I’m gonna speak purely from an American football (NFL/NCAA DI) standpoint, which will probably interest like 2 other people on this site, but whatever:
If you’re talking about those who provide “analysis” between games, I don’t think there is a more useless way to spend your time than listen to these guys. I put analysis in quotes because it’s all really just speculation. Speculation about a fucking game. People already speculate about real world stuff like politics way too much, but I feel like I know too many grown adults who treat consuming sports “analysis” as a hobby.
Now, as for the play-by-play and color commentary, there was a time when I felt like it actually added to the experience, like the 90s to the mid 00s. Of course, there was the great John Madden who had the talent of providing interesting commentary for both experienced fans and people who were watching their first game. Once he retired, I feel like it all went downhill. Now, the commentators only cater to the lowest common denominator of fans who are more into sports for the tribalism aspect than actually understanding the game beyond what is happening on the screen. Everyone always goes “but what about Tony Romo?” Ok is it really that surprising that a quarterback who played professionally for over 10 years can occasionally predict plays pre-snap? It was his job long before he was a commentator. He doesn’t even really explain the thought processes behind his predictions either. He’s just flexing to impress people.
I’m gonna speak purely from an American football (NFL/NCAA DI) standpoint, which will probably interest like 2 other people on this site, but whatever:
If you’re talking about those who provide “analysis” between games, I don’t think there is a more useless way to spend your time than listen to these guys. I put analysis in quotes because it’s all really just speculation. Speculation about a fucking game. People already speculate about real world stuff like politics way too much, but I feel like I know too many grown adults who treat consuming sports “analysis” as a hobby.
Now, as for the play-by-play and color commentary, there was a time when I felt like it actually added to the experience, like the 90s to the mid 00s. Of course, there was the great John Madden who had the talent of providing interesting commentary for both experienced fans and people who were watching their first game. Once he retired, I feel like it all went downhill. Now, the commentators only cater to the lowest common denominator of fans who are more into sports for the tribalism aspect than actually understanding the game beyond what is happening on the screen. Everyone always goes “but what about Tony Romo?” Ok is it really that surprising that a quarterback who played professionally for over 10 years can occasionally predict plays pre-snap? It was his job long before he was a commentator. He doesn’t even really explain the thought processes behind his predictions either. He’s just flexing to impress people.