ESPN Trying Their Best To Push Soccer

pocketrockets · Aug 17, 2014

ERockMoney said:
 A lot of it depends on how you define an athlete, which can cover so many different characteristics, skills, etc. Looking at things like conditioning, stamina, endurance and movement soccer players would qualify as the top of the food chain. Obviously, there is much more to being an athlete, but on these fronts there is no question.

The average soccer player covers roughly seven miles in one match and as high as ten for midfielders. There is very little movement in the big three American sports with the exception being basketball. Baseball is a sedentary sport where the best hitters for average/infielders move as much as a soccer player in one match over the course of half a season.

Football players also move very little during a game with WR/DB’s leading the way at about 1-1.3 miles per game. There is plenty of brute strength, strategy and power taking place at the line of scrimmage, but still very little movement. There are different disciplines, contact, strategy and skill sets required, of course.

Most non-US sports fans are astonished at how little action takes place in American sports. There is roughly 11 minutes during an NFL game where the ball is in play, yet a game takes about three hours and ten-twenty minutes to complete. Where does the time go? Roughly 75 minutes of watching sidelines, huddles, players standing around, etc., 60 minutes of commercials, 22 minutes of the crowd, cheerleaders, location footage, 17 minutes of replays, 12 minutes of half-time and 11 minutes of actual play.

Basketball players cover around 2.5-3.5 miles per game, which aligns with tennis, although tennis can have a higher cap on five-set, tight matches of 6-7 miles.

The whole 4.3 40 yard dash concept isn’t really relevant. Speed doesn’t necessarily make you good at a sport and that type of measurement suggests high speeds at short intervals, which doesn’t really equate to soccer. If the US wanted to take over I would assume they already would have as soccer players have some of the highest earnings potential of any athletes, much greater than the NFL or MLB. In fact, the sports with the highest earnings potential aren’t dominated by US athletes, with the exception of the NBA. The US certainly has athletes succeeding in some of these sports, but I wouldn’t say dominating or they are few and far between, like Mayweather in boxing. Men’s tennis has incredible earnings potential, I don’t follow it, but are there any relevant US tennis players? Golf provides strong earnings potential and there are certainly strong US golfers, but I wouldn’t think we dominate the sport.

Personally, I love soccer and football for what they are and I appreciate the talent and skill required to reach the highest levels. Two completely different animals, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Best post, nail on the coffin.

akphidelt · Aug 17, 2014

ERockMoney said:

Most non-US sports fans are astonished at how little action takes place in American sports. There is roughly 11 minutes during an NFL game where the ball is in play, yet a game takes about three hours and ten-twenty minutes to complete. Where does the time go? Roughly 75 minutes of watching sidelines, huddles, players standing around, etc., 60 minutes of commercials, 22 minutes of the crowd, cheerleaders, location footage, 17 minutes of replays, 12 minutes of half-time and 11 minutes of actual play.

I don't know what soccer you are watching, but after watching the World Cup soccer is one of the most boring sports I have ever seen. Just because they don't stop play very often doesn't mean there is a lot of action. There were couple decent games, but most games there were maybe 2-3 actual action packed opportunities, otherwise it was just dudes passing a ball back and forth for hours. Athletes in America prefer playing sports like Hockey, Basketball, Football because they are much more action packed and require much more physical traits. Soccer is just marathon runners who can kick a ball.

DwayneBowe · Aug 18, 2014

akphidelt said:
I don't know what soccer you are watching, but after watching the World Cup soccer is one of the most boring sports I have ever seen. Just because they don't stop play very often doesn't mean there is a lot of action. There were couple decent games, but most games there were maybe 2-3 actual action packed opportunities, otherwise it was just dudes passing a ball back and forth for hours. Athletes in America prefer playing sports like Hockey, Basketball, Football because they are much more action packed and require much more physical traits. Soccer is just marathon runners who can kick a ball.

They prefer to play these sports because they're popular here and have professional leagues in their home country.

akphidelt · Aug 18, 2014

Dwayne Bowe said:
They prefer to play these sports because they're popular here and have professional leagues in their home country.

Disagree, I played soccer for 4 years as a kid, the second I put on skates and played hockey, never wanted to get on a soccer field again. The big 4 sports in America are just more fun. That's why they are popular and kids choose them. We didn't even really know the soccer players at our school. It was 100% football. People don't care much about soccer here, it's just impossible to compete with better sports that we can afford.

EveryGamblersDream · Aug 18, 2014

While soccer is getting a bit more popular in the country, basing its future on how great the World Cup ratings are is a bad move. A good percentage of people tune into the World Cup over here as it is tied into the whole patriotic theme of our country is superior to (enter any country name here). It is the reason why everyone is patriotic on July 4th but by the next day or so, it is back to their non-patriotic ways. I highly doubt the game will come close to touching the NFL in popularity in our country.

pocketrockets · Aug 18, 2014

akphidelt said:
Disagree, I played soccer for 4 years as a kid, the second I put on skates and played hockey, never wanted to get on a soccer field again. The big 4 sports in America are just more fun. That's why they are popular and kids choose them. We didn't even really know the soccer players at our school. It was 100% football. People don't care much about soccer here, it's just impossible to compete with better sports that we can afford.

I bet you sucked so bad at soccer you couldnt wait to try another sport. Makes sense.

akphidelt · Aug 18, 2014

pocketrockets said:
I bet you sucked so bad at soccer you couldnt wait to try another sport. Makes sense.

Don't worry about me personally. But no, I was actually good. But it's very boring compared to other sports and it has nothing to do with popularity.

CHOPTALK · Aug 18, 2014

If you like soccer watch it
If you don't like soccer don't watch it

vitterd · Aug 18, 2014

CHOPTALK said:
Soccer is by far the best sport to bet and make money on

If you're on the right side of the fix

FairWarning · Aug 18, 2014

EveryGamblersDream said:
While soccer is getting a bit more popular in the country, basing its future on how great the World Cup ratings are is a bad move. A good percentage of people tune into the World Cup over here as it is tied into the whole patriotic theme of our country is superior to (enter any country name here). It is the reason why everyone is patriotic on July 4th but by the next day or so, it is back to their non-patriotic ways. I highly doubt the game will come close to touching the NFL in popularity in our country.

The ratings were higher in the US when the US played. Once they were eliminated, there were no shots of 40,000 people in a city park watching the Netherlands-Argentina. Its a lot like the Olympics - we watch it because we are supposed to, then out of sight, out of mind.

HacheMan · Aug 18, 2014

I think people have different understandings of what an athlete is.

Just because you run a lot, work out, in shape, and suit up to play a sport, doesn't make you an athlete.

Granted most players who play soccer, football, basketball, baseball, tennis, etc., and are good at it, are pretty good athletes.

But outstanding athletes are another breed & monster.

If you've played basketball and football, or watched it long enough, then you've heard the phrase "broke his ankles".

This is used when another player jukes, and fakes out his opponent so bad, that he literally trips himself up and falls foolishly after being faked out so bad.

THAT'S a solid athlete.

Finishing drives down the lane with a basket, or catching an alley-oop and finishing, is a solid athlete.

A quarterback scrambling around in the backfield extensively, juking defenders, before he takes off for a big gain or slinging it downfield for a nice gain, is a solid athlete.

So my point is, these soccer players just don't fit into that category and should never be compared to great athletes, mostly which play in the NBA & NFL.

Again, if these great athletes who play Basketball & Football growing up & then professionally, would instead start learning soccer, then those great athletes would create massive mismatches on the field against the rest of the soccer world...

motowner · Aug 18, 2014

HamGlaze said:
I was hearing about this a couple of weeks ago on the radio and it has something to do with the changing demographics of America. Like it or not, or if you're simply not aware, soccer is gaining popularity and within the next 5 to 10 years ESPN is going to be cashing in big with even more soccer coverage. Hate it myself but that's the reality. The day is coming where we will be saying on this very forum the disbelief that the NFL is no longer the most popular sport in America.

you have no clue about american culture if you actually believe this. immigrated americans starting in their 2nd generation flock to american football and basketball while leaving their 1st generation's parents' favorite sport (soccer) behind.

nobody watches soccer here, absolutely no one.

HPark1 · Aug 18, 2014

Hache Man said:
I think people have different understandings of what an athlete is.

Just because you run a lot, work out, in shape, and suit up to play a sport, doesn't make you an athlete.

Granted most players who play soccer, football, basketball, baseball, tennis, etc., and are good at it, are pretty good athletes.

But outstanding athletes are another breed & monster.

If you've played basketball and football, or watched it long enough, then you've heard the phrase "broke his ankles".

This is used when another player jukes, and fakes out his opponent so bad, that he literally trips himself up and falls foolishly after being faked out so bad.

THAT'S a solid athlete.

Finishing drives down the lane with a basket, or catching an alley-oop and finishing, is a solid athlete.

A quarterback scrambling around in the backfield extensively, juking defenders, before he takes off for a big gain or slinging it downfield for a nice gain, is a solid athlete.

So my point is, these soccer players just don't fit into that category and should never be compared to great athletes, mostly which play in the NBA & NFL.

Again, if these great athletes who play Basketball & Football growing up & then professionally, would instead start learning soccer, then those great athletes would create massive mismatches on the field against the rest of the soccer world...

You seem to have a narrative that the best athletes are simply those who are physically gifted. Surely SKILL, coordination, intelligence, stamina etc play a major role in defining a good athlete. But I suppose its all personal opinion although I'm not sure why you believe the NFL and NBA have a monopoly on this type of athlete and he/she does not exist in any other sport. Each sport is different, I'm sure players in soccer and many other sports could "break ankles" if there sport dictated they needed to.

Unfortunately for most of the soccer haters in America I predict the sport will continue to grow at a steady rate, really for one main reason. Its the cheapest sport to participate in.

EveryGamblersDream · Aug 18, 2014

FairWarning said:
The ratings were higher in the US when the US played. Once they were eliminated, there were no shots of 40,000 people in a city park watching the Netherlands-Argentina. Its a lot like the Olympics - we watch it because we are supposed to, then out of sight, out of mind.

Pretty much

HamGlaze · Aug 19, 2014

motowner said:
you have no clue about american culture if you actually believe this. immigrated americans starting in their 2nd generation flock to american football and basketball while leaving their 1st generation's parents' favorite sport (soccer) behind.

nobody watches soccer here, absolutely no one.

Well, I hope you're right. My point is that ESPN doesn't see it that way. ESPN is a very smart network that projects where it will be 10-15 years from now. I'm saying soccer, according to ESPN, will become very popular here in America. Look, you are already seeing the pussyfication of football and you can tell with all these "safety" rules and penalties being implemented. Hell baseball is even being pussyfied with the catcher blocking the plate rule. Football is almost becoming unbearable to watch and more "safety" rules and penalties are coming. Look at all the lawsuits on the horizon. Those lawsuits mean more changes are coming and eventually parents just aren't going to allow their kids to risk long lasting possibly life sustaining concussion effects to their brains. Soccer will become the likely alternative and with ESPN helping to glorify the sport will make the decision even easier. ESPN is also including the demographics of America 10-15 years from now. What do you think America's demographics will be like 10-15 years from now? What sport will that demographic be more likely interested in? I think ESPN knows.

akphidelt · Aug 19, 2014

HamGlaze said:
Well, I hope you're right. My point is that ESPN doesn't see it that way. ESPN is a very smart network that projects where it will be 10-15 years from now. I'm saying soccer, according to ESPN, will become very popular here in America. Look, you are already seeing the pussyfication of football and you can tell with all these "safety" rules and penalties being implemented. Hell baseball is even being pussyfied with the catcher blocking the plate rule. Football is almost becoming unbearable to watch and more "safety" rules and penalties are coming. Look at all the lawsuits on the horizon. Those lawsuits mean more changes are coming and eventually parents just aren't going to allow their kids to risk long lasting possibly life sustaining concussion effects to their brains. Soccer will become the likely alternative and with ESPN helping to glorify the sport will make the decision even easier. ESPN is also including the demographics of America 10-15 years from now. What do you think America's demographics will be like 10-15 years from now? What sport will that demographic be more likely interested in? I think ESPN knows.

That's very logical. Kind of fear this happening myself.

loomis41973 · Aug 19, 2014

HamGlaze said:
Well, I hope you're right. My point is that ESPN doesn't see it that way. ESPN is a very smart network that projects where it will be 10-15 years from now. I'm saying soccer, according to ESPN, will become very popular here in America. Look, you are already seeing the pussyfication of football and you can tell with all these "safety" rules and penalties being implemented. Hell baseball is even being pussyfied with the catcher blocking the plate rule. Football is almost becoming unbearable to watch and more "safety" rules and penalties are coming. Look at all the lawsuits on the horizon. Those lawsuits mean more changes are coming and eventually parents just aren't going to allow their kids to risk long lasting possibly life sustaining concussion effects to their brains. Soccer will become the likely alternative and with ESPN helping to glorify the sport will make the decision even easier. ESPN is also including the demographics of America 10-15 years from now. What do you think America's demographics will be like 10-15 years from now? What sport will that demographic be more likely interested in? I think ESPN knows.

Pretty fucking sharp for brown sugar.

Fishhead · Aug 19, 2014

Hache Man said:
I think people have different understandings of what an athlete is.

Just because you run a lot, work out, in shape, and suit up to play a sport, doesn't make you an athlete.

Granted most players who play soccer, football, basketball, baseball, tennis, etc., and are good at it, are pretty good athletes.

But outstanding athletes are another breed & monster.

If you've played basketball and football, or watched it long enough, then you've heard the phrase "broke his ankles".

This is used when another player jukes, and fakes out his opponent so bad, that he literally trips himself up and falls foolishly after being faked out so bad.

THAT'S a solid athlete.

Finishing drives down the lane with a basket, or catching an alley-oop and finishing, is a solid athlete.

A quarterback scrambling around in the backfield extensively, juking defenders, before he takes off for a big gain or slinging it downfield for a nice gain, is a solid athlete.

So my point is, these soccer players just don't fit into that category and should never be compared to great athletes, mostly which play in the NBA & NFL.

Again, if these great athletes who play Basketball & Football growing up & then professionally, would instead start learning soccer, then those great athletes would create massive mismatches on the field against the rest of the soccer world...

From reading this thread and THIS post it is clearly obvious you know very, very little about soccer.

ESPN Trying Their Best To Push Soccer

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