John Nieman
It is becoming ever-increasingly difficult to put aside the daily events of our country in order to have some feeling of calm and serenity. My reliance on sport to achieve that grows every day.
I begin each day by waking up and watching ESPN FC, a daily recap of the world of soccer. Not only does it give me some respite from the madness of our political culture, but the presenters provide a wonderful example of carrying on.
One of the regular hosts, Dan Thomas, is just coming off receiving a liver transplant and yet he provides a jovial atmosphere. Another presenter, Alejandro Moreno—a former UNCG star, by the way—is a native of Venezuela, and yet he has yet to comment on the goings on, focusing instead on soccer. Watching this program each morning is a wonderful way for me to detach and start the day. I heartily recommend it.
We are entering a World Cup year and those of us who are addicted to the Beautiful Game should be rhapsodic in anticipation of the US hosting the event with Canada and Mexico. While I’m sure many decry the expansion to 48 teams, the opportunities for these nations could be exciting and the possibility of a Cinderella team is something to anticipate.
But of all the countries that could be hosting this first expanded Cup, I can’t help but think that the United States is the most problematic.
It is horrifying to imagine what havoc could be caused by a xenophobic demagogue, completely unchecked by a complicit legislature and a milquetoast judiciary, who is hell bent on causing as much chaos as possible to distract from his own personal character foibles.
What kind of indignities will be imposed upon the fans, players and staff from countries deemed unsuitable by the administration? How much disruption can we imagine?
And so I watch sporting shows and sporting events and try to become hopeful that this wonderful event will somehow bring the peace and calm and excitement for which it was meant.
The individual members of the US Men’s National Team are outperforming expectations at their clubs throughout the world and, despite all of our fears, Pochettino seems to be putting together a team capable of some measure of success. England has a team that could actually bring the Cup home. France and Spain have more talent on each of their teams than some confederations. And Lionel Messi will still be playing for Argentina.
But it takes more than just the anticipation of a summer tournament to divert my attention from ICE violence, Venezuela, Greenland, the Kennedy Center, vaccination restrictions, and the rest of the playlist from the administration. And so I have found myself fascinated by the college football playoffs.
For a lot of the country who are neutral, the dream matchup probably would have been Ole Miss and Indiana. But for those of us in the ACC, there could not have been a better final. Miami making it to the final was just so satisfying. Sit down, shut up, and eat your popcorn, Notre Dame!
And Indiana seems intent on showing the football world that superior coaching with top talent can succeed. The SEC model of just getting the biggest, the fastest, and the strongest football athletes may not be enough. And we may be seeing that in a world of portals and NIL, where you really can’t cheat, it’s going to take more than just out-recruiting everyone else.
I have to say that the way Indiana plays almost makes me renew my interest in American football. It is fast-paced and innovative and almost overcomes the irritating down time.
But my hopes are with Miami. Go ACC!
In next month’s edition, I will be happily reporting the induction of Kip Ward and Vicki Brawley into the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame for their founding and nurturing of the Rainbow Soccer program in Chapel Hill. It is much overdue and truly deserved.
As I have noted in this space before, I reluctantly agreed to begin a GLP-1 regimen. So far, so good. No side effects to speak of.
And so, Fat Boy Index: 271.