You're conditioning your child for greatness; trust me on this.
Mike Emrick, the play-by-play announcer for the NBC Sports Network, for Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers had to be worn out. The two teams could only score one goal apiece and were now three overtimes deep. Goodness gracious. When it seemed like the game would never end, Marian Gaborik's game-winning goal put a certain subset of hockey fans into "jubilation mode" or "cry tears in my beer mode." The game was finally over.
Then Emrick said the following (paraphrasing) and it made me think of my Mom.
"Kids, be sure to thank your parents for letting you stay up past your bedtime. You're going to be moving around slow tomorrow, but it'll be worth it." -- Mike Emrick
Even though it was totally the wrong thing to do, my mom would let me stay up and watch games when my squad was on the brink. My Seattle SuperSonics would be playing late night on the West Coast versus the Phoenix Suns, and moms would be down. "Did Kemp win the game for the Sonics, son?" My mom would ask. She stopped asking that as soon as my celebration or disgust would immediately kick in.
Parents, let your kids stay up and watch their favorite teams. Otherwise, they'll have to rely on highlights in the morning, and second-hand stories from their friends. You'll breed a bandwagon sports fan, and your child will be despised.
There's no country for bandwagon sports fans, especially not here. Here is your reading material for Thursday.
Grantland: WWE Extreme Rules: Where Winning Doesn't Matter (and It's Awesome)
Hardwood Paroxysm: The Contradictions Of Marshon Brooks
Beyond The Arc: Anthony Davis to be a finalist for Team USA
Hoops Authority: Li-Ning to Release Limited Edition "Cinco De Mayo" Sneakers
How To Make It: The Art of Film & TV Title Design
Lifehacker: Uncle Sam Says to Put Your Social Media Affairs in Order
National Post: Lionel Messi makes history with hat trick in Barcelona victory
SLAM Online: Player Comparisons: Imani Stafford x Brittney Griner
Smoking Section: Did VH1 “Behind The Music” Crack Biggie’s Murder Case?
Bull City: Is Coaching A Problem For ACC Football?
Pro Basketball Talk: Nick Young and Gilbert Arenas maintain strong friendship
Eddie Maisonet is the founder and editor emeritus of The Sports Fan Journal. Currently, he serves as an associate editor for ESPN.com. He is an unabashed Russell Westbrook and Barry Switzer apologist, owns over 100 fitteds and snapbacks, and lives by Reggie Jackson’s famous quote, “I am the straw that stirs the drink.”
