Last week, I was listening to John Jagler and Gene Mueller on WTMJ when Jagler took another of his shots at soccer. He followed it with shots at hockey and a couple of other sports that he didn't like. He's a real snob.

But it got me to thinking about sports snobbery and the sports I like and the ones I don't -- and why I feel the way I do.

Herewith, my list of Yeas and Nays.

Yea -- NBA basketball. I know that people complain about it. But these are the best athletes in the world, by far. They've got size, speed, endurance, hand-eye coordination. Everything. It is a beautiful thing to watch.

Nay -- WNBA basketball. The NBA game is about speed; the WNBA game is about slow. No matter how hard I try, and I really have tried because I like women in shorts, I can't stand the WNBA. It's too slow and patterned, with not nearly enough grace.

Yea -- Football. Pro and college. Power and speed. What's not to like? Hitting. Graceful receivers making acrobatic catches. Nose tackles stuffing a center, a guard and then a running back. Plus, they have those great cheerleaders.

Nay -- Men's soccer. I don't know what it is, but there's something about it that bores me. "Good God! Mexico against Portugal. Get Ready!" Yeah. Right.

Yea -- Women's soccer. Maybe it's residue from the Olympics or the fact that I have daughters who played soccer. But the women's game seems much more passionate and inspiring. Plus, again, women in shorts.

Nay -- Auto racing. I don't care if it's NASCAR, IRL, Open Wheel, Closed Casket or whatever. When they say go fast and turn left, and then left again and again and again, it leaves me cold.

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Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by sandstorm on April 8, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (report)

"Let's be honest too, most guys couldn't dream of getting a hit against one of those pitchers..." the problem is, neither can the women. women's fast pitch softball has got to be the dullest sport ever televised.

Posted by gotocollege on April 8, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (report)

While not a league, I'm surprised you didn't mention women's fast pitch softball. I played for many years so it's near and dear to my heart but even for men I think there's something fascinating about women exhibiting so much power. Let's be honest too, most guys couldn't dream of getting a hit against one of those pitchers...I love it!

Posted by T15 on April 8, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (report)

Mechanical Bull Riding!!!!

Posted by brunocarlson on April 8, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (report)

Boxing was great in the 20th century, but now it is all pomp and glamour. Oscar de la Hoya is the "pretty Boy" of boxing? Tell that to the old timers who have fractured cheekbones, multiple breaks in their nose, etc. Hockey is a glamour-less sport. They skate around and try to get the puck into a small net on skates. Plus there is the "boxing" that makes hockey even better. They fight like the boxers of the 20th century did. Nothing held back. I am a huge fan of European Soccer. Sure, I can watch Latin-based soccer but it is usually in Spanish so that is a downside. European soccer brings back memories of a trip to England in the early 90's and bumping into a (drunk) soccer hooligan. Yikes" Baseball, Football are still great sports but I am begining to question Basketball.

Posted by brewerfan13 on April 8, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (report)

I actually agree with all except ultimate fighting, hockey and speedskating. I can't stand boxing and to me, ultimate fighting is just taking it to the next step. I'm just not a fan of watching two guys beat each other bloody. In contradiction to that, I love a good hockey fight! But seriously, I have much respect for hockey players. It's a game of precision shots on the most slippery surface there is. And as for speedskating, I have a personal tie to the sport and again have much respect for it's participants. Especially because I can't even make it around the Pettit rink once without falling.