The Weekly Audible: 4/8/2016

The weather is perfect. Games are being played. All is right with the world.

And then some politician goes and opens his mouth.

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I must first apologize for failing you

Wednesday, before we actually posted the link, I received a text message from our associate editor, Cody Junot letting me know that Louisiana House Bill 971 was, in fact, a real thing.

What a ridiculous effort. https://t.co/lhR8PA8XfC

— Brian Hutchinson (@hutchbrianky) April 6, 2016

I knew instantly that it would show up in the Audible, but this is where I’ve let you all down. Despite two days of thought on the matter. Despite priding myself on original and thought provoking writing, I have found no adequate descriptor for Louisiana State Representative, Steve Carter, beyond calling him a coward.

I don’t like to be political, especially not in this forum, and I honestly haven’t even checked for his party affiliation. I don’t care. Originally I believed this to be an act of ignorance. How often do we come across people unfamiliar with the business side of college athletics, well intentioned and looking for answers, who are just unfamiliar with how things work?

No, this man was a former coach and assistant AD at the one university exempted from his travel ban; LSU. As I type this I am wearing a ridiculous purple and gold belt and can glance over at my LSU baseball tickets on my desk. It sickens me that someone affiliated with a school I have always supported would even propose such a bill. This man is knowingly and irrevocably proposing to cripple sister institutions, all while pretending his intention is saving the state a few hundredths of a percent in the budget.

On second thought, I can think of an adequate description, but out of respect for my audience I’ll stick with calling him a coward.

No! Please, anyone but them!

Not the Banana Slugs! https://t.co/XbbUnhYk6j

— Herk (@TheCornstalk) April 6, 2016

To say that college athletics is lacking originality would be like saying this Chipotle burrito doesn’t have enough disease on it. But some programs are just more original than others. There is only one Anteater, or Hilltopper, or Fighting Okra. (I know they’re the Statesmen.) There is only one Banana Slug, but the fact that even that one exists is proof that college sports are a wonderful thing, put on this Earth to bring enjoyment to the masses.

If UC Santa Cruz stops playing most of us would never notice. Its the sad reality we live in where programs disappear without fanfare or afterthought. Maybe there really isn’t enough money to go around. Maybe there are too many teams. There definitely aren’t enough Banana Slugs, though.

Alright, I’m depressed enough.

Now for something completely different

I never thought I would say this, but here comes Facebook to make your day better.

For any emerging/niche sport I would think this would be an invaluable way to get exposure. https://t.co/mj6wPN6Mf0

— College Beach Fan (@CollegeBeachFan) April 4, 2016

We’re sharing so much information now that it is almost ridiculous that lower profile sports like college beach volleyball aren’t already streaming online somewhere. It’s also ridiculous to think that the ideal place for these live streams would be on Facebook alongside your racist cousin and that crush from high school you still check up on when you’re depressed.

But there really is no better place for it. All in one platform fans can find fellow fans, discuss and share news and events, and then potentially watch those events. Not to mention everyone has a Facebook. (Especially your racist cousins.) Just yesterday it was announced that their messaging service alone has more than 900 million active users, more than an eighth of the world’s population. (h/t to our buddy Chris Yandle)

Do I wish there was somewhere more practical or efficient to carry these events? Sure. Am I holding out hope ESPN will just create an infinite number of networks to show every equestrian and water polo event my heart desires? Not really. Would I settle for Facebook? In a heart beat.

Lastly, to a representative of the student-athletes themselves

https://twitter.com/Pick6EazyE/status/718089483267260416

From the mouths of babes.