Frustrated with Sports on TV

I have several issues with NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN and all the other channels that broadcast sports. I want to watch a game with my family. I want them to learn about sportsmanship, being a team player and the game. I want to root for my teams and see them play well... but in between the possessions, the caution flags or innings I cringe. You see, I don't think my 12 year old daughter should have to see an older couple sitting in bathtubs and discussing erectile dysfunction, or worse knowing the words to the Viva Viagra song. Thank goodness my son is only 15 months old, but I still feel the need to change the channel at every commercial. You see, if it isn't the commercials for the male organ obsessed, it is the violent TV shows or extreme video games. Why is there a video game with zombies called Left For Dead 2? Really, they needed a second one? I understand the target audience for sporting events are males. I get it... women and children don't watch sports. Perhaps they don't watch sporting events on TV because the advertising is insulting? I have to tell you the audience at games should give networks a clue. They do watch - in fact, my wife is a much bigger college football fan than I am.

My second issue I have with the networks in sports is the creation of the self-absorbed divas. When I see Chad Ocho-Idiot, or T.O. or any of these other numerous "role models" I cringe. For I never know if the camera will show them cussing at their coaches, doing some stupid dance in the end zone or talking trash. I remember being in Dick's Sporting goods after Randy Moss "mooned" the crowd after scoring a touchdown. A parent there was buying his 10 year old son a Moss jersey. Clearly there are deeper lessons here that could be taught. Sports shows have created these monsters and encouraged their behaviors. Bring some class back into the games, so when my little boy starts playing and I talk to him about sportsmanship, he understands what it means. I will have to go back and find footage of guys like Barry Sanders or others that were always classy. There are few in today's games, thanks to the ratings obsessions.

My third issue is the cheerleaders. Enough said...

As parents, we have to monitor what are kids are watching, and do our best to screen out inappropriate content. I can understand not watching prime time TV. But my kids should be able to watch a game without the content that comes in commercials and the shenanigans on the field of play. Encourage your kids to follow players that do it right, show sportsmanship and are examples on and off the field. I know as a parent, my opportunity to give the network gods a clue are slim to none... but what I can do is control the content, have discussions around appropriateness of behaviors and lead by example. Kids will learn their respect of teammates, the game and the people around them through the examples we set. Oh and for the networks, I am watching you... but more and more on DVR - where I can filter out your junk.