Learning to Talk About Sports... Forum

[JayTeeDee]

Sports need to be studied just like any other subject. It is VERY EASY to tell when someone is bullshitting. Good Luck

[bobbyh1919]

Skip's Tebow obsession made me stop watching for the better part of the end of the season and yeah he does get entrenched in ideas and refuses to back down. The whole dynamic between him and Stephen A. Smith is so dramatic now that it's getting hard to watch.

[paratactical]

Big time MMA fans are definitely weirdos.

Lots of people super into MMA are weirdos.

Troof.

[roaringeagle]

i find sports talk to be mad boring, except NFL/NCAA football, which of course is awesome. I especially like when inebriated people shout at each other regarding draft picks, players, teams etc.

GO STEELERS! YES MY DAD IS FROM PITTSBURGH!

[Applying_Late]

Big time MMA fans are definitely weirdos.

Lots of people super into MMA are weirdos.

Troof.

Any big-time fan is weird--they are fanatical. MMA fans might be more aggressive than others, but I would argue that they might not be more aggressive than other fans of fighting sports, even fanatics of football. Though I don't like MMA as a sport, I actually respect fanatical MMA people more than football player fanatics: I'd rather have someone in my group who can kick ass or take a punch to the face than someone who just talks a lot and at most can tackle (and rarely can football players take a hit to the face, they buckle, but that's not to say they can't be trained to do it). I also know from experience (ringside and streetside) that big muscle and/or big body doesn't translate into much: if you have a soft chin, you'll fall.

Anyway, to get back on topic to the general theme, don't try to learn to talk about sports--it's useless.

[Tom Joad]

Big time MMA fans are definitely weirdos.

Lots of people super into MMA are weirdos.

Troof.

Any big-time fan is weird--they are fanatical. MMA fans might be more aggressive than others, but I would argue that they might not be more aggressive than other fans of fighting sports, even fanatics of football. Though I don't like MMA as a sport, I actually respect fanatical MMA people more than football player fanatics: I'd rather have someone in my group who can kick ass or take a punch to the face than someone who just talks a lot and at most can tackle (and rarely can football players take a hit to the face, they buckle, but that's not to say they can't be trained to do it). I also know from experience (ringside and streetside) that big muscle and/or big body doesn't translate into much: if you have a soft chin, you'll fall.

Anyway, to get back on topic to the general theme, don't try to learn to talk about sports--it's useless.

Actually, in 2012 normal people don't get in bar brawls on the reg so your buddy's chin doesn't matter. You are pretty much confirming the stereotype that martial arts fans are weirdos.

[Applying_Late]

Actually, in 2012 normal people don't get in bar brawls on the reg so your buddy's chin doesn't matter. You are pretty much confirming the stereotype that martial arts fans are weirdos.

Depends on which bars you go to. Regardless, it's not even about getting into a fights at bars, and notice I mentioned ringside, because that's what I emphasized. It's about working with a group of fighters, who are all used to fighting to the end for whatever position it is that they are fighting. So I rather be on a team with a bunch of strong-willed, tough people than a bunch of statistic-yelling pussies. Unfortunately, I already find myself a pussy for joining law, which is risk averse. Most business people I met are pretty strong-willed fighters and risk-takers: they enjoy challenges, like all who enjoy a good fight; and frankly, they have to have strong chins to be successful.

[charliep]

yeah, martial artists are so weird. if you aren't screaming at grown men playing with variously shaped balls, you're just embarrassing yourself

[Nova]

Any big-time fan is weird--they are fanatical. MMA fans might be more aggressive than others, but I would argue that they might not be more aggressive than other fans of fighting sports, even fanatics of football. Though I don't like MMA as a sport, I actually respect fanatical MMA people more than football player fanatics: I'd rather have someone in my group who can kick ass or take a punch to the face than someone who just talks a lot and at most can tackle (and rarely can football players take a hit to the face, they buckle, but that's not to say they can't be trained to do it). I also know from experience (ringside and streetside) that big muscle and/or big body doesn't translate into much: if you have a soft chin, you'll fall.

Anyway, to get back on topic to the general theme, don't try to learn to talk about sports--it's useless.

MMA fan =/= Ass kicker

Still, most yall wussies are trippin. MMA is legit.

[Ludo!]

Actually, in 2012 normal people don't get in bar brawls on the reg so your buddy's chin doesn't matter. You are pretty much confirming the stereotype that martial arts fans are weirdos.

Depends on which bars you go to. Regardless, it's not even about getting into a fights at bars, and notice I mentioned ringside, because that's what I emphasized. It's about working with a group of fighters, who are all used to fighting to the end for whatever position it is that they are fighting. So I rather be on a team with a bunch of strong-willed, tough people than a bunch of statistic-yelling pussies. Unfortunately, I already find myself a pussy for joining law, which is risk averse. Most business people I met are pretty strong-willed fighters and risk-takers: they enjoy challenges, like all who enjoy a good fight; and frankly, they have to have strong chins to be successful.

This thread is now about how weird you are

[bigeast03]

Actually, in 2012 normal people don't get in bar brawls on the reg so your buddy's chin doesn't matter. You are pretty much confirming the stereotype that martial arts fans are weirdos.

Depends on which bars you go to. Regardless, it's not even about getting into a fights at bars, and notice I mentioned ringside, because that's what I emphasized. It's about working with a group of fighters, who are all used to fighting to the end for whatever position it is that they are fighting. So I rather be on a team with a bunch of strong-willed, tough people than a bunch of statistic-yelling pussies. Unfortunately, I already find myself a pussy for joining law, which is risk averse. Most business people I met are pretty strong-willed fighters and risk-takers: they enjoy challenges, like all who enjoy a good fight; and frankly, they have to have strong chins to be successful.

Why do fans of fight sports know how to participate in the sport they are fans of, but other fans only know statistics? Why do fight sports make you tougher than any other contact sport? You seem dumb. Also, ringside means outside of the ring for future reference.

[Applying_Late]

Actually, in 2012 normal people don't get in bar brawls on the reg so your buddy's chin doesn't matter. You are pretty much confirming the stereotype that martial arts fans are weirdos.

Depends on which bars you go to. Regardless, it's not even about getting into a fights at bars, and notice I mentioned ringside, because that's what I emphasized. It's about working with a group of fighters, who are all used to fighting to the end for whatever position it is that they are fighting. So I rather be on a team with a bunch of strong-willed, tough people than a bunch of statistic-yelling pussies. Unfortunately, I already find myself a pussy for joining law, which is risk averse. Most business people I met are pretty strong-willed fighters and risk-takers: they enjoy challenges, like all who enjoy a good fight; and frankly, they have to have strong chins to be successful.

Why do fans of fight sports know how to participate in the sport they are fans of, but other fans only know statistics? Why do fight sports make you tougher than any other contact sport? You seem dumb. Also, ringside means outside of the ring for future reference.

First, I used statistics metaphorically and figuratively. I am not saying that "other" fans only know statistics. From the little I know about tennis and its fans, I don't recall stat shouting. I am saying that baseball/football/basketball fans are statistic/fact heavy. Also I should have qualified "many" or even "most" fighter sports fans probably participate in their sport. But that also applies to others: I'm guessing most football fans will say they played (touch) football once in their lives, or baseball fans threw/caught/hit a baseball, or basketball players dribbled the ball. As a metaphor, I look at either-or, which is an extreme: so if you don't engage in the sport, you are probably a stat slinger; moreover, if you never stood in the ring (or faced a challenge head-on) even as an amateur, you are probably weak--I never saw amateur-baseball players as fighters/challenge-crazed fiends (I think the OP is one of the few people who wants to learn to talk about sports in which he has never participated.)

Fight sports, imo, require you to take a higher risk of contact. Some football players don't get hit that often, and those that do "contact" aren't really taking calculated blows to the head or the body, and definitely have some nice protective gear. Ali most likely wouldn't be shaking like he is right now if he had become a football player. The man took blow after blow to an unprotected head. Ask any football player if they think they are tougher than Ali or Tyson or any champion heavyweight boxer--I think they'd choke. And if they are stupid enough to think they are tougher, ask them to take a bet and last more than three rounds in a ring. I am 100% sure that any good heavyweight boxer can last a football game by getting tackled persistently by any of the top football players.

Calling someone dumb doesn't help your argument. I can also call you that, but I'll save us the baby talk.

And do I actually contradict myself with ringside? I know what it is to be in the ring and ringside. Do I have no authority to talk about the football players I saw ringside and streetside get owned?

EDITED: Didn't directly answer first question.

[beachbum]

Looks like you all went and pissed off the MMA weirdo. Watch your (soft) chins.

[paratactical]

Looks like you all went and pissed off the MMA weirdo. Watch your (soft) chins.

ruleser doesn't post here anymore. I think we're safe.

[el William]

Lots of people play little league baseball or pop warner football as kids. Not many participate in MMA cage fights.

[Nova]

As an amature figher, I think it is safe to say amature fighters usually suck at fighting. They are brave for stepping in the cage though.

BigEast, no need to be mean and call the wierdo dumb. Calling his argument dumb would suffice.

[bigeast03]

BigEast, no need to be mean and call the wierdo dumb. Calling his argument dumb would suffice.

Fair enough, definitely my fault- I shouldn't have insulted him personally.

As an amature figher, I think it is safe to say amature fighters usually suck at fighting.

I don't know if most of them suck at fighting, but I would argue that they would almost universally know better than to ever get in a fight outside of the ring/cage.

[Applying_Late]

As an amature figher, I think it is safe to say amature fighters usually suck at fighting. They are brave for stepping in the cage though.

BigEast, no need to be mean and call the wierdo dumb. Calling his argument dumb would suffice.

OK and if you want to call the argument dumb, at least back it up.

[nucky thompson]

Actually, in 2012 normal people don't get in bar brawls on the reg so your buddy's chin doesn't matter. You are pretty much confirming the stereotype that martial arts fans are weirdos.

Depends on which bars you go to. Regardless, it's not even about getting into a fights at bars, and notice I mentioned ringside, because that's what I emphasized. It's about working with a group of fighters, who are all used to fighting to the end for whatever position it is that they are fighting. So I rather be on a team with a bunch of strong-willed, tough people than a bunch of statistic-yelling pussies. Unfortunately, I already find myself a pussy for joining law, which is risk averse. Most business people I met are pretty strong-willed fighters and risk-takers: they enjoy challenges, like all who enjoy a good fight; and frankly, they have to have strong chins to be successful.

Why do fans of fight sports know how to participate in the sport they are fans of, but other fans only know statistics? Why do fight sports make you tougher than any other contact sport? You seem dumb. Also, ringside means outside of the ring for future reference.

First, I used statistics metaphorically and figuratively. I am not saying that "other" fans only know statistics. From the little I know about tennis and its fans, I don't recall stat shouting. I am saying that baseball/football/basketball fans are statistic/fact heavy. Also I should have qualified "many" or even "most" fighter sports fans probably participate in their sport. But that also applies to others: I'm guessing most football fans will say they played (touch) football once in their lives, or baseball fans threw/caught/hit a baseball, or basketball players dribbled the ball. As a metaphor, I look at either-or, which is an extreme: so if you don't engage in the sport, you are probably a stat slinger; moreover, if you never stood in the ring (or faced a challenge head-on) even as an amateur, you are probably weak--I never saw amateur-baseball players as fighters/challenge-crazed fiends (I think the OP is one of the few people who wants to learn to talk about sports in which he has never participated.)

Fight sports, imo, require you to take a higher risk of contact. Some football players don't get hit that often, and those that do "contact" aren't really taking calculated blows to the head or the body, and definitely have some nice protective gear. Ali most likely wouldn't be shaking like he is right now if he had become a football player. The man took blow after blow to an unprotected head. Ask any football player if they think they are tougher than Ali or Tyson or any champion heavyweight boxer--I think they'd choke. And if they are stupid enough to think they are tougher, ask them to take a bet and last more than three rounds in a ring. I am 100% sure that any good heavyweight boxer can last a football game by getting tackled persistently by any of the top football players.

Calling someone dumb doesn't help your argument. I can also call you that, but I'll save us the baby talk.

And do I actually contradict myself with ringside? I know what it is to be in the ring and ringside. Do I have no authority to talk about the football players I saw ringside and streetside get owned?

EDITED: Didn't directly answer first question.

I have to thank you, honestly you have no idea how many laughs I have enjoyed reading your posts in this thread. While I'm reading, I picture this huge, ambitious, great looking man that is tougher than anyone else in this thread reading his posts out loud - I got a little nervous though, picturing you in person, cause my chin is so soft and you probably could punch so hard!!!

Also, explain your opinion! Fight sports require a higher risk of contact???? Those fighters probably drop panties faster than any other male since they assume so much risk of contact!


Edit: nvm, saw you admitted you're a risk-adverse pussy

[elterrible78]

Another "how can I be someone I'm really not?" thread. I'm not sure which is worse, this or the one from the dude who doesn't listen to music but wants to be able to pretend that he does.

[Applying_Late]

I have to thank you, honestly you have no idea how many laughs I have enjoyed reading your posts in this thread. While I'm reading, I picture this huge, ambitious, great looking man that is tougher than anyone else in this thread reading his posts out loud - I got a little nervous though, picturing you in person, cause my chin is so soft and you probably could punch so hard!!!

You're welcome, glad I can make somebody laugh. Actually many top fighters aren't that big or pretty. I would say a lot many more are ambitious. The soft chin is something fighters say, so if you think the lingo is funny, which in a way it is, then take it up with or thank the commentators who came up with it. Regardless, there is some truth to it--some people just have a looser connection between the jaw and the brain. Just for the record, I don't think I'm tougher. I just like the business-type mentality: people from business school don't have guaranteed jobs, whereas people from a T3 law school complain when they can't land a 2L SA (referring to the whole Dewey shit show). When I told this Dewey story to a very successful businessman, he laughed at law students, calling them pussies and risk-averse. I have to agree with that, and I have a gut feeling that this somehow resonates with the whole stat-memorizing game. The OPs concern about learning how to talk about sports is really silly. You don't need to learn if you are confident in yourself like a successful business man would be.

[TaipeiMort]

Your best path is to avoid NBA, NFL, and MLB discussion-- too many people know about it and are emotionally invested in it.

Focus on sports which most people think are cool and don't know a ton about. Basically hockey (unless interviewing in San Jose or the Mountain West, Northern Midwest and Boston up to Maine-- where plenty take it seriously and know a bunch about it) and boxing (unless interviewing in Vegas or NJ).

[Applying_Late]

Those fighters probably drop panties faster than any other male since they assume so much risk of contact!

Clarify this. As far as the requirement goes, well if you pit two professional fighters against each other for 12 rounds, they are required to make physical contact--they are required to hit the head or the body. If you watch some matches, they will tell the fighters who are clinched to keep fighting else they get penalized. I don't know much about football, but if two football teams colluded not to hit each other during the entire game, I think it'd be acceptable. (I could be very wrong about this, as maybe the guidelines say that these people have to hit one another.)

[Tom Joad]

Those fighters probably drop panties faster than any other male since they assume so much risk of contact!

Clarify this. As far as the requirement goes, well if you pit two professional fighters against each other for 12 rounds, they are required to make physical contact--they are required to hit the head or the body. If you watch some matches, they will tell the fighters who are clinched to keep fighting else they get penalized. I don't know much about football, but if two football teams colluded not to hit each other during the entire game, I think it'd be acceptable. (I could be very wrong about this, as maybe the guidelines say that these people have to hit one another.)

Do you seriously think the legitimacy of a sport is based on how much CONTACT the participants have?

[nucky thompson]

I have to thank you, honestly you have no idea how many laughs I have enjoyed reading your posts in this thread. While I'm reading, I picture this huge, ambitious, great looking man that is tougher than anyone else in this thread reading his posts out loud - I got a little nervous though, picturing you in person, cause my chin is so soft and you probably could punch so hard!!!

You're welcome, glad I can make somebody laugh. Actually many top fighters aren't that big or pretty. I would say a lot many more are ambitious. The soft chin is something fighters say, so if you think the lingo is funny, which in a way it is, then take it up with or thank the commentators who came up with it. Regardless, there is some truth to it--some people just have a looser connection between the jaw and the brain. Just for the record, I don't think I'm tougher. I just like the business-type mentality: people from business school don't have guaranteed jobs, whereas people from a T3 law school complain when they can't land a 2L SA (referring to the whole Dewey shit show). When I told this Dewey story to a very successful businessman, he laughed at law students, calling them pussies and risk-averse. I have to agree with that, and I have a gut feeling that this somehow resonates with the whole stat-memorizing game. The OPs concern about learning how to talk about sports is really silly. You don't need to learn if you are confident in yourself like a successful business man would be.

Clarification about your "IMO fighters assume more risk of contact than padded football players or basketball, where fouls are called for contact" - dude... Did this even need to be said? Fighters take more contact? Really?

Without the sarcasm, i actually picture you as being like the Yale undergraduate student Aleksey Vayner. You realize many successful businessmen are, you know, insecure? Would you rather the deeply indebted law students that do not land a job rejoice? Opposed to complaining? also, please please explain your sports psychology - how are you making such sweeping generalizations about fans of various sports, being stat memorizers or tough guys (I actually can't understand the dichotomy you're presenting) - also, why are the op's concerns silly? - if they were confident like a business man (op is a woman, by the way) they would have an understanding/affinity for sports?

Please don't tell you successful friends about my pussy-esque comments either