Greatest Debates in Sports
Jun 14 | Written By Justin Levine on The Bant House
One of the best things about sports is the debates that they lead us to. If everyone shared the same opinion, the world would be boring. In sports debate, differing opinions lead to legendary debates and conversations. There will never be a tried and true method to definitively answer all of these questions, but one thing is certain; we love to debate them.
5. Hedge vs Let it Ride?
This is really a philosophy question at heart. Much like hitting on a 16 when the dealer is showing 10, hedging is something that you should always do or, never do. Be consistent. If you got big stones, let it ride, maybe your money doubles instantly. If that isn’t for you, there is no shame in playing it safe, hedging to half and ending up with more money in your account than before you placed the bet. However, if everyone is coming over to watch that last leg of the parlay, be a man of the people, don’t hedge it.
My Pick: Let it ride
4. First Round RB or WR?
Picture this: you just step off the stage after bombing your 10-minute comedy routine. You make sure to remember this feeling. You never want to have it again. You vow to never again be the butt of the fantasy football league. You prep all summer for the big draft in late August, ready for redemption. The day finally comes and you have 8th pick. Alvin Kamara or Davante Adams. You fucked up last year by taking David Johnson over Michael Thomas at 5, and now the same query mocks you yet again. Your inner monologue just keeps saying “don’t fuck it up, don’t fuck it up, don’t fuck it up”. This one decision is what separates you from 4-9 and 9-4, don’t fuck it up.
My Pick: Running Back
3. Greatest Quarterback of All Time?
This debate is the most wide open on the list, and has a surplus of options to choose from. Tom Brady has to be the first name that comes to mind. Alongside Belichick, they built a dynasty in New England spanning upwards of 15 seasons. The duo claimed 6 Lombardi trophies in 9 tries. Brady currently holds the most wins by a quarterback in NFL history and his postseason record of 30-11 is unparalleled. The founder of the west coast offense, Joe Montana, is also in consideration. Montana won 4 super bowls in San Francisco, while setting the record for most super bowl passes without an interception at 122. Peyton Manning was able to win with two teams, Indianapolis and Denver. Manning also won an NFL-record 5 MVP awards. Drew Brees is the all time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. A case could also be made for Johnny Unitas or Otto Graham, if you’re a fan of the older NFL.
My Pick: Tom Brady
2. Should Collegiate Athletes be Paid?
Throughout my years following college football and college basketball the amount of recruiting fractions have been plentiful. However, the students need a way to be compensated. The amount of money that these athletes make for TV companies, various advertisements and their own school, is insane. The NCAA’s top governing body recently had a change of heart on this rule. They will now support the ability of student-athletes to earn a profit. Obviously, with coronavirus going on, we haven’t been able to see this be put into action, but it is about time. TruTV probably makes more money during the 2 days that they broadcast March Madness than the other 363 days of the year combined. These athletes should be getting paid.
My Pick: Pay the Kids
1. Jordan vs Lebron?
You knew this was coming. This may have been the biggest lock to be #1 in any countdown, anywhere. It’s a debate that joins sports fans of today with their fathers and even their grandfathers. I’d watch in awe of Lebron dunking from the free throw line or hitting a ridiculous and-1 through 2 defenders, while my dad would just shrug. “You should’ve seen Michael”. There have been so many arguments throughout the years: Jordan didn’t face top-notch competition, Lebron did it on a few different teams, 3-6 vs 6-0. The Last Dance only heightened the discourse and led Michael supporters to rise up.This is a debate that has the legs to turn into a full on argument. Whether or not you choose Lebron or MJ, one thing is certain, we’re lucky to grow up in this era of basketball. From Michael to Kobe to Lebron to now possibly Giannis, the sport is at its best. Thank you to Michael Jordan and Lebron James for allowing us to witness the pinnacle of basketball.
My Pick: Michael Jordan