The two things sports media does really well is the “They’re Friends” bit, where two rivals are friendly with each other. It’s really stupid because you can’t really want your opponents to succeed.
The other thing sports media does in a superb manner is exploit bitter relationships. Or at least, apparently bitter relationships. I’ve seen pieces on ProFootballTalk and ESPN regarding the relationship between Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. Seems like they are pointing out the aspects of the 2009 “What’s Your Deal” confrontation (previously posted on BSP):
Well, that’s on YouTube. It’s going to be blown up huge, especially now when the teams are competing to go to the Super Bowl. But is it OVERBLOWN? Of course it is. Apparently ESPN provided this little story last March:
Carroll, Harbaugh hanging out like old pals
It was there Tuesday morning where I ran across Harbaugh and Carroll chatting for several minutes about the various rules changes under consideration at the meeting.
It wasn’t a chummy gathering, but the two men can talk to each other in civil tones. Even Carroll acknowledges the “hype” in the pre-game runup. Then again, the two teams are bitter rivals. Too funny. Seattle, America’s continental outpost is “bitter rivals” with anyone.
