The American Journal of Sporting Opinion
8 April 2008
Vol. 4, pp. 118-134
"Why We Must Do Without It"
by Daniel J. Friedman
The Tournament has ended, with the universally hated Josh B. defeating much-ballyhooed favorite Ben S. in the finals, leaving behind a trail of carnage that exemplifies how violent this blood-sport can be. But whither the Great Brendanian Friendout? In my opinion: no.
The fans of the GBFT, who stuck with the league throughout racial controversy, a perpetually intoxicated Commissioner, and the infamous Redogate and its alleged coverup, were holding on with the hope of a winner who was worth rooting for. The field was filled with potential heroes: Carrie C., Little Robby S., Brian L., Beth A., Austin M., Dan F., and, of course, the man who almost made it to the end, Ben S. But those fans were surely disappointed to learn that the dastardly Josh B. has been crowned the champion, and will be so for the rest of the offseason. Who will watch as the Commissioner gives the contemptible Josh B. his grand prize? Will anyone tune in to see diabolical Josh B.'s visit to the White House? And will anyone still be interested when the tournament resumes next year? Of course not.
As if that were not bad enough, Commissioner Brendan has broken with GBFT standard format by refraining from ranking his friends. Apparently, only the top four will be ranked: The degenerate Josh B., Ben S. Forrest K., and Lindsay M., in that order. What does that mean for everyone else? Are we no longer Brendan's friends? It appears so.
Whatever the case, the hopelessly long offseason of the GBFT will be an excellent time for an up-and-coming young Friendout to oust the old stalwart. Who will attempt this challenge? Ben S., perhaps, as an act of glorious revenge? Or is the sweetest revenge doing nothing at all? Whatever the result, I believe that with the GBFT crippled by scandal after scandal and now with the villainous Josh B. as its champion, it is time for a challenger to strike while the iron is hot.
Certainly, there will be those who remain desperately loyal to the GBFT and its supremely alcoholic Commissioner, but many others might start to question just what the whole point of this spectacle was. Should we even care? In the ensuing months, the public will answer that question, but Commissioner Brendan will have to hope he's got more than just slips of paper in his hat--he needs to pull a miracle out of there if he hopes to survive.
8 April 2008
Vol. 4, pp. 118-134
"Why We Must Do Without It"
by Daniel J. Friedman
The Tournament has ended, with the universally hated Josh B. defeating much-ballyhooed favorite Ben S. in the finals, leaving behind a trail of carnage that exemplifies how violent this blood-sport can be. But whither the Great Brendanian Friendout? In my opinion: no.The fans of the GBFT, who stuck with the league throughout racial controversy, a perpetually intoxicated Commissioner, and the infamous Redogate and its alleged coverup, were holding on with the hope of a winner who was worth rooting for. The field was filled with potential heroes: Carrie C., Little Robby S., Brian L., Beth A., Austin M., Dan F., and, of course, the man who almost made it to the end, Ben S. But those fans were surely disappointed to learn that the dastardly Josh B. has been crowned the champion, and will be so for the rest of the offseason. Who will watch as the Commissioner gives the contemptible Josh B. his grand prize? Will anyone tune in to see diabolical Josh B.'s visit to the White House? And will anyone still be interested when the tournament resumes next year? Of course not.
As if that were not bad enough, Commissioner Brendan has broken with GBFT standard format by refraining from ranking his friends. Apparently, only the top four will be ranked: The degenerate Josh B., Ben S. Forrest K., and Lindsay M., in that order. What does that mean for everyone else? Are we no longer Brendan's friends? It appears so.
Whatever the case, the hopelessly long offseason of the GBFT will be an excellent time for an up-and-coming young Friendout to oust the old stalwart. Who will attempt this challenge? Ben S., perhaps, as an act of glorious revenge? Or is the sweetest revenge doing nothing at all? Whatever the result, I believe that with the GBFT crippled by scandal after scandal and now with the villainous Josh B. as its champion, it is time for a challenger to strike while the iron is hot.
Certainly, there will be those who remain desperately loyal to the GBFT and its supremely alcoholic Commissioner, but many others might start to question just what the whole point of this spectacle was. Should we even care? In the ensuing months, the public will answer that question, but Commissioner Brendan will have to hope he's got more than just slips of paper in his hat--he needs to pull a miracle out of there if he hopes to survive.
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