LukeDooley.com

My thoughts on life, love, and other things not so serious.

09-10-08

A Fan No More

under Sports

I eluded to this topic in an earlier post on this blog. It’s taken me a couple of days to formulate what I want to say, and gather the time & words to say it. I’m glad I waited to publish this, because Marvin Lewis (head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals) further confirmed my feelings. Here goes…

I’m finished with the Bengals. I simply can’t do it anymore. I love them, I’d love to continue rooting for them… truth be told, I’ll probably still watch them, and secretly hope that they win. I love the team, and the players However, I am not going to support this team financially, or emotionally any longer. I will not support a team ran by an owner more interested in cashing checks than winning football games. I will not support a team coached by a smug, arrogant, inexperienced, clown of a coach. Today in his press conference, Marvin Lewis said the following in response to a question about what he would say to fans who were “on the ledge”, Lewis said: “Do what you gotta do. I’m not gonna keep talking about it… If you’re a fan be a fan”. Today Marvin, I’m doing what I’ve gotta do. Picking a new team!!

Now for the exciting part… I’ve been thinking about this since the debacle against the Ravens on Sunday. Here’s what went into my decision: Owner/Franchise, Coach, Players, Tradition, Geography, City, Past Success & History.

First I’ve gotta eliminate teams… I’ve broken this down into categories as follows:

  • Steelers, Ravens, & Browns (Vomit… Plus their in the AFC North. That’s too close to home)
  • Patriots, Colts, Chargers (Too much winning… I can’t be accused of being a frontrunner)
  • Giants, Jets, Bears (I’m a city boy, but not a big city boy)
  • Packers, Raiders, 49ers, Bills, Redskins (Too much tradition. These fans deserve their teams)
  • Dolphins, Falcons, Lions, Texans, Cardinals (These teams remind me of the Bengals. Once was enough, thanks)
  • Chiefs, Jaguars, Panthers, Titans, Vikings, Seahawks, Rams (These teams seem boring. They should combine, then they’d be exciting)
So, that leaves the following teams: Broncos, Buccaneers, Cowboys, Eagles, & Saints.


I’ll be honest, I’d love to be a Cowboys fan. Their owner will win at any cost, they are a classy organization, my wife would look great in a Tony Romo jersey, and I love Jason Witten! That said… I know if I choose the Cowboys, I’d be killed. They just have too many fans, and have won too much over the years. So regretfully, I must cross them off the list.


The Bucs & Eagles are appealing. They have great/younger coaches, appear to have a plan for their franchises, and have had some recent success. They have exciting players, and are fun to watch, but when it comes down to it, I can’t just get into them…. I can’t imagine sitting on my couch on Sundays rooting for them. 


That leaves the Saints & Broncos. The Saints are a great choice. They have star players, solid future, and are based in a great city (I’ve gotta get to New Orleans). Problem with the Saints is this. I feel like a lot of people jumped on their bandwagon in the past couple of years with the drafting of Reggie Bush, and the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. I can’t be another person jumping on the bandwagon… too bad.


“And the winner is….” The Denver Broncos! What a great choice! I’m excited about the opportunity to root for this team! The more I think about it, the better I realize that it fits… here’s why: I love the city of Denver… it’s beautiful, it’s a great size, it’s scenic, it’s just awesome! I have family in Longmont, CO. which is just outside of Denver… this gives me some claim to the team as a new fan, plus I have the opportunity to visit the family, and watch a game at Invesco Field! All of this, combined with the fact that although they have been enormously successful in the past (See John Elway), they have not been dominant that past few years, but things look promising… they are young, have a solid QB, and a great coach. Most of all, I trust that the Broncos will not turn their backs on their fan base as Mike Brown, and the Cincinnati Bengals have.


So, as long as Mike Brown controls the team and Marvin Lewis coaches the team, I will be rooting for the Broncos. What do you think of my decision? Am I a traitor? A fair-weather fan? Making an irrational decision? How do you feel about the Bengals? Let me know in the comments… while your at it, buy me one of these! 

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  1. Deabo Said,

    I just applied for a job with a new NFL team for an assistant grounds keeper. If I get it, I’ll let you know so you can root for them.

  2. Kristan Said,

    seriously luke – you have too much time on your hands – I can’t wait for you to have kids

    Kristans last blog post..Preschooler

  3. luke Said,

    @Deabo – What team? Or are you not at liberty to say?

    @Kristan – Hater. I see your kids once a week… that’s plenty for now! My sports teams are my kids. I barely have time to give them the attention necessary! haha.

  4. James Elam Said,

    How about rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes?

  5. Aimee Said,

    While I have never been a fan of the Bengals, I too decided I would not support them in any way when they welcomed Chris Henry back. When will Mike Brown realize that thugs dressed in football uniforms (and paid way too much money) are still thugs?

    Too bad you didn’t come to the fun side with the Davis clan and become a Colts fan! ;)

  6. Evan Said,

    I’m glad you didn’t pick the Bucs. I would seriously argue with you over the fact that Gruden is “great”. The only thing “great” about him is the size of his ego.

    Go Fins!

    Evans last blog post..Rays Clinch 1st Playoff Berth Ever!!

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