In the past few days, while casually browsing through the various holiday-themed channels, I came across an interesting show: "theScore's Top 50 Plays of 2010". It is always refreshing to have a quick recap of the year's best and this show proved itself worthy. Through the several basketball slamdunks and unbelievable footwork of soccer and football players, there was one clip that captured my attention. Ranked somewhere in the top 25 was the ever-popular clip of Seattle Sockeye's Andrew Fleming making an almost impossible layout in the World Ultimate Club Championships in Prague earlier this year. Perhaps you share my enthusiasm for this moment as it is rare to come across Ultimate on television, especially on a show like theScore.
I used to follow this show quite closely as the entertaining duo, Tim Micallef and Sid Seixeiro, offered their insight into the world of sports at the professional stage. However, immediately after showing the clip of Andrew Fleming's play, their remarks felt less than amusing. Their comments were offensive on two levels. On the first, they personally attacked Fleming and his hairstyle. A bit of heckling is acceptable, but surely there is a limit, especially on national television. The second level of offensive comments was aimed at all Ultimate players calling it a sport "for losers". "If you are playing it, you're probably still single," said one of the entertaining hosts. It would be immature of me to challenge the validity of their statistics. So let us assume for an instance that their comments were unintentionally offensive, and that it spawned from their ignorance. If that is the case, then it is up to us to remind them of how enjoyable this sport can be.
Recently, I sent this comment in for their perusal and I am anxiously awaiting a response:
Dear Tim and Sid,
I was watching your countdown of the "top 50 plays" on the 24th of December and found it quite entertaining at first, but eventually I was left feeling somewhat insulted. Although I appreciate you airing the clip of Andrew Fleming's layout from the World Ultimate Club Championships in Prague this year, it does seem that you have taken heckling to another level. Personally attacking a player as great as himself, especially after him making a play like that, is slightly confusing, and not at all congruent with the standards that you have maintained in the past. As an avid Ultimate player myself, I found it somewhat disconcerting to hear your comments about the sport. By criticizing Ultimate players, you have now alienated a certain portion of your audience. My intention here is not to restrict your freedom of speech, but to remind you of the power of media and its influence on the masses. I have followed your shows for quite a while and have tremendous respect for your work and appreciate your sense of humour at times. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to at least try this sport, even at the recreation level. I am sure you will find it a positive experience. In addition, perhaps try watching some Ultimate clips on Youtube. This sport is more intense than you think. If you are still doubtful, I will be more than happy to show you how this sport is played.
Wish you a joyous holiday season,
-Dinesh
I would appreciate your input in this issue, especially since I may be basing my comments on the naive notion that someone on the other side actually cares. Call it an institutionalized and idealistic view of justice thrust upon me by my post-secondary ventures, but enough is enough.
If you are unfamiliar with the clip, please click on the "Ulti-Videos" tab above and check it out. This clip aired on ESPN and has been commented on by thousands of blog-writers like myself.
