By Bolling Lewis ’28 (DCI Fellow)
In the United States, there are few aspects of society that unite people as powerfully as sports. Whether it’s Superbowl Sunday, the World Cup, or the NBA Finals, there are events in professional competition where people in different cities and countries share the same moment in real time. Universally, soccer fans remember the 2022 Argentina vs. France World Cup Final, and even casual NBA followers remember the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1 series comeback. These collective memories create common ground among people with completely different life circumstances.
However, at the core of sports is an adversarial encounter. The zero-sum approach to matches and games means that one team’s success comes at the expense of another’s; when I cheer for a player at Wimbledon, I cannot witness my desired outcome without the opposition losing. The harsh reality of winning and losing in sports is misaligned with the idea of deliberation and community building. On paper, what people gain from the common experience of watching sports with millions of strangers can theoretically be taken away by the natural debate and animosity that competition instills. Yet, within the sports community, there are plenty of examples of deliberation and productive conversation that give reason to believe otherwise.
One of the leading examples of positive sports discussion is “Get Up.” A two-hour ESPN program that starts at 8 AM, the show primarily focuses on professional football and basketball. The first fifteen minutes usually contain highlights of games from the previous day along with complementary statistics; however, as time progresses, the dynamic shifts to commentary and opinions about players and teams. The host, Mike Greenberg (known by most as “Greeny”) is the facilitator. He dictates the topic of discussion and permits different analysts time to voice their stance. He once said about not dominating the conversation, but facilitating, “It was the first thing I learned when I started. An old boss said to me, “Your job is to reflect interest, not to create it.”[1] Therefore, rarely does Greenberg involve himself other than to play devil’s advocate with other members in the dialogue or ask probing questions to better understand certain viewpoints.
The analysts who sit at the table with Greenberg provide an array of perspectives. For example, when discussing football, “Get Up” incorporates experts such as Dan Orvolosky, Damien Woody, and Adam Schefter. Orvolosky is a former quarterback for the Detroit Lions. He brings an offense-oriented approach and helps viewers better understand a QB’s mindset. Damien Woody was an offensive guard who won multiple Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. Woody provides essential insight into the physical demands of football and the obstacles players face over a long season. Finally, Adam Schefter is an NFL reporter. He provides the conversation with information concerning player injuries and potential trades. Together, the crew’s diverse areas of expertise make the discussion more enlightening, but also smooth and effective. All of the people on the show see things differently, and even though they are often passionate about their beliefs, they respect other people’s opinions.
On Thanksgiving morning, “Get Up” focused its deliberation on the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs, which was to occur later that afternoon. One question Greenberg raised was who would be the most influential Cowboy if Dallas were to win. Woody argued that Quinnen Williams, a defensive lineman, would be the difference-maker. However, fellow analyst Josh McCourtney, a former NFL cornerback, disagreed. He believed that recently healed linebacker, DeMarvion Overshown, would determine the outcome of the game. Despite their fundamentally different stances, they were well-mannered and gave each other plenty of time to explain their reasoning.
When emotions run high in sports, it is often difficult to think rationally. Facts and statistics may tell one story, but team and city loyalties can easily override logic. “Get Up,” however, shows how potentially divisive topics can become constructive conversation when the participants bring varied perspectives and basic courtesy. The analysts may disagree, but their respect for one another ensures that the discussions remain productive and even enjoyable for both those at the table and the viewers at home.
[1]https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2013/10/mike-greenberg-brings-radio-show-to-campus
