Preseason

You know what? Just get rid of it.

That’s right, I’m going there.

I’m told there’s preseason NBA action on right now. “Preseason” and “action” shouldn’t ever be used in the same sentence.

A stat line of 2-for-5; seven points; three rebounds; 12 minutes does not excite me. It doesn’t matter if it’s Kobe Bryant or Slava Medvedenko.

It shouldn’t be on television. It shouldn’t even exist. Nor should preseason hockey, football or baseball. They are nothing more than thinly-veiled attempts to horde extra revenue.

While we’re at it, let’s scrap the Bud Shootout, the Iowa Straw Poll and Christmas Creep.

It’s the eternal plight of the eternally attention-seeking. “Hey! If we can get stuff to start earlier ... even if we say it doesn’t count ... then people will pay attention sooner! It’s genius! We can make more money!”

Do students start going back to school in mid-July for a month to take practice exams? No.

Do politicians report early to Capitol Hill after being elected for a dry run on how to effectively legislate? I think not.

So, why on Earth are my major sports starting long before I can even process their importance? Basketball can’t start! I haven’t even stopped caring about baseball yet!

They closed down a Spirit store in my town this year. You know, that sweet autumn seasonal store where you can buy all the costumes and candy and spider-web cotton you want? It has ceased to open.You know what’s up in its place? You guessed it ... a Christmas store. No doubt, to ensnare all those preseason holiday shoppers. I still have my air conditioner in my window.

TOUGH LOVE is always in season ... and this time, it’s for the preseason. No preconditions.

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