re: Are middle aged die hard sports fans a dying breed?

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I went to USM

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I feel bad for any CFB fan of a G5 school. It’s sickening seeing the complete lack of loyalty. I can’t blame the kids, but the system is promoting that same lack of commitment. I don’t think you’re promoting good values, and it certainly doesn’t foster the highest level of competition.

It does begin to wane. Just other more interesting and compelling things like grandkids and even my own work. I still watch my teams when I can but I don’t watch other teams like Georgia or LSU (or Kentucky/North Carolina in basketball) like I used to. Hell I used to know as much about Georgia or LSU as I did Alabama but I barely know Bama anymore.

I am 57. College basketball lost me two decades ago in the straight to NBA out of high school era. It was my first love by far, and I occasionally will watch stretches of games but it just doesn't do it for me. The NBA lost me with the euro step/rule changes shite that made the game a 3 point contest. It is a league full of specialized shooters and a few superstars. I contribute each of these to age.

Football is a different story. I still love both college and NFL and watch games each weekend never missing a snap of LSU football. My overall intensity is down for both though due to the complete pussification of the game and now the portal thing with college ball. NIL doesn't bother me in the least. I can see the portal sucking the lifeblood out of the game though if it isnt rained in. I dont see age being a factor at all.

Strangely, I have more interest in baseball than ever. Likely due to the Astros and LSU's run of success, increasing speed of play, and 4 grandsons between T-ball and little league age. So, somewhat age related.

Never had any interest in hockey until 15 years ago and even now no more than a passing interest in the NHL regular season, but now get really into playoff hockey. If Houston were to get a franchise I have a feeling I would be a fanatic up to driving an hour and a half each way to attend 10-15 games a year. I think this is due mostly to the advent of high definition television and being able to actually see the puck. Also, the game remaining more "pure to its roots" as other sports seem to disassociate themselves from what made them great for me.

NIL and portal has killed my interest. Gone are the days of guys committing to a coach and a program. Now all they care about is money. It used to be fun to get to know these guys over 3-4 years and see them develop.