you take a look at the NHL, the men who star are very nice people. They greet and thank fans and go about their business with little scrutiny. There are exceptions but I view hockey players the nicest of all professional athletes.
The “pampered” boxer (Oscar de la Hoya): All boxers really do is go out and fight for their lives. Everything else is taken care of by trainers and promoters. Nothing is easy in the ring I am sure, but boxers have it made when it comes to the necessities of life.
The “chatty” swimmer (Michael Phelps): Maybe it was all the Olympic exposure Phelps got, but I consider swimmers talkative and somewhat arrogant. The swimmers I’ve known are chatty and exuberant. Ironically, they are sometimes loners as well.
Parting points: The weekend forecast looks glum. The waters are coming.
From Casablanca:
Captain Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca? Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters. Captain Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert. Rick: I was misinformed.
I recommend renting and reading Friday Night Lights if you haven’t already. I hear good things about the television series and I’d like to catch a bunch of episodes eventually.
The “cerebral” golfer (Tiger Woods): Golf is such a heady game and one of preciseness and exactness. You definitely need patience and wit.
The “eccentric” runner (Marion Jones): Runners are very independent and individualistic. You have to be when it’s really only you and the track. Runners are used to their own routines and training.
The “preppy” soccer player (David Beckham): In high school, soccer was considered one of the preppie sports. Interestingly, it’s also probably the most popular worldwide one.
The “wimpy” tennis player (Andy Roddick): Tennis players are sometimes considered soft and sensitive. Being a tennis player myself, I tend to disagree. I am sensitive, but I am also a tough competitor. People always assumed Pete Sampras was a pretty boy, and maybe he was, but he did bring his best to the table. He was so consistently good.
The “overzealous” defensive lineman (Michael Strahan): The team tough guys have passion. They fire up their team and themselves. He is the center of the universe and enjoys every minute. When it comes to tackling and taking down quarterbacks, the serendipitous sack standouts know how to hit.
The “ritualistic” baseball player (Nomar Garciaparra): Is there a more superstitious sport than baseball? No mentioning no hitters, don’t mess up a batter’s batting practice routine or a pitcher’s scheduled throwing session, etc. The list goes on and on about rituals in baseball.
The “nonchalant” basketball player (Allen Iverson): Basketball is a casual sport played by laid-back stars in my opinion. Most of the NBA players are carefree and just look like they are having fun with the game. These guys have a “too cool” attitude. They also do not seem to care much about teamwork or the fans.
The “hotheaded” fastball pitcher (Roger Clemens): Think Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens in their heyday. Fierce and just darn mean on the mound, you do not want to mess with these screwballs! They throw as quickly as they rouse.
The “quiet” quarterback (Eli Manning): Last year’s Superbowl MVP is a perfect example of an A plus athlete who leads their team by example. Manning never had to declare he was the team’s most valuable player but let his actions do the talking. Most good QBs of the past (Steve Young, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman) were similar.
The “Redneck” racecar driver (Dale Earnhardt): Nascar and racing in general is such a southern and Midwest sport. The popularity is seen mostly in rural towns and it just makes sense they are labeled as such.
The “nice” hockey player (Mike Richter): Ok, so there are violent fights all the time in the sport of hockey. But, if you take a look at the NHL, the men who star are very nice people. They greet and thank fans and go about their business with little scrutiny. There are exceptions but I view hockey players the nicest of all professional athletes.
The “pampered” boxer (Oscar de la Hoya): All boxers really do is go out and fight for their lives. Everything else is taken care of by trainers and promoters. Nothing is easy in the ring I am sure, but boxers have it made when it comes to the necessities of life.
The “chatty” swimmer (Michael Phelps): Maybe it was all the Olympic exposure Phelps got, but I consider swimmers talkative and somewhat arrogant. The swimmers I’ve known are chatty and exuberant. Ironically, they are sometimes loners as well.
Parting points: The weekend forecast looks glum. The waters are coming.
From Casablanca:
Captain Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca? Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters. Captain Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert. Rick: I was misinformed.
I recommend renting and reading Friday Night Lights if you haven’t already. I hear good things about the television series and I’d like to catch a bunch of episodes eventually.
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