The Good And Bad Evolution of ESPN

Sometimes the memories come flooding back. Cable television was coming into it's own. MTV was making the splash that many of us still hold dear and I was in the early stages of my first marriage and learning about becoming a dad.

It seemed like I've always worked the graveyard shift, yet I would come home in the morning, turn on the TV, and actually enjoy watching Australian Rules Football and rugby. 

In the coming months and years, the essence of March Madness developed before our eyes as ESPN brought that excitement, energy, and passion into our homes.

But now, it no longer feels that way. Oh sure, the coverage of events is still unparalleled. The commercials and anchors give it the spice and flavor that keeps you coming back.

I indulge in the occasional Sunday morning sports reporters to get my fix of dry wit and humor that becomes someone moving into mid-life.

But, ESPN now is like that corporation or conglomerate that continues expanding and is like all of us at Thanksgiving Dinner that don't know when to get away from the table.

I've only been exposed to ESPN and ESPN2, but, now there's ESPN360, ESPNU, ESPN News, ESPN Deportes (did I leave any out?).

They actually sponsor a number of the college football bowls (six, I believe). A full 68 of 120 FBS schools participate in the postseason, meaning a number of 6-6 teams are now playing for the right to finish the year with a losing record.

The theory of more-equals-more has taken the place of less-equals-more. Or, in our current society, if we don't cover it and bring it to life, someone else will.

Both, college football and basketball are my two passions. They emulate what pro football and pro basketball were during the 1980's.

As we continue to evolve, I believe the next decade or so will bring about the move to lower divisions of the college game.

Our current economic plight is probably already pushing us in that direction because we enjoy our times out and we love our entertainment and sports, yet we have to temper our spending habits with the changing world.

Our announcers offer us much in hour-long shows with analysis, stats, and little-known nuggets that we might not find on our own, yet they, in a strange way, no longer feel personal to me.

More and more, they invite their peers onto the shows (the same ones over-and-over) where it now feels like they are no longer talking with us, but rather talking amongst themselves. I no longer feel a part of their world.

The radio side feels too much like Entertainment Tonight with more of the Hollywood flair or paparazzi tone.

From all of this, the thing that I find most disturbing is that ESPN is allowing this manipulation, like it's almost agenda-driven because you really don't have anywhere else to get your sports information.

Yet, I'll still tune in. I miss Charley Steiner and Kenny Mayne (the one night having family dinner and hearing "HOMMMME RRRRRUN," whispering "YESS!" Meanwhile, my teenage daughter was going "NOOO" as the Expos hit a walk-off to beat the Braves, and her heartthrob, Chipper Jones.

The athletes and the games they play, the passion, their love for the game is what keeps me coming back. If I could only remove that ticker showing me constant Brett Favre updates and following Barry Bonds, FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, only to have it washed away with steroids.

Perhaps, I like the sugar and frosting too much and only want to see the purity of all. I guess I didn't want that "newness" to ever fade away.