Less sports, more time

As the sports world freaks out over the NFL lockout, I want everyone to take a step back and take a big deep breath.  Now, exhale and kick yourself in the ass.  Who cares if the NFL season doesn't exist next year?  Think of all the Sunday afternoons you will get back.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching football just as much as most.  It's a nice Thanksgiving day tradition and almost the only time I get to see my Detroit Lions on t.v.  It's always nice to have on as background noise when reading the Sunday paper or making lunch or working around the house. 

But, come on.  Who cares about the possible lack of football.  You could be doing so much more on your Sunday afternoon.  Think of the three hours you sit in front of the screen watching just one game.  What can be accomplished in that three hours?  A walk in the park, reading a book, mowing the lawn.  The possibilities are endless.  Without football, you could spend more time with your families.  Have a picnic on a sunny fall afternoon.  Fresh air is good for everyone. 

So as millionaires and billionaires are arguing over who gets more money and what kind of rights they get to play the sport they supposedly love and how the players try to use the 'poor us, we won't be able to make money this year' card, think of anyone you know who has been collecting unemployment for extended periods of time because they can't get a job because of the economic issues for all of us who don't play professional sports.  And if thinking of that person (or persons) doesn't piss you off as you listen to the players complaining about not getting all their money, there is something very very wrong with you. 

Personally, I would welcome a break from the NFL just because they are spoiled with all they get.  Let them live paycheck to paycheck.  Let them struggle with trying to figure out which bills they can pay this month and get away with not paying.  Let them get evicted from their homes.  Let them come down to earth and reality that some others have to deal with and are still dealing with.