Super Bowl XLII

This past weekend I saw my first ever football game. I never got interested in football but nevertheless I watched it, because I had my friends watching the game with me. So I thought it would be a good time to sit and watch with a big group and have a nice time. This way I would also get a chance to understand the game. 

I chose the best day to watch it as it happened to be the Super Bowl, and it was our home team New England Patriots vs the arch rivals New York Giants. Game was really close and I should say that I liked it and enjoyed it (might be because of my friends), but in the end it was the Giants who came out triumphant (New Englanders are still in a state of shock). 

But this is not what I want to write here. What really made me write was the end of the game. During the prize distribution ceremony I saw the owner of the winning team walk up to the podium to receive the trophy, then the trophy was handed over to the team coach, and finally the team. 

I was really surprised that those who actually sweat it out on the field were given the last importance. I thought it to be so different from other games where players would receive the recognition in the form of a trophy or medal. I am so very uncomfortable with the whole idea of corporatizing sports, having an owner for the team who gets all the recognition besides making all the money. I think when the team wins, it is the team's time to hog the limelight and that privilege should be given to them. 

I guess even players have never protested against this act, which is why it is still going on. I do not mind the owner (if at all we have to have one) making money, but at least the final recognition should be given to the players. Money should not be the be all and end all of everything.