Learning to Talk About Sports... Forum

[Lovely Ludwig Van]

Just tell the hiring partner, "LeBron sucks." He'll know what you're talking about.

[DoctorShawHi]

So, I've heard that being able to talk about sports (football/basketball/baseball) is pretty important for social networking in law school. I've never been that interested in national or college teams, and I'm wondering what might be the best way to start. I'm not completely adverse to sports (did quite a few myself in high school). I've been a bit turned off by national teams because of the (perhaps false?) assumption that most of the team wearing a jersey for a particular state/city is not actually from that area/doesn't really care about the area/is only there for the money. There are also things like diva players/huge salaries etc. Networking is very important to me though and I'd say I'm interested enough.

Also, is baseball really all that important to know about? I've gone to a few national games, but sitting through a game on t.v. is terrible. Football and basketball would probably be the best fit for me.

baseball ain't all that.

if you dont like sports though, you're probably gonna suck at talking about it because your heart aint gonna be in it. did you play anything as a kid?

[Applying_Late]

I never understood why one would have to learn sports to make for conversation. I frankly don't give a damn about football, basketball, baseball, etc. I only did one sport in my life and did it competitively--kickboxing. I never had the time to learn the stats of other sports, as I was only focused on mine; and, frankly I thought learning stats was a complete waste of time unless you were making a living off of it i.e. gambling or coach. If the old boys network can't handle talking about what you like, there is no reason to learn what they like. (For those who argue that there is a reason to learn what they like, well, then they are just admitting that you, and perhaps they, are weak.) Why not try to make what you do in your life interesting? Hell, I'd be more interested in someone who told me about their basket weaving hobby than shooting useless stats. You can tell if someone is not passionate about a sport, you can tell if they are faking it. So, when someone asks you about baseball or whatever sport in which you're uninterested, say so and lead the discussion elsewhere; don't be a follower and learn to talk about sports for the sake of getting by or god-forbid impressing your coworkers. In other words, be confident in yourself, be a leader, and grow some huevos.

[rinkrat19]

I never understood why one would have to learn sports to make for conversation. I frankly don't give a damn about football, basketball, baseball, etc. I only did one sport in my life and did it competitively--kickboxing. I never had the time to learn the stats of other sports, as I was only focused on mine; and, frankly I thought learning stats was a complete waste of time unless you were making a living off of it i.e. gambling or coach. If the old boys network can't handle talking about what you like, there is no reason to learn what they like. (For those who argue that there is a reason to learn what they like, well, then they are just admitting that you, and perhaps they, are weak.) Why not try to make what you do in your life interesting? Hell, I'd be more interested in someone who told me about their basket weaving hobby than shooting useless stats. You can tell if someone is not passionate about a sport, you can tell if they are faking it. So, when someone asks you about baseball or whatever sport in which you're uninterested, say so and lead the discussion elsewhere; don't be a follower and learn to talk about sports for the sake of getting by or god-forbid impressing your coworkers. In other words, be confident in yourself, be a leader, and grow some huevos.

"But enough about your stupid interests; let's talk about me."

[Applying_Late]

I never understood why one would have to learn sports to make for conversation. I frankly don't give a damn about football, basketball, baseball, etc. I only did one sport in my life and did it competitively--kickboxing. I never had the time to learn the stats of other sports, as I was only focused on mine; and, frankly I thought learning stats was a complete waste of time unless you were making a living off of it i.e. gambling or coach. If the old boys network can't handle talking about what you like, there is no reason to learn what they like. (For those who argue that there is a reason to learn what they like, well, then they are just admitting that you, and perhaps they, are weak.) Why not try to make what you do in your life interesting? Hell, I'd be more interested in someone who told me about their basket weaving hobby than shooting useless stats. You can tell if someone is not passionate about a sport, you can tell if they are faking it. So, when someone asks you about baseball or whatever sport in which you're uninterested, say so and lead the discussion elsewhere; don't be a follower and learn to talk about sports for the sake of getting by or god-forbid impressing your coworkers. In other words, be confident in yourself, be a leader, and grow some huevos.

"But enough about your stupid interests; let's talk about me."

Why not? If it's more interesting than a baseball/football/basketball game, I see no problem directing the conversation even to yourself. I'd rather tell them about the last time I had to pop a pimple on my forehead, as learning to talk about sports is just as useless. And if they had to do it, then I find them pathetic and probably would rather continue working and billing more hours or hell maybe even jerking off, as at least that gives me more pleasure.

You can say "Hey I am sorry man I don't really follow this sport, sorry." You can choose a few options. If you want them to talk, have them talk about their favorite teams, perhaps even "teach" you about it. It'll make them think they are special. If you want to show some leadership, direct the conversation elsewhere.

[laxbrah420]

You don't need to talk about every sport. I'd pick football, one that you can actually like, and if those two don't fill the year, pick another. Then, which ever sport is the most popular at the time, look a bit at the standings and the top stats. Then, determine one of the players on the top teams actually sucks. Or one of the best players on the worst teams sucks. Or one of the players on Boston actually sucks. "I hate him". "He's overrated". "FUCK him". For networking, you might want to learn some owner's names. "Dan Snyder is such a prat. They'll never be good with him, I actually feel bad!".

I saw some posts that weren't this. I just want to reiterate: talking sports is just trash talking. "Holy shit. I can't fucking believe the Clippers got a win after that shitty free throw shooting. What bums"

[Ludo!]

I never understood why one would have to learn sports to make for conversation. I frankly don't give a damn about football, basketball, baseball, etc. I only did one sport in my life and did it competitively--kickboxing. I never had the time to learn the stats of other sports, as I was only focused on mine; and, frankly I thought learning stats was a complete waste of time unless you were making a living off of it i.e. gambling or coach. If the old boys network can't handle talking about what you like, there is no reason to learn what they like. (For those who argue that there is a reason to learn what they like, well, then they are just admitting that you, and perhaps they, are weak.) Why not try to make what you do in your life interesting? Hell, I'd be more interested in someone who told me about their basket weaving hobby than shooting useless stats. You can tell if someone is not passionate about a sport, you can tell if they are faking it. So, when someone asks you about baseball or whatever sport in which you're uninterested, say so and lead the discussion elsewhere; don't be a follower and learn to talk about sports for the sake of getting by or god-forbid impressing your coworkers. In other words, be confident in yourself, be a leader, and grow some huevos.

"But enough about your stupid interests; let's talk about me."

Why not? If it's more interesting than a baseball/football/basketball game, I see no problem directing the conversation even to yourself. I'd rather tell them about the last time I had to pop a pimple on my forehead, as learning to talk about sports is just as useless. And if they had to do it, then I find them pathetic and probably would rather continue working and billing more hours or hell maybe even jerking off, as at least that gives me more pleasure.

You can say "Hey I am sorry man I don't really follow this sport, sorry." You can choose a few options. If you want them to talk, have them talk about their favorite teams, perhaps even "teach" you about it. It'll make them think they are special. If you want to show some leadership, direct the conversation elsewhere.

What are you into that's so interesting? Besides pimple popping and jerking off?

[Mike12188]

What are you into that's so interesting? Besides pimple popping and jerking off?

Clearly jerking off to Bloodsport

[ilovesf]

I never understood why one would have to learn sports to make for conversation. I frankly don't give a damn about football, basketball, baseball, etc. I only did one sport in my life and did it competitively--kickboxing. I never had the time to learn the stats of other sports, as I was only focused on mine; and, frankly I thought learning stats was a complete waste of time unless you were making a living off of it i.e. gambling or coach. If the old boys network can't handle talking about what you like, there is no reason to learn what they like. (For those who argue that there is a reason to learn what they like, well, then they are just admitting that you, and perhaps they, are weak.) Why not try to make what you do in your life interesting? Hell, I'd be more interested in someone who told me about their basket weaving hobby than shooting useless stats. You can tell if someone is not passionate about a sport, you can tell if they are faking it. So, when someone asks you about baseball or whatever sport in which you're uninterested, say so and lead the discussion elsewhere; don't be a follower and learn to talk about sports for the sake of getting by or god-forbid impressing your coworkers. In other words, be confident in yourself, be a leader, and grow some huevos.

"But enough about your stupid interests; let's talk about me."

Why not? If it's more interesting than a baseball/football/basketball game, I see no problem directing the conversation even to yourself. I'd rather tell them about the last time I had to pop a pimple on my forehead, as learning to talk about sports is just as useless. And if they had to do it, then I find them pathetic and probably would rather continue working and billing more hours or hell maybe even jerking off, as at least that gives me more pleasure.

You can say "Hey I am sorry man I don't really follow this sport, sorry." You can choose a few options. If you want them to talk, have them talk about their favorite teams, perhaps even "teach" you about it. It'll make them think they are special. If you want to show some leadership, direct the conversation elsewhere.

uh..

[bmore_md]

So, I've heard that being able to talk about sports (football/basketball/baseball) is pretty important for social networking in law school. I've never been that interested in national or college teams, and I'm wondering what might be the best way to start. I'm not completely adverse to sports (did quite a few myself in high school). I've been a bit turned off by national teams because of the (perhaps false?) assumption that most of the team wearing a jersey for a particular state/city is not actually from that area/doesn't really care about the area/is only there for the money. There are also things like diva players/huge salaries etc. Networking is very important to me though and I'd say I'm interested enough.

Also, is baseball really all that important to know about? I've gone to a few national games, but sitting through a game on t.v. is terrible. Football and basketball would probably be the best fit for me.

Your use of the term "national teams" is odd, incorrect, and tells me you should never try to talk about sports. You will just come off as an idiot. Juts talk about things that interest you.

[thelawyler]

So, I've heard that being able to talk about sports (football/basketball/baseball) is pretty important for social networking in law school. I've never been that interested in national or college teams, and I'm wondering what might be the best way to start. I'm not completely adverse to sports (did quite a few myself in high school). I've been a bit turned off by national teams because of the (perhaps false?) assumption that most of the team wearing a jersey for a particular state/city is not actually from that area/doesn't really care about the area/is only there for the money. There are also things like diva players/huge salaries etc. Networking is very important to me though and I'd say I'm interested enough.

Also, is baseball really all that important to know about? I've gone to a few national games, but sitting through a game on t.v. is terrible. Football and basketball would probably be the best fit for me.

Your use of the term "national teams" is odd, incorrect, and tells me you should never try to talk about sports. You will just come off as an idiot. Juts talk about things that interest you.

He obviously has a soccer background (notice his Liverpool avatar? lol) where national teams means USA, Brazil, Italy, Spain, etc. Think World Cup. A real sports fan would clearly have recognized this...

[$$$$$$]

Just tell the hiring partner, "LeBron sucks." He'll know what you're talking about.

yea, if he knows anything about basketball he'll think you're an idiot

[Nova]

Just tell the hiring partner, "LeBron sucks." He'll know what you're talking about.

Egregious anti-Lebron trolling. Thats like saying Harvard sucks.


OP, follow football and focus on whoever plays nearest to you.

[paratactical]

So, I've heard that being able to talk about sports (football/basketball/baseball) is pretty important for social networking in law school. I've never been that interested in national or college teams, and I'm wondering what might be the best way to start. I'm not completely adverse to sports (did quite a few myself in high school). I've been a bit turned off by national teams because of the (perhaps false?) assumption that most of the team wearing a jersey for a particular state/city is not actually from that area/doesn't really care about the area/is only there for the money. There are also things like diva players/huge salaries etc. Networking is very important to me though and I'd say I'm interested enough.

Also, is baseball really all that important to know about? I've gone to a few national games, but sitting through a game on t.v. is terrible. Football and basketball would probably be the best fit for me.

Your use of the term "national teams" is odd, incorrect, and tells me you should never try to talk about sports. You will just come off as an idiot. Juts talk about things that interest you.

He obviously has a soccer background (notice his Liverpool avatar? lol) where national teams means USA, Brazil, Italy, Spain, etc. Think World Cup. A real sports fan would clearly have recognized this...

What are you talking about? That avatar is from comic book, jabroni.

[JustE]

I clearly haven't read everything. If you're up early, turn on the 6am SportsCenter, if you're up late, fall asleep to the 11pm edition. It's really as simple as that. It will allow you to keep up with current events and hold a decent convo.

Good luck!

[Birdnals]

Applying_Late,
Did you happen to participate in any other obscure activities? I find relating to people is best done by discussing matters in which only one participant in the conversation knows/cares about. I vastly prefer talking at somebody as opposed to talking with them. If they can’t appreciate how fucking interesting I am, then they are probably ugly and illiterate.

ETA: On subject though, record Around The Horn or Pardon the Interruption and put it on in the background when you are at home doing other things. The columnists are interesting/funny and cover all the major sports events. Also if you read the first couple pages of the local paper’s sports section that will be what most people talk about.

[laxbrah420]

Applying_Late,
Did you happen to participate in any other obscure activities? I find relating to people is best done by discussing matters in which only one participant in the conversation knows/cares about. I vastly prefer talking at somebody as opposed to talking with them. If they can’t appreciate how fucking interesting I am, then they are probably ugly and illiterate.

ETA: On subject though, record Around The Horn or Pardon the Interruption and put it on in the background when you are at home doing other things. The columnists are interesting/funny and cover all the major sports events. Also if you read the first couple pages of the local paper’s sports section that will be what most people talk about.

When somebody else starts talking, I usually just stare at their eyes and hope they finish whatever the fuck they're saying so I can tell a much more interesting story.

[joeshmo39]

Applying_Late,
Did you happen to participate in any other obscure activities? I find relating to people is best done by discussing matters in which only one participant in the conversation knows/cares about. I vastly prefer talking at somebody as opposed to talking with them. If they can’t appreciate how fucking interesting I am, then they are probably ugly and illiterate.

ETA: On subject though, record Around The Horn or Pardon the Interruption and put it on in the background when you are at home doing other things. The columnists are interesting/funny and cover all the major sports events. Also if you read the first couple pages of the local paper’s sports section that will be what most people talk about.

When somebody else starts talking, I usually just stare at their eyes and hope they finish whatever the fuck they're saying so I can tell a much more interesting story.

Have you tried the walk off, use the restroom, freshen up your drink, and then return strategy? That's the one I prefer.

[TIKITEMBO]

Meh, I thought with the NFL (National Football League) and the NBA (National Basketball Association) that it would be fine to refer to various teams that were with those organizations as "national teams". Of course they don't say represent America against Belgium.


As for obscure sports, I don't think the baton twirling I did as a kid will impress too many. They should be impressed though. I could (and still can) set special ones on fire at the ends and twirl them in my mouth.

[TyrionLannister]

Just tell the hiring partner, "LeBron sucks." He'll know what you're talking about.

yea, if he knows anything about basketball he'll think you're an idiot

Or it just means you are from Cleveland.

[laxbrah420]

Meh, I thought with the NFL (National Football League) and the NBA (National Basketball Association) that it would be fine to refer to various teams that were with those organizations as "national teams". Of course they don't say represent America against Belgium.


As for obscure sports, I don't think the baton twirling I did as a kid will impress too many. They should be impressed though. I could (and still can) set special ones on fire at the ends and twirl them in my mouth.

"Pro" was the word you were looking for

Getting a kid involved with baton twirling is child abuse IMO.

[TyrionLannister]

If the old boys network can't handle talking about what you like, there is no reason to learn what they like. (For those who argue that there is a reason to learn what they like, well, then they are just admitting that you, and perhaps they, are weak.)

Yeah, successful people hate talking about stuff that interests them. What they really want is someone to come in with an arrogant attitude towards their hobbies and completely divert every conversation towards stuff that the majority of partners/associates couldn't give a shit about.

Partner: "Jesus, the Skins mortgaged their fucking future to get RG3, that kid better not suck."
You: "You know what doesn't suck? Competitive kickboxing."

Brilliant plan.

[$$$$$$]

Meh, I thought with the NFL (National Football League) and the NBA (National Basketball Association) that it would be fine to refer to various teams that were with those organizations as "national teams". Of course they don't say represent America against Belgium.

Yea, definitely don't talk about sports to network. You really don't have to though. If you say the bolded and are pretty, guys will probably think you're adorable for trying, but will assume you don''t know shit about sports.

But, if you truly want to learn about sports in general, just watch some of the games. You said you are pretty, so guys will want to hang with you regardless (unless you are super annoying and loud), if you just watch the games and ask questions from time to time when you don''t understand, no one is going to scorn you, and will probably like the fact that you are genuinely interested.

[bobbyh1919]

I would file myself under the category of sports fanatic, and one of my least favorite things is when someone wants to engage in a sports conversation but winds up not being able to get through it. For example, if you watch ESPN for an hour you can mention how the Bulls are struggling without Derrick Rose. I'll probably come back and say how Deng and Boozer need to step up and how Gibson should start and how they need Noah back because Hawes went off in Game 4....etc. Most people who will bring up sports want to talk about it all the way through instead of just hitting a couple of basic talking points. As I imagine this is the case with most interests, you should just stick with things you are generally interested in.

I doubt many hiring partners are going to come in and just try to strike up a sports conversation with someone whose background doesn't suggest they would be interested in having that conversation. If someone wants to talk sports, they'll have no problem finding someone to do so with.

[laxbrah420]

that's a continuation? "the guys who are not rose need to play better".

"also, they need to win".