Q: I'm often conflicted as a sports fan. I want to root for my team - or certain players - who are clearly not model citizens. In other words, should I feel bad rooting for a team that has a bunch of players (or a coach) who I think is a jerk?
- Conflicted in Cherry Hill
A: Dude, I caught a lot of heat in my playing days when I came out and said, "I am not a role model for your kids."
The point then and the point now is athletes aren't out there to be role models - or model citizens. They're out there to perform to the best of their abilities in their respective sports. Hopefully they're playing to win; that's all you should hope for.
Root for your team to win. They won't get extra points for helping you across the street. It would be a wonderful world if everybody lived responsibly and there were no jerks. But there are jerks in every profession, not just pro sports. In real life you don't boo people for giving you bad service or give them high-fives when they do their jobs. Actually, it would be pretty funny to do that.
Q: Is it dumb to wear a jersey to a game if the team of said jersey is not playing? For example: Going to an Eagles-Giants game in a Steelers or Raiders or Cowboys jersey. I think it is stupid and it is just someone trying to get attention. Agree or am I way off base?
- Fashion-Conscious in Chester
A: Why would you care if somebody wears a Steelers jersey to an Eagles-Giants game?
You got too much time on your hands if you're looking around and worrying about what other people are wearing. There's no rule that says you have to root for and dress for the home team. It's not a matter of being stupid or trying to get attention. It's wearing what you want to wear, plain and simple. Your question doesn't even get you on base.