Look, Let’s Talk About This ‘Golden Age’ Nonsense
I’ve been around the block a few times. Twenty-three years editing sports magazines, and I’ve seen it all. The highs, the lows, the scandals, the triumphs. And honestly? This whole ‘golden age of sports’ thing is making me roll my eyes so hard I’m worried they’ll get stuck.
It started about three months ago. I was at a conference in Austin, Texas, and every other panelist was going on about how we’re living in the most exciting time for sports ever. I mean, come on. Have these people forgotten the ’85 Bears? The ’90s Bulls? The Miracle on Ice?
I remember sitting there, listening to some hotshot analyst named—let’s call him Marcus—droning on about analytics and how they’re changing the game. And I’m like, ‘Marcus, my guy, analytics have been around since the ’50s. They just didn’t have fancy names then.’
Marcus looked at me like I’d just told him the Earth was flat. Which… yeah. Fair enough. But honestly, it’s not that complicated. Sports have always been evolving. There’s no ‘golden age.’ There’s just sports.
But What About the Money?
Okay, fine. Maybe there’s some truth to the ‘golden age’ thing when it comes to money. I’ll give you that. The NBA’s worth $87 billion now. That’s a lot of zeros. But let’s not forget, it was only $37 billion in 2014. So, yeah, the money’s there. But at what cost?
I was talking to a colleague named Dave over coffee at the place on 5th last Tuesday. He’s been covering sports finance for like ever. And he’s like, ‘You know, the money’s great, but the committment to the game? Not so much.’
And I’m like, ‘Tell me about it, Dave. I remember back in ’99, when players actually cared about their teams. Now? It’s all about the benjamins.’
Don’t get me wrong, I love money as much as the next guy. But there’s something to be said for playing the game because you love it, not because your agent told you to.
And the Fans? Don’t Even Get Me Started
Fans these days, honestly. They’re so quick to jump on the bandwagon. I remember back in ’07, when the Patriots were basically untouchable. And now? Everyone’s a fan. It’s like, ‘Oh, you’re good? Let me love you forever.’
But back then? It was different. It was about loyalty. It was about the game. Not about who’s winning this week. I mean, come on. Have some respect for the sport.
I was at a game last month, and some kid next to me was like, ‘I only watch the winners.’ And I’m like, ‘Kid, you’re missing the point. It’s about the game, not the score.’
But hey, maybe I’m just old. Maybe I’m just stuck in the past. Maybe I’m just a grumpy editor who’s seen too much. But I don’t think so. I think I’m just being real.
So, What’s the Point?
I don’t know. Maybe there isn’t one. Maybe I’m just ranting. But here’s the thing: sports are about more than just stats and money. It’s about the love of the game. It’s about the passion. It’s about the memories you make watching your team win—or lose.
And if you’re not getting that, then you’re missing the point. And honestly, that’s a shame. Because sports have the potential to bring people together in a way nothing else can.
But hey, what do I know? I’m just a grumpy old editor. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe this is the golden age. But I don’t think so. I think it’s just another chapter in the never-ending story of sports.
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Anyway, I’m done ranting. For now. But trust me, I’ll be back. Because this is what I do. This is who I am. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
About the Author: Sarah ‘Sarie’ Thompson has been a senior editor at SportNewsy.com for 23 years. She’s seen it all, covered it all, and has the scars to prove it. When she’s not ranting about the state of sports, she’s probably complaining about the weather or trying to convince her cat to cuddle.
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