In 1986 me a new friend of mine, who happened to be a Parra supporter, reveled in the Eels success. We joked and laughed and how we were going to slaughter whoever we met in the Grand Final. It was best of times, but contrary to Dickens, it was NOT the worse of times.
That came the next year when the Eels weren't doing as well. I remember playing in the schoolyard when a teacher came up to a group of my friends and I chatting about his beloved Tigers (who at the time were doing very well). My so-called friend then stated that the Tigers were his 'favourite team'.
I was shocked. Bewildered. Gobsmacked to high heaven. How can my friend change teams so ... so ... so easily??
Till this day I can not figure it out.
He did not remain my friend for long, because to change teams so easily says a lot about ones character and the lack of loyalty one has.
There is such an emotional investment with supporting a sporting team that one can not just sit down and decide what team to support on a whim or on a promise or on anything else except for that thing that draws you in to that team.
Every single team I support I have emotional investment with:
I was born at Parramatta Hospital - Parramatta Eels
I thought Richmond (of AFL) were of the city of Richmond in NSW not Melbourne - Richmond Tigers
I lived in Oklahoma for 4 years - Oklahome City THUNDER!
I attended University of Oklahoma - University of Oklahoma Sooners
I lived near Buffalo for three years - Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres
I watched an FA Cup final where a player from Man Utd was sent off unfairly - Manchester United
The list goes on and on. Every single team I support I have connection with and in those sports I don't have a 'team' I don't choose a team on a whim, with a flip of a coin, or whatever. I just don't support a team.
For instance I have never supported an NBA team till now. I don't support a MLB team cause I haven't found a connection to any team yet.
So, the whole point of this essay is to say ...
F*CK OFF!
