The 10 "Stupidest" Sports on ESPN

The ESPN family of networks has been a large part of my life growing up and will certainly continue to play a big role in the years to come.

Simply put, the networks have it all. They cover anything and everything that is sports.

But sometimes, they seem to go a little too far. Maybe they get a little greedy, or maybe these shows really do pull good ratings. Either way they don't make any sense.

Here is a list of the stupidest sports on ESPN.

10. Bassmaster Classic

Starting the list is the Bassmaster Classic. This event is exactly what it sounds like, fishing.

Now I like to fish, don't get me wrong, but to watch it on television is a whole other thing.

From the weigh-ins to the countless hours sitting on the boat, the Bassmaster Tournaments are as boring as they come.

With the possibility of hours in between catches, it is at least easy to make a quick trip out for some food without missing any action.

9. Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Rodeo on ESPN2 has been another staple since I can remember and it culminates with the Wrangler National Final.

Some rodeo fans were up in arms when ESPN decided to move the live shows to ESPN Classic for the 2009 Finals. Only repeats were shown on ESPN2.

Hum...I wonder why?

While those few rodeo lovers may be a little upset, most viewers couldn't care less.

8. Horse Racing

While few things compare to the Kentucky Derby and the race for the Triple Crown, three horse races a year is plenty for my liking.

ESPN doesn't seem to think so as they continue to air meaningless races. Well, to everybody except maybe a gambling man.

Couple that with the fact that former Sportscenter anchor Kenny Mayne disappeared to cover these events and you have a lot of angry ESPN fans.

7. PBA Bowling

Seemingly every Sunday during football season, ESPN attempts to deter NFL viewers from CBS and FOX by airing the PBA Tour.

Every Sunday after NFL Countdown, they always mention the fact that the PBA Tour is coming up next on ESPN. Like anybody in the world is going to watch that on a Sunday afternoon in the fall.

Bowling is extremely fun to play, but watching it on television is definitely not.

6. Billiards

To most, Billiards is nothing more than a bar sport played while having a few adult beverages, but to some including those at ESPN, it is worthy of a national audience.

While they have moved most of the shows to ESPN Classic—where few venture—for years Billiards was seen on ESPN2.

Some may remember Jeanette Lee, the "Black Widow" who dressed in all black and always dominated the circuit.

5. Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

Year in and year out, every Fourth of July, ESPN airs the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

While it is amusing to watch, there is no question it is kind of dumb.

Yet, ESPN makes a big deal out of it with live coverage, interviews and headlines on Sportscenter.

Takueru Kobayashi dominated for many years before being taken over by the American Joey Chestnut a few years back.

I don't know about you, but watching people stuff hot dogs down their throats is not too appealing to me.

4. World Series of Poker

When the World Series of Poker became big on ESPN, I used to think it was one of the coolest things on TV.

I actually looked forward to watching on Tuesday night when the games best battled for the title.

Then it got old. Quickly.

Each year more and more players entered the tournament and it slowly became a game of no names.

Honestly, how long can someone sit around and watch poker before it gets a little old?

3. Scripps National Spelling Bee

If you can even call it a sport, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is next on the list.

Every year ESPN continues to air the Bee. Can anyone say they have honestly sat through it?

It may be interesting to watch a few highlights, but the coverage ESPN gives this "sport" is mind-boggling.

They have even sent Erin Andrews to cover the event.

I know it is a chance for these kids to shine, but that doesn't mean the whole thing isn't stupid.

2. Slow-Pitch Softball

Just as recently as a few weeks ago, ESPN aired a softball game between the United Stats and Canada.

The slow pitch variety.

This is the kind of stuff you see at a local rec park, not on ESPN.

It is literally just a bunch of beer drinkers hitting home runs. I mean what other sport has a limit on how many home runs you can hit.

Needless to say the USA lost to Canada 30-29 in what was deemed the Border Battle.

1. WNBA

Topping the list is the much maligned WNBA: the Women's National Basketball Association.

Even those at ESPN have to agree that signing a contract to broadcast the WNBA was a huge mistake.

Nothing against these girls, but the game is just so boring.

There is no athleticism and the talent level is so far below that of even men's college basketball that it is kind of funny.

Not even Candace Parker and the Los Angeles Sparks can make this interesting at all.

Sorry ladies, you are on the top of this list.