Yesterday, I experienced the far-reaching touch of sports reporting in the media and its interpretation by the average sports fan or citizen.
This contact began as I entered my neighborhood grocery store to purchase the next 7 to 8 days of family meals. This has become one of my many duties. As I walked around the store grabbing various food items, a store clerk approached me. He informed me that the Boise State Football team could no longer wear their blue uniforms at a home game.
Initially, I was curious regarding why he approached me with this BSU bulletin. Then, I realized like most days I was wearing something with the Boise State University’s logo on it. Once I got passed that realization, I responded by stating, “It’s not the uniforms that beat you, it is the players and the coaches”. The clerk then looked at me as if he had not thought of that fact. At this point, I continued with my shopping.
However, as I loaded the groceries into my car, I wondered if the powers that be who made this so called, “equalizing” decision ever considered that simple fact. Anyone who arrives at the Blue field to play against the Boise State – Bronco’s football team, will play the team not the uniform. It is an insult to the Boise State Football program, coaches, and above all, the players, to reduce their outstanding performances, while wearing the blue uniforms to the unknown and undocumented mysterious “power” of the blue field. "The unfair advantage".
The true power of the Blue Field, the Blue helmet or the Blue shoes is the BSU-Bronco nation...ie...players, coaches and fan support. The BSU football program is the “Blue Field”. No one loses a football game on the football field to the field. This decision to regulate the uniform choice of the Blue collar – football program is a result of an inability to duplicate the same or similar environment amongst the conference competition.
I had hoped that this new Mountain West Conference would simply compete and not seek out excuses for not competing. Attempting to eliminate the” Blue collar” traditions and attitudes of the BSU Bronco nation...i.e...players, coaches and fans will not produce any more wins than losses for the conference foes. The concern needs to be with the “Blue collar” dudes on the Blue field, not wearing your uniform. That fact cannot be regulated!
