What I Learned from ESPN

Over the years I have grown quite fond of ESPN. Now, I am sure you're thinking I like it for all the sporty studs running across the screen, but the real story is that I like ESPN because it has taught me a thing or two about sports.

1. There Are a Lot of Bowls in Football

Who knew? I didn't! Well, after watching ESPN, I now know that there are all different kinds of bowls to choose from! There is the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl and, of course, the Super Bowl. Now, if they can make a Teriyaki Bowl and slip it through the screen to me, I'll be all set!

2. UConn Churns Out the Good Teams

Both the male and female versions of the UConn Huskies are amazing! They are always scoring and always a pleasure to watch while I'm on the elliptical machine at the gym. Is there anything UConn can't do?

3. There Are Rules to the Draft Process

I had no idea! I was watching ESPN when they went over the rules for the NFL Draft and it made perfect sense! Strangely enough, it was very interesting to learn that there are reasons behind the madness of being chosen for a specific team in the NFL. I just thought they chose based on politics. Well, there may be a little bit of that involved, too, but at least now I know statistics and team percentages play a major role, too.

4. College Football Is Actually Interesting to Watch

ESPN made it very interesting for me to catch college football (again, while on the elliptical at the gym). It was great to watch college jocks compete for the spotlight and glamour that comes complete with a black streak (war paint?!) under their eyes and a large spectator-based arena.

5. ESPN Commercials Are Fun On- and Off-Set

I was cast as a horse jockey for ESPN when I was just a kid (maybe 13 years old or something). I worked with Tiger Woods' caddy and Evander Holyfield while filming my scenes. The commercial was just as much fun off-screen watching it as it was while working on it. ESPN has great people working for them to make it all possible. There's a little behind-the-scenes story for you!

6. The WNBA Deserves the Spotlight

ESPN is not afraid to showcase women in the WNBA, and that should be commended among the sports community (in my opinion). Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson and other Storm WNBA players being showcased in the media allows young girls in Seattle, Wash., (where I live) to feel like they can do anything they put their minds to, and that is priceless.

7. It Is OK to Speak the Truth

ESPN doesn't shy away from scandals. They recently covered Tiger Woods' dilemma with grace and dignity. ESPN is a stand-up sports channel, and their reporting on Tiger Woods proved it even more for me. I'm sure many others felt the same.

8. Stealing a Base in Baseball

I never understood why it was called "stealing a base" until I watched ESPN's coverage. Stealing a base is like anything else in life, "getting ahead." Technically, the base isn't yours until you run through the other ones on your turn, but in baseball, like in life, there is nothing wrong with trying to get ahead. You'll see baseball players sprint, slide and scrape their way to stealing a base. Now, if you can only imagine doing that in order to get a promotion at work!

9. NBA Players Are Tall

Sometimes when I watch ESPN, I feel like the basketball players and their coaches could very well come out of my television screen and into my living room -- hitting their heads on my low ceiling along the way. Basketball players are tall!

10. Even When I Miss a Game, I Never Miss a Game

ESPN has so much information on their Web site (http://www.espn.com) that I never really miss anything when I am away from home and haven't set my digital recorder. I can catch instant replays, games and see when my favorite players will be on my favorite ESPN shows. It's all good!