I used to be an avid, avid observor of football in the off-season. I’d click on every story, every bit of news, all the gossip, the rumors, etc.

But now as I look at my browser history and see less and less visits to football related websites (and an increase in ahem…adult websites, but that’s a whole different commentary session), I realize why I just don’t have the kind of passion that I used to for the football off-season. I mean don’t get me wrong, I sat through every minute of the draft and followed free agency — but that’s really the only good stuff.

Beyond that you are treated to a variety of exciting and positive news. Like x player has been arrested. Or x player wants to opt out of his contract. Or x player went to a strip club and made it rain. Or from the Tom Brady perspective on things, x player knocks up hot actress and then hooks up with Brazilian super model (*sighs*). Yes, this is the nitty gritty of the football off-season. A series of acts against authority, bitching, and family or baby mama drama. It’s the kind of stuff that makes for all the compelling material in a Hollywood movie (unless you’re Oliver Stone because you can’t make a sports movie without overdoing it to death), but also the stuff that makes me yawn. Honestly, you might look at a player and perceive him in such a way because of what you read about him. But come September, when that player is scoring touchdowns for you, are you really going to think twice? Do you think Patriot fans cared that Randy Moss once had an altercation with a police officer or was so disgruntled with his stint as a Raidah! that he out and out refused to play at times? Production matters.

So with that, just bring me the game already. I really couldn’t care less about the personal life of my favorite athletes. Score a touchdown and you’ll make me happy. Drop a touchdown or make a boneheaded play and maybe just maybe I’ll use the blurbs I hear about you against you. Ah…such is the hypocritical nature of being a fan. But we’re all guilty of this.