by Will Leitch
First published 2008
Will Leitch launched Deadspin and became the voice of fed up sports fans everywhere. In this manifesto, he targets the forces that have hijacked athletics from the people who love them most. Leitch argues that ESPN treats viewers like idiots while networks manufacture fake drama around events like the Olympics and stories like Barbaro the racehorse. He dissects the meaningless steroid controversies, explains why fantasy leagues work so well, and explores the painful loyalty fans feel toward single teams. The book reveals Michael Vick's secret STD clinic alias Ron Mexico and examines why athletes constantly thank God in interviews. Leitch documents his grueling 24-hour ESPN marathon, sits down for beers with controversial pitcher John Rocker, and chronicles Rick Ankiel's comeback story. Drawing from his Deadspin experience and reader feedback, Leitch delivers lists, glossaries, and passionate arguments for returning sports to the fans who actually care about the games themselves rather than the money and egos surrounding them.
Genres: american, sports, non-fiction, 21st-century, journalism, sports-romance
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: investigative-journalism, social-commentary
Setting: ESPN
Period: 21st-century
336 pages · Kindle Edition · HarperCollins