As you know I watch a lot of sports and with sports comes interviews–some during games and some the old traditional way before and after games.
I must admit I like a good interview. I like when an athlete goes out there and says something different, points out a strategy that I didn’t think of or saw during the game. I guess I am looking for some freshness.
Most interviews are almost done in a robot like fashion. No emotion and the athletes or most of them are programmed to say the same thing. Here are some clichés that I am tired of hearing:
- We are taking this season one day at a time
- That other team has some great players on their team
- The other team plays hard
- We just had to come out and play our game
- The other team plays with a lot of emotion
- He has a great work ethic
- The other team gave 110 percent
- I am just going to try my hardest tonight
These are a few of the sports clichés that everyone says and frankly I am tired of.
- What are your thoughts?
- What clichés are you tired of?
I look forward to your comments.
Jeremy Bromberg says:
“Boy, he can really [run / skate / throw...]” Um, no s#$%, Sherlock. I think that’s why he’s paid to play [sport].
Curiously enough, I’ve noticed over the years that a higher percentage of hockey players give more-or-less thoughtful interviews, compared to the other pro sports.
Stephenie Gordon says:
honestly, i think the cliches are used because they have to keep their composure in front of the camera. (unless you are TO) I would rather them say “we just didn’t give it our all today” and “the other team gave it 110%” than what they are really thinking, “our quarterback sucks, the refs are all getting paid off by the other team, and i want to punch my coach in the face for not giving me more playing time.” Honestly, i think they are programmed by their agents / publicists / handlers to use these cliches in order to keep them out of trouble! It makes sense to me. It’s hard to be the bigger person, especially when you are an extremely competitive athlete / coach and you just lost the game.
Bette Anne Champion says:
I agree with Steph. As a matter of fact, in the movie (and a great baseball movie it is!) Bull Durham, Kevin Costner’s character is coaching “Meat” played by Tim Robbins on how to deal with the press. Costner rattles off about a dozen cliches that Meat has to memorize! It is a really funny scene.
howard burack says:
Merrill,
I just do my best to get through your blog one post at a time.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Howard,
I am still laughing! Thanks for given me a stomach ache!
Merrill
Randy Carson says:
Because, after all, there is no tomorrow. It is just a good thing we brought our A game. They guys just have to step it up, because no lead is safe!
Michael Halberstam says:
I usually turn off the interviews because nothing is said. The masters of talking, yet saying nothing, are Phil Jackson, Joe Torre and Derek Jeter. I love listening to David Wells, Charles Barkley, Bill Belichick and folks who actually something meaningful.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Michael,
You are 100% right with your list. Another athlete who gives great interviews is Curt Schilling.
Thanks for your comments.
Merrill
Krista Joyce says:
“yay for the Seahawks photo on this blog post” is all I’m gonna say
Adam Jolley says:
This blog post reminds me of my favorite movie Bull Durham when Crash is giving Nuke interview lessons.
My favorite cliche is from Al Michaels whenever someone is missing a game with an injury. For example, “Brady Quinn is out with a thumb.” Now if seems like using this cliche for injuries is everywhere.
I’d be interesting in hearing the sports cliches that annoy people the most that are relayed into their office lives!
“I just want to give it my best shot, and the good Lord willing, things will work out.” – Crash Davis
Will Morris says:
Adam was reading my mind. I always think of Bull Durham when I think of sports cliches.
I get dizzy when I hear, “they put their pants on one leg at a time.”
Chau says:
Ahh…but the reason those cliche’s exist is because these athletes learn real quickly if they talk like they’d WANT to, they’d get crucified by the media. So while it sounds disingenuous of them to use these cliche’s it’s all because they know the consequences of not following along.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Chau,
I don’t totally disagree with you. Athletes like Curt Schilling are very open and say what is on their minds and yes it makes the front page news. However there has to be a happy medium. A place where athletes can let their guard down a little bit and give the average fan some nice nuggets of information.
I do wonder if Twitter will do that?
Thanks for your comments.
Merrill
Owen says:
Some sportsman can summarize their situation succinctly – not necessarily with alliteration. My personal favorite happened on March 22, 1978, moments after Liverpool had been beaten by Nottingham Forest ( the Liverpool Soccer player) Phil Thompson told millions of bemused TV viewers: “I’m as sick as a parrot.” It has passed into the English soccer lexicon. If you don’t believe me google it.
Michael Mermelstein says:
Even with the cliches and being told what to say many athletes cannot speak English (including Americans) so as to be understood. How much of the garbage we hear is already cleaned up by a sports writer/editor who probably help to keep these guys out of trouble? If not, no one speaks to them.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Lebron James couldn’t even come up with a meaningless quote or two and it cost him…..
James fined $25,000 for his actions
Friday, June 05, 2009
Upon further review, LeBron James’ decision not to shake hands with the Orlando Magic or speak to the media after Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals is going to cost him. And more than just on the sports talk shows.
NBA Commissioner David Stern announced before Game 1 of the NBA finals on Thursday that he had decided to fine James $25,000 for his actions. This was after Stern initially said on Monday that James would not be fined. Stern informed James, who is recovering from surgery to remove a growth from his right jaw, in a phone call on Wednesday.
“[LeBron] expressed to me that when he left the building and did not meet the media or did not congratulate the Magic, he was wrong,” Stern said