March Madness, Indeed

I’m a tall guy. I played basketball in high school. I still cringe when I spot actors pretending to be basketball players in movies (they never follow through on their shots…dead giveaway).  However, I just don’t get the universal appeal of March Madness. Corporate productivity goes down the tube as office workers everywhere play this odd version of the lottery.

I have to think that much of the hoopla has nothing to do with enjoyment of the sport that is college basketball. It’s become a brand event in and of itself, and the marketing hype is directly challenging the pure spirit of the tournament. The emotional investment truly lies only with the players and their fans (university students, community and alumni). I think this excitement can extend to a national television audience given the thrilling desire to win that is written on the faces of the players (as well as the tears of defeat with a loss).

Why bet on it? Why get so caught up with it? I just don’t get it. I’m guessing that more money is wagered on tourney brackets than any other sporting event in the country (maybe second to the Superbowl).

When I’ve been asked to fill in brackets, and ‘donate’ my $1, I just guessed. Who knows these things unless you’re either a rabid college fan and follow all the teams throughout the season, or take the time to research the results of the season for these teams. I used to pick based on the name of the mascot.

Am I alone on this? Am I fighting the tide of American tradition here? Am I against you, since I am not with you?

Does Osama Bin Laden track his bracket picks watching satellite TV?