By Chris Suddeth

Can we consider college football the third rail of polite conversation? The short answer is “yes”, but let’s takes a closer look.

People who know me are aware that I find the subjects of politics and religion extremely personal and extremely subjective and therefore extremely distasteful. It stresses me spending the precious NOW locked in pointless debate which is why I avoid such conversations and don’t even like to hear others going at it. I would like to think that even the most zealous among us can agree that too many wars, both large scale and personal, have been fought over all that is holy for as long as humans dare to recall. Creedence Clearwater Revival summed up politics with their hit, Fortunate Son. The line, “And when the band plays ‘Hail to the Chief,’ Ooo, they point the cannon at you, Lord,” stands out.

I submit to you that college football, and most any other sport in general, can be mentioned in the same breath. Now, don’t think I am proposing anything as radical as having a Lifetime movie marathon on a Saturday afternoon in late October, so bear with me. I only began to realize the stressor that sports can be after a friend conducted a session on me in which college football became the focus. Keep in mind I’ve never been a rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth fan either. Spirituality demands following feelings, especially the yucky ones, to their core, so I had to look within.

I am comfortable being painted as delusional as Clemson fans thinking that Darth Visor, a.k.a. one of the most successful coaches in SEC conference history, is done after losing only once out of the last six years. I know what I know. See, besides doing what I do, I have a unique point of view, because I call both Clemson and Carolina my home. Never thought you’d hear a native South Carolinian utter such heresy? On the few occasions growing up that we missed a Clemson home game, I could hear Tiger Rag whispering over the cow patties in the distance. In truth, Tiger Rag still gives me chills. When it was time to matriculate, the University of South Carolina became the home that would see many rites of passage of this young man. Columbia still has the feel of going home. All this being said, I literally felt the tear that sports can render upon one.

Could this article be as pointless as Manziel and Clowney in the NFL? I won’t take the bait to that debate, but some won’t be prepared to examine dogma from their earliest memories. I’ll grant you that America doesn’t typically have riots the way South America and Europe roll, but are you going to tell me you have never seen grown adults treating others, even kids, in ways they would never dream of in everyday life simply for wearing the wrong colors at a game? Worse is the stress that sports cause in general. I know people who won’t come out of their house after a loss. And don’t dare call them unless you’re ready to rumble.

I mean, really?! Granted, some of the rude behavior is a hand-full of people that can’t handle their liquor, but just check in on what you feel the next time your team wins or loses.

In case you have further doubts, tune into the Paul Finebaum show to hear fanatics raving about SEC vs. Big 10 like they are talking about Roe vs. Wade. There honestly isn’t any right or wrong, but there can be respect and learning from a diverse point of view. Take your meditation medicine and make sure to place sports in a healthy perspective in your life. College football will always hold a special place in my heart, but if I dare to brave the crowds, it’ll be at my personal Super bowl in Augusta where the spirit of Bobby Jones demands decorum from the patrons. Even the leaders kneel at the altar of Amen Corner on Sunday’s drama-filled back nine.

When Chris Suddeth (Sutty) isn’t being Mr. Mom to 5 year old, Emma Belle, he balances his time between writing, real estate and supporting other’s healing through his personal blend of Reiki, Theta Healing®, Intuitive Healing, as well as teaching all three levels of Reiki attunement classes. You can contact him at 843/263-2397 or chrissuddethccr@gmail.com.