March 11, 2012:

The New Gladiators

Contrary to popular history, most Roman gladiators did not die in the arena. They were too valuable to their owners. (Most of them were slaves. Remember Spartacus?) Owners invested a good deal of money in their training and upkeep. Yes, gladiators did die in the arena but, for the most part, they were there to put on a good, if dangerous, show for the spectators. If one or both of a pair of gladiators did not fight as strongly as possible, thereby, risking death, they could, indeed, receive the "thumbs down" of death. This Roman "blood sport" was enthusiastically supported by all classes of Roman citizens.

Some commentators on contemporary America, both liberal and conservative, believe that America is like the Roman empire and heading for a fall. I think that is not a valid comparison, but at least one part of American life is more and more like Rome: professional football.

We now learn that the New Orleans Saints (Not at all like their name!) have been involved in a conspiracy to pay their defensive players financial bonuses if they were able to . . .

— Knock out an opposing player: $1,500

— Deliver a "hit" that would send an opposing player off the field and out of the game: $1,000

— Strike a debilitating blow during a playoff game, particularly against a star player on the other team: Double or triple the payment

While this was instigated by the Saints’ coaches (with the likely support of the team owner), the players themselves decided to go along with the scheme. Will other professional football teams also be implicated?

All professional football has gone from being a rough game to a gladiatorial sport and we the fans support the blood-lust.

Personally, I’m not going to watch any more professional football regardless of who is playing. And I sincerely hope that high school and college football is not training more gladiators for the arena.

Love,
Dave