Opinion: Sideline Reporters Need To Go

Last night I used my WatchESPN account—you NEED to have that app if you're a sports fan—to watch the rerun of last year's classic game between Auburn and Alabama. Of course, that ended as one of the most exciting games of the year in sports, but what really caught my attention was the sideline reporting going on immediately after the game.

We all know the drill.

"Coach!" The reporter yells in the ear of the coach whose team just won. "I know you can't hear me over all this noise, but talk about how proud you are of this team."

The coach, after leaning in a little further than he at first thought necessary, says, "Well, you know, I'm just so proud of this team. I told them we had to battle and that's exactly what they did."

Well, you think to yourself, that's the same interview we get from every coach in every sport! And it's true. How often do you hear a coach or player actually say something interesting and unscripted during an in-game or post-game interview? You just don't. They're annoyed with the whole process, and it's easy to see and hear how uninterested they are.

As for the sideline reporter, she—sideline reporters are usually a she—asks the same questions and rarely offers anything unique to the fans or the commentators up in the booth. As fans, we can sit back and say whatever. The commentators, however, are naturally obligated to elaborate on the quote we just heard, which sometimes actually does help the situation.

Another classic picture that pops into my head is the reporter running alongside the coach as his team heads to the locker room at half time. Because he's not in the mood to actually talk about what just happened, whether good or bad. He wants to get to his team and address problems. Of course, I'm specifically talking about football with that one.

The bottom line here is sideline reporters have to go. Get some boots on the ground to retrieve injury information and things of that nature, but there is no reason to ever put a camera on them, especially if they're trying to yell louder than the rest of the crowd in order to talk to the coach or his star player.

It's honestly one of the most uncomfortable things you can watch on TV. And I'm taking into consideration that sideline reporters are usually qualified for the job and have a good grasp of the situation. Get them somewhere else, though. You don't need a pro down on the field to ask the coach how much he loves his seniors. It's just not logical.

Let me reiterate that: Sideline reporters, I respect you. Your work, on the other hand, is obsolete and difficult to watch.

Contact: tyfenwick@gmail.com

Opinion: We Hold A Double Standard When It Comes To Money And Happines

Everyone knows money can't buy you happiness because it's the cliche that doesn't shut up. In times of financial instability, we're told everything is going to be OK because happiness can't be purchased and it doesn't matter how many green bills you have in your pocket or sitting in the bank.

I've heard some people say to that, "Well yeah, but it's easier to cry in a Porsche than it is in a box." True, my friends. Quite honestly, I think they're the ones who have it figured out—the people who truly think that way. Because with that mindset, you're already admitting there will be battles that shake you down to your core and leave you scared, bruised and vulnerable, but knocking out the monetary barrier that does get in the way of so many lives must carry some weight.

Note To Self: What The Next 19 Years Could Look Like

Today I turn 19 years old. It didn't occur to me what the number 19 looks like until I saw it written on a birthday card sent from my grandparents. That's when I thought, "Damn, 19 is kinda old." I imagine when I'm 50 I'll use the 16th of August to reflect on everything I've done up to that point. But today, because I can, I'm choosing to look ahead.

The next 19 years of my life better look a hell of a lot different than the first 19. And they almost have to, right? I want to assume I won't be moving back with my parents after I graduate from college, so that puts me off on my own (starting in about a week, technically).

Keep Up With Me

As I already announced, I am no longer writing for Rant Sports, effective yesterday. However I am continuing to work with Fanspeak.com and TheBigHouseReport.com. These are two websites I'm proud to work for because of what they've done and what they represent. My plans and future with them haven't changed.

As a little backdrop on the two websites, Fanspeak was the very first blog I ever wrote for. I was in the eighth grade and at the time, Fanspeak was a site that allowed users to create their own blogs, tell their own sports stories. It has since grown into a spectacular football site with a special emphasis on fantasy football.

After I worked with the site's high-ups to develop a college football preview in the summer of 2013, they offered me a position as a college football writer, and I've been there since.

The Big House Report has had two faces at the top since I started writing this past winter, but the vision remains unchanged: We're trying to be the very best we can be, and I really believe we're just now scratching the surface of our potential.

So if you want to keep up with me, I encourage you follow my work on those two sites, as I am working to do my part in helping them grow.

Contact: tyfenwick@gmail.com

Stepping Down From Rant Sports

I have decided to step down from Rant Sports, effective immediately. I've felt like this has been coming for a while now, but it is still going to be a large (and maybe difficult) transition for me. Heading off to college and finding new platforms with which to write is going to be fun, and hopefully it comes to together to offer me more.