Media's Sideshow and How It Corrupts Our Perception Of Sports

It seems pointless to contemplate our fascination with sports.

Through shallow introspection, like any other passion, I'm aware my most fundamental components are engaged. Some are so captured by its allure, it saturates their entire existence. Trivializing phrases associated with sports—"it's just a game"—are created to poke intellectual holes into a truly fulfilling experience.

But, as with many other things, media alters our perception of sports. And that can infect an otherwise healthy relationship.

Michael Vick's crimes are, in my mind, unforgivable. In a way, I'm glad he's in the public spotlight because the humiliation surrounding the crimes he committed was magnified enormously. However, if 98 percent of sports coverage is crammed with hazy speculation and vague analysis concerning his every move, my passion for it expands subconsciously to encompass things unrelated.

The periphery is blown up to such a degree my initial curiosities are drowned in a blabbering mess caused by a perpetual need for higher ratings. Brett Favre, Tiger Woods and LeBron James' personal lives may be distasteful, but I'm not interested in seeing Woody Paige or Skip Bayless dissect the extent to which LeBron's "Decision" will tarnish his image.

The personalities on programs like Pardon the Interruption, Around the Horn and Jim Rome is Burning are what draw viewers, not the content. With each show recycling the others material, the one you choose to watch is based on it's entertainment value over anything else.

I enjoy sports as much as anyone.

Everyday I'm either watching or playing one. But we need to remember why they capture us in the first place. Instead of having Lil Wayne co-host on 1st and 10, let's have a knowledgeable sportswriter fill in. Instead of writing an article on the "Top 25 Hottest Women Tennis Players," write an article on the "Top 25 Women Tennis Players." Instead of creating a poll on whether Terrell Owens will have another breakdown or not, well, just don't.

I follow sports because I'm interested in sports. If I'm interested in someone's personal life or ogling girls, I'll watch TMZ or pick up Maxim.

Who's with me?