I caught shit in another thread for doubting those of you sports fans out there who pound your chest claiming you dont watch ESPN. I guess lying about it sounds cooler than just admitting you watch it.
People keep listing FS1's coverage like its something to brag about. Other than full-time UFC coverage, I'm not sure what they provide that ESPN doesnt, so maybe someone can enlighten me. I especially love that most people bitching about ESPN bring up stuff like the ridiculous talking heads and too much racing coverage when it appears that's exactly what FS1 plans to do with their programming.
But let's get down to what this is really all about with our fanbase. Namely, watching ESPN is painful for a fan base like ours. Cleveland (and other small markets) hate ESPN bc they cater to big markets and favor certain schools, franchises, or athletes (...because they win). They hate it when ESPN runs replays of Cleveland sucking (which our teams have done, repeatedly) over the years. So cue the railing and bitching and claiming ESPN is the devil for favoring teams that win and either ignoring our teams or showing our ugliest moments over and over. ESPN can be really annoying, and the pop culture stuff is absolute crap, but the real reason most of you hate them is their job is to cover sports and our teams have sucked for the most part.
I dont take it personally when ESPN disrespects the Browns, Indians or Cavs because let's face it, they've earned it. We havent won anything. If I want homerism, positive spin and lousy hometown coverage, I'll tune in to some awful local show like Drennen or Rizz.
One thing I do know, when one of these teams finally rises up and delivers us a trophy, all you ESPN haters will be glued to the "worldwide leader" to watch them bronze Cleveland's balls for a week after it happens. Hell, FS1 may not even exist by then.
The reason small market fan bases like the concept of FS1 is it provides a glimmer of hope that a big, legitimate sports channel will frame their sad franchises in a positive light, and give them the same respect as the Yankees, Lakers, and Patriots despite not winning as much. Problem is FS1 will be doing none of the above, and therefore, will disappoint and anger those fans the same way ESPN does.
I cant believe Rupert Murdoch is wasting his time and riches going after ESPN, of all things. It's a matter of Fox deciding how much play money they want to waste before they tap out like Vince McMahon did with his XFL experiment. Easy come, easy go.