Brian Dawkins... A Case Study

So reports are out that Brian Dawkins is shipping off to the Denver Broncos now that the free agency period has begun. While I don't know if these reports are true, this provides an interesting case study in the world of sports.

For starters, I took a look at my Facebook page and at least five people have already commented on this situation via their status. The emotions displayed in these status messages include:

1. anger that the Eagles are letting him go
2. depression that he's leaving
3. thankfulness for his exemplary performance

Yes, Brian Dawkins was/is indeed an amazing football player, possibly one of the best defenders and leaders the Eagles have ever had. And yes, he is a tremendous guy on and off the field, as a leader and motivator for the team and for the community.

But his (potential) departure for another team reflects yet another reason why I don't get too caught up in the nitty gritty of sports any more. I don't feel like I can expend any extra bit of energy on emotionally investing myself in who plays where. Sure there are many admirable qualities to many athletes, Brian Dawkins one of them, but I can't help but remind myself: it's just a game.

There's so much going on in the world that is more important than this kind of stuff, in my mind, than to get all fired up about it. Whatever happens, it's been a great run with Brian Dawkins, now let's move on... shall we?