Alcohol and college sports

Parent Cafe
1

<p>So after the Bruins lost the NCAA Championship game, TheMom and I headed over to our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner and one blue agave margarita apiece. </p>

<p>It turns out that she was the last to leave her office today and that two of the younger-but-senior managers were going to a bar to watch the game together. Bar? Why? Can’t watch the game without drinking.</p>

<p>Now I admit that I’ve always been puzzled. I don’t mind a glass of wine (or two) or a beer (or two) before a football game. And, as noted, we went out and had a drink after the game. </p>

<p>But watching a game while getting blitzed, blasted, snockered, drunk on your butt, etc. has never appealed to me and I don’t understand it. I’m glad that they no longer serve beer at the Rose Bowl…no one puking in the aisles…or upon other fans, no alcohol-fueled fights, no guys pushing their way in the “Exit” of the Men’s room because they’re liquored up and can’t hold it and their bladders are more important than those of us in line at the “Entrance.”</p>

<p>But anent the Duke thread, and for anyone who’s been around Big Ten campuses, etc., during football season, alcohol to excess and college athletics seem inextricably linked. </p>

<p>It’s a culture that should change. But I’m not sure how.</p>

2

<p>Look at the ads, get drunk, get a pretty girl</p>

3

<p>I think proceeding directly to step 3 would be more fun.</p>

4

<p>WE go to the pub to watch sports. I drink one very very light compari and soda–maybe. I like the social atmosphere. There are a few drunks, but the majority are there for the socializing.</p>

5

<p>Ours is a society that drinks to relax, socialize and celebrate. </p>

<p>Similar to the OP, I occasionally drank what I considered an acceptable amount, 1 or 2 drinks, at dinner or a game.</p>

<p>About 8 years ago, I came to the conclusion that I might be setting the wrong example for my kids by teaching them that they had to have a drink to relax, socialize, attend a sports event or celebrate. </p>

<p>My kid is a huge sports fan and is bombarded with beer commercials on ESPN and beer advertising at sporting events. I have tried to show him that you don’t have to drink to have a good time. </p>

<p>I thought it would be easier to make a case against drinking rather than trying to sell my kids on the idea that 1 or 2 drinks are okay, but more isn’t. </p>

<p>Not a sermon, just a thought posted here without judgement.</p>