Rank the sports you follow most

[BigDongedHoe]

I'm interested to see what everybody follows closest in the realm of sports that are frequently on TV. For me it would have to be the following:

1. College Basketball - I'm a diehard Indiana fan, IU Basketball is somewhat of a religion to me. March Madness is one of the best times of the year, nothing is more exciting than those first two days of College BB on all day. My father graduated from IU and I've been dawned in cream and crimson since the day I was born (literally). When I was taken from the hospital my parents decided to put me in an infant Indiana University jump suit, what can I say I've absolutely loved the Hoosiers ever since.

2a. College Football - Likewise I'm a diehard Indiana Football fan but enjoy watching great games. (OSU/UM, UF/FSU, UND/USC). I absolutely fucking hate Purdue and Notre Dame, again one of the things my father rubbed off on me and somehow I'm sit to watch, suffer, and think about how sweet it would be to have IU go to a bowl game.

2b. NFL - I've been a colts fan since the days Jeff George was quarterbacking the team. I put these two as 2a and 2b simply because I watch and follow them both very closely.

3. Other sporting events - I edited my post here after reading a couple of other peoples replies. I'd have to add in MMA (UFC Specifically), Mens Tennis (played in high school and briefly in college), PGA Tour, and other random sporting events (Olympics).

4. MLB - It took me a while but I finally am able to sit down and watch MLB now. Up until 4 or 5 years ago I didn't watch baseball at all but after watching the Cubs make there run in 2003 and then actually going to Wrigley field this year (again almost some sort of spiritual awakening when you roll up to Wrigley on the L train) I am a full fledged fan of the Chicago Cubs and MLB.

5. NBA - I really shouldn't even put the NBA on here, I like the Pacers and want them to do well but the NBA is not basketball, its one on one bullshit. The last true form of B-ball IMO is College, I cannot stand to see what the NBA has turned into post Michael Jordan (the height of the NBA IMO). Likewise I get more excited to watch The Masters, US Open (Golf and Tennis), Wimbledon, etc. before a good NBA game. The season is long and the playoffs should be called a second season as far as I'm concerned.

6. NHL - I don't watch it at all and do not even have a favorite team, I used to be a fan when I was younger and attended Fort Wayne Komets games frequently (which are still fun as hell to go to) but the game just doesn't excite me the way it used to. As noted below going to NHL or any sort of Semi-Pro (IHL, UHL) hockey live is unbelieveable but for whatever reason on TV it's just not the same.

[SittinOnDubsWGW]

1. NFL- There is nothing that I love more than the NFL. I've always loved football. and I grew up for as long as I can remember being a huge Niner's fan and also loving da Bears. I started loving the Bucs roughly 10 years ago, I don't know why I started following them, but I did and I follow them the most now. I"ve always liked the NFC more than the AFC. The only real team that I like in the AFC is the Colts. I've liked them ever since I've moved to Indiana.

2. MLB- Baseball was my absolute favorite sport growing up, and I was probably the best at it than I have been at any sport throughout life. I absolutely loved the game. As a kid i was a huge A's and Braves fan. I remember being so pissed about the strike in '94 and at that point lost a lot of interest in the pros, but still loved to play the game. I follow the Red Sox and the Cardinals the most now.

3.College Football- I've always liked Notre Dame football as well as the Gators, and just as BDH stated, I love to watch the big rivalry games.

4.College Basketball- Just as stated above, I think this is the purest aspect of basketball. It's so much better of a game than the pros. I absolutely love tourney time. I grew up loving UNLV, as a kid since I was from Vegas. After I moved to Indiana I started following Maryland. It hasn't looked good for us for a few years.

Any large sporting event Masters/Wimbledon/US Open/World Cup/Olympics

Its a toss-up between NHL and NBA here. I follow the NBA basically not at all until the playoffs. I am a Spurs fan. I always loved going to the games when I was out in San Antonio, hence probably why I still like them the most. I like to see the Pacers do well. I've never really been big into watching basketball.
NHL wise I love the Avs and the Penguins. I find that hockey just doesnt transfer well to television. I absolutely love going to live games, but I really don't like watching it on television.

Racing: I don't follow any of it too closely, but I don't mind watching a race here or there. I've still yet to go to the US Grand Prix when it's here, and plan on making it out there next year. I've been to the 500 and it was enjoyable and numerous NASCAR races. I enjoy going to watch road courses more than anything, particularly cup-car races and American LeMans things of that nature more so than anything.

[Ugly Bastard]

1. NFL
.
.
.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
2. MLB
3. PGA Tour
4. NBA
5. College Football
6. Men's Tennis

[Beebs]

My lists includes watching sports on my computer, and is in order of what I follow the closest, even if it isn't the most watched, although normally the order is the same.

1. MMA
2. Boxing
3. College Football
4. NFL
5. Golf
6. College Basketball
7. Baseball
8. Strongman/powerlifting
9. NBA

[THEINCREDIBLEdork]

1. NFL
2. college fb
4. college basketball
4. golf

[Orgazmo]

The NFL is really the only thing that I can say I actually follow week in and week out.

I love watching college football so long as there are teams involved I give at least half a shit about.

College basketball gets me hard, but not until March Madness. Of course, once March Madness actually does begin, it's quite possible that this sport captures my attention more than anything else.

The NBA can't even think about doing anything for me until the playoffs roll around...and, even then, it's nothing great.

[DJ FC]

1) NFL
2) College Basketball

Everything else is 2nd tier.

[Repugnant Abomination]

1. NBA
I see a lot of hate towards the NBA, some of it is justified but I still love it. In my opinion basketball athletes have the greatest combination of strength, endurance and athleticism. I love the game. I love that it's a team game but it also leaves room for individual brilliance i.e. Jordan esque type players.

2. MMA
This is the combat sport for the future. It's the most realistic fighting we're ever going to have sanctioned and it lets you see what really works, no more Kung Fu bs martial arts. It's kick boxing, boxing, wrestling and Bjj. Everything else is an afterthought.

3. College basketball
I love the game, and I like the tourny format.

4. NFL
Football is a great sport but a little slow paced for my taste.

5. Tennis
I have a lot of respect for these athletes, I think don't think they're as appreciated as they should be.

6. College football
Same as NFL

7. Soccer
Amazing athletes, fast paced game. A little too difficult to score for me though, I get frusterated with games that have final scores of 1-0.

8. Boxing
I enjoy combat sports but with the arrival of MMA boxing feels very dated and unrealistic.

9. Hockey
I don't have much of an opinion about Hockey, but I've got respect for the players toughness who compete in this sports.

10. MLB
I don't care for baseball...At all. Out of the big four (NFL, NBA, NHL , MLB) baseball takes the least amount of athleticism. Nothing is more boring than this shit. And let me say that I respect the SKILL it takes to play the game, lord knows hitting a fastball is tough, but 80% of this game is guys standing around in the outfield for extended periods of time not doing anything or sitting in the dug out. Too slow paced.

[Beebs]

I thought the "rest of the forum" was developing a bit of a taste, or at least acceptance of MMA, but I haven't lost hope. Also, golf seems to be doing well which is pleasantly surprising. And I am debating to include motorsports, which I do enjoy from time to time, especially sports car and superbike stuff.

[BigDongedHoe]

Originally Posted by Repugnant Abomination

5. Tennis
I have a lot of respect for these athletes, I think don't think they're as appreciated as they should be.

I am so happy that you said that, people truly don't realize the skill it takes to play tennis. Football is a sport of athleticism, somebody can never play football and given the god given athletic talent to play could be in the NFL without ever playing previously (Antonio Gates). I gurantee you there is not one top 100 touring tennis pro that has played any less than 10 years. Tennis is like artistry in a way, for those of you who don't agree watch Rodger Federer whom will go down as the best tennis player in the history of the sport. He is a true pioneer to the sport in the way he plays the game, his poise and shot making ability are second to none.

Not to mention from a competitive standpoint, there are only a handful of sports that it is truly one on one compeition which believe me after playing numerous sports in my lifetime tennis is one of if not the most competitive I've played. Tennis is also unique in that no matter what you have to win the last point to win the match. What I mean by that is in basketball you could be winning 88-55 in the 4th Quarter and the other team could score the last points, in tennis no matter what you have to finish. I am extremely biased because I've played for 10 years now but I really believe its a completely under appreciated sport.

[Schroeder]

1. College Football - The best rivalries, the most fan loyalty, the tradition, no other sport can really compare to college football.

2. NFL - Mainly the Colts and the Bears, but NFL football is very exciting too.

3. UEFA Champions League - Getting to watch the best players from countries around the world team up on clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona as the best teams from all the best leagues in Europe go at it is wonderful. With Purdue's high international student base, there is always a group to watch with at the Union as well. Oh, and I don't even have to go into the commentary. No retarded John Madden statements here. These games are so good you're both more cultured and more intelligent just for watching. If these games didn't come on during class time on Tuesday and Wednesday, this would have finished much higher.

4. Boxing when I happen to catch a Wednesday or Friday night fight on espn2, or HBO if they pull a big match.

5. Redwings hockey when I get a chance.

I cheer for three things in baseball:
1. That the Yankees win, proving baseball games can be bought.
2. Strikes (the players union, not on the field)
3. Everytime Barry Bonds is intentionally walked or, better, hit.

The NBA has seen better days.
Andre Agassi retired, so I don't really care for tennis.
Golf is fun to play, but not to watch.
I'll start caring about college basketball in February

[Beebs]

I definatly agree about tennis, I like the 1v1 aspect of it as well. And the proverbial broken clock must have been right when schroeder was posting because I forgot to list high level soccer and agree with cheering for the Evil Empire, although I actually like the Yankees, go Capitalism.

[DJ FC]

Not sure how I forgot about Tennis and Soccer.

[SittinOnDubsWGW]

Originally Posted by Beebs

I thought the "rest of the forum" was developing a bit of a taste, or at least acceptance of MMA, but I haven't lost hope. Also, golf seems to be doing well which is pleasantly surprising. And I am debating to include motorsports, which I do enjoy from time to time, especially sports car and superbike stuff.

I didn't even think to include MMA or boxing. I follow these a decent amount as well.

[DJ FC]

I also follow #20 Tony Stewart.

[Heaven Can Wait]

football Pronunciation (fotbôl)
n.
1. Sports
a. A game played by two teams of 11 players each on a rectangular, 100-yard-long field with goal lines and goal posts at either end, the object being to gain possession of the ball and advance it in running or passing plays across the opponent's goal line or kick it through the air between the opponent's goal posts.

[THEINCREDIBLEdork]

I really wish there was more coverage of rugby in the states. It would probably be right up there with football if there was. Its pretty intense.

[tonguegina]

1. NBA - Like Repug, I still enjoy watching it. I generally don't stray much from Pacers games, but I'm still a pretty big fan of the game.

2. NFL - Like above, I watch mostly Colts games, but with the NFL I have more of a tendancy to watch other non-Colts games...like the Super Bowl.

3. MLB - I don't understand how people can say this sport is boring to watch. Of course, I've been a hardcore Yankees fan since I started watching baseball. With that team, anything can happen at anytime. They're never out of a game, so that makes it more interesting I guess.

4. Tennis - Two people duking it out. It takes a combination of intelligence, strength, and stamina to just be subpar at this game. Saddly, now that Agassi is gone, my interest has dropped a little. I like Blake, though. He's a badass.

5. College Sports - The reason I really don't get into college sports is that the players change so often. If someone has an ok year, they're off to the pros. It's too much for my little brain and free time to follow with any regularity. I'm a UCLA fan and I like IU, but that's about it.

6. Soccer - Around World Cup time I can get into it, but for the most part watching soccer on tv is like watching hockey on tv. I prefer to actually be at the games.

7. Hockey - Again, it's like soccer. I like going to games. I was a Rangers fan back in the day with Gretzky, but that's probably just because he had the kick ass "Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey" for N64.

8. Boxing - I used to like boxing, but I really don't anymore. It seems to be a pretty open field. Anyone can win, which is probably good for the sport, but there aren't any big marquee matchups anymore. I miss the days of watching to see who Tyson was going to try to eat next. Plus, if I want to see a fight, there always hockey.

[DJ FC]

Originally Posted by Schroeder

These games are so good you're both more cultured and more intelligent just for watching.

With anybody else, I'd take this comment as sarcasm, but I have the suspicion that you are actually being serious!

[Ugly Bastard]

Tennis really is an amazing sport. I've noticed that, personally, one thing that attracts me to watching a sport is when it's being dominated by someone or some team. Right now what Roger Federer is doing in the sport of tennis might be more dominant in relation to what Tiger Woods has ever done in golf.

I always watched Sampras at Wimbleton and shit when I was a kid, but Federer has me watching most major championships just so I can watch him continuously remind the rest of the entire world that he is clearly the best at this sport.

[Beebs]

Originally Posted by Ugly Bastard

Tennis really is an amazing sport. I've noticed that, personally, one thing that attracts me to watching a sport is when it's being dominated by someone or some team. Right now what Roger Federer is doing in the sport of tennis might be more dominant in relation to what Tiger Woods has ever done in golf.

I always watched Sampras at Wimbleton and shit when I was a kid, but Federer has me watching most major championships just so I can watch him continuously remind the rest of the entire world that he is clearly the best at this sport.

The thing is that Tiger has nobody that has his number, Federer has Nadal. Agree with the rest of what you're saying though.

[BigDongedHoe]

Originally Posted by Beebs

The thing is that Tiger has nobody that has his number, Federer has Nadal. Agree with the rest of what you're saying though.

That comment right there is showing little to no knowledge. Federer won 3 out 4 majors this year and in 2004, in 2005 he won 2 out of 4. The guy will go down as the greatest tennis player in the history of tennis and frankly I don't believe you will ever see anybody as dominant as he is, yes he is that good. Agassi after the 2005 U.S. Open final was quoted as saying Federer was the best player he's ever faced (that includes multiple matches with Sampras).

Nadal is to Federer as Mickelson is to Woods in both cases there isn't much competition.

Nadal beats Federer on clay and not even handily at that, coming from a tennis player playing on clay and playing on hardcourt is apples and oranges, literally. Thats why the fact that Andre Agassi actually won the French Open makes it that much more amazing.

[Beebs]

Originally Posted by BigDongedHoe

That comment right there is showing little to no knowledge. Federer won 3 out 4 majors this year and in 2004, in 2005 he won 2 out of 4. The guy will go down as the greatest tennis player in the history of tennis and frankly I don't believe you will ever see anybody as dominant as he is, yes he is that good. Agassi after the 2005 U.S. Open final was quoted as saying Federer was the best player he's ever faced (that includes multiple matches with Sampras).

Nadal is to Federer as Mickelson is to Woods in both cases there isn't much competition.

Nadal beats Federer on clay and not even handily at that, coming from a tennis player playing on clay and playing on hardcourt is apples and oranges, literally. Thats why the fact that Andre Agassi actually won the French Open makes it that much more amazing.

First of all shut the fuck up with the little knowledge comment,

Hard: Rafael Nadal (ESP) leads 2:1
Clay: Rafael Nadal (ESP) leads 4:0
Grass: Roger Federer (SUI) leads 1:0
Indoor: Tied 0:0

Nadal consistently beats Federer when they play. Nadal is not the "greater" tennis player by any means, but he beats him, and not just on clay, he seems to have his number. Federer is probably the most dominant player ever, but you can't ignore his record against Nadal.

Phil vs Tiger isn't the same, when Tiger gets anybody, especially Hefty, in a 1 on 1 type situation on a Sunday, its damn near always Tiger who wins. Tiger has no one player that he doesn't own mentally, Federer has Nadal.

[BigDongedHoe]

What you wrote right there proves little to no knowledge of the sport again, you testing me on tennis stuff would be like me trying to tell you I know more about MMA than you. Clay is a completely different animal than grass/hardcourt you have to understand those 4 wins are near meaningless in the scheme of things. Not to mention that Federer went 4 sets at the french this year in the final, the simple fact that he even made the final on clay is astonishing to me. Lets look at what they've done in majors besides an absolute miracle run at Wimbledon to the final Nadal has only had French Open titles and runs. His game is taylor made for clay and while he has translated to some success even against Federer on a hardcourt to even say they are comparable is a complete joke.

I could personally give a shit less what there head to head record is, you want to know why they play much less on hardcourt and grass? Because Nadal consistently loses on those surfaces to other players before he even gets a chance to get to Federer in the final. The reason they have so many clay matches is they are all finals, yeah Federer is even good enough he wins on clay as well!

Tennis is the same as golf in that you can win some small tourneys here and there but the big ones is what counts and simply put Federer is in a complete league of his own, even moreso than Tiger Woods.

[DJ FC]

You're right, BDH, Beebs has little to no knowledge of tennis, despite pwning you on the Federer/Nadal issue.