Don’t feel obligated to believe the loudest voice

The world we live in has often been shrunk down to the most hyperbolic 140-character statement the speaker can come up with. This isn’t just in the world of sports, but everywhere. From politics to the food we eat. I mean, who NEEDS a burger with two grilled cheeses as stand ins for a bun. And as delicious as both of those sound, it doesn’t always mean that the loudest, most outrageous statement is the appropriate one.

Don’t get squirmy. I’m not going to touch politics in this piece. Even though, speaking strictly, I think this might speak for something along those lines.

What I’m talking about is the ESPN First Takes, the Around the Horns, the Fox’s Undisputeds and the various radio shows around the world talking sports as if their “hot take” would solve everything. Let’s just make one thing clear, if they were as smart as they think they are, they wouldn’t be sitting in a studio complaining about the same thing that every sports show on the planet is complaining about.

How did we get to this point? Well, it’s not like this is unprecedented. Howard Cosell himself was very arrogant and loud in his own way. But, the reason why it’s so prevalent now is because of the same reason as most things; the moola. People are attracted to the loudest colors and voices. People aren’t as attracted to the accurate, unfortunately.

Let’s not villainize these talking heads completely though. Most of them, I assume are just as annoyed about this trend, as I am. Maybe even more. A lot of them started as sportswriters. You don’t get into that line of business for a party like atmosphere or the money. They usually do know what they’re talking about.

Once they get to the big leagues, motivation changes. These corporations want eyes. If you’re talking about the appropriate thing, it isn’t sexy. So, you need to make a sexy take and make sure to make it in a 45-second window so it can be put on social media. Instead of right, they want fast. It’s like when Homer Simpson came up with a new persona called Max Power. He told Bart “There’s the right way, the wrong way, and the Max Power way.” Where Bart responds, “Isn’t that the wrong way?” With Homer saying, “Yes, but faster!” That seems to be spot-on. ESPN and Fox Sports like to do sports the “Max Power” way.

Here’s what we can do. If you have the time, of course. Check out different mediums. Find outlets that are doing it the right way. Look towards your local newspaper. They’re usually the ones closest to the team, and the ones most concerned about being correct. It’s not overly exciting usually, but you will be more informed. If fewer people watch the garbage that is “hot-take” sports, they will stop making them. When the follow the money, make sure their trail leads them to the right destination.