BLOG: Be Steel My Heart

A week leading up to a Ravens game against the Steelers is unlike any other in Baltimore.  From a neighborhood acquaintance of mine who's a Baltimore City police officer (and a Steelers fan) to the callers to my radio show, it's a week of intense emotion tied into the rivalry.  That intensity is at a high given the high stakes of the matchup this time:  both teams with records of 8-3 with the Ravens having won in Pittsburgh in October, and playoff position on the line in the rematch.   Too often, though, the Ravens-Steelers rivalry is not what I'd call a "civil" war.  There are too many fans who, in my opinion, take the occasion personally (or, make it personal).  I'm all for good-natured rivalry and the ribbing that goes with it, but I'm not okay with how some allow the buildup and outcome to define who they are (and who their opposition is).  It's just a football game, people.  Enjoy the experience, ride the ups and downs, be decent to your neighbors and friends and, when the game is over, please go about your lives peacefully. 

I make this observation on the eve of Lebron James' return to Cleveland as a member of the Miami Heat.  There are serious concerns for his safety and talk of potential violence in light of high emotions and hurt feelings over his departure from the Cleveland area.  What's sad is that the pain of his departure is real to the people of northeast Ohio- many really do hate Lebron James.  I'm inclined to throw out the phrase "get a life" but that doesn't do much for those whose life it is to harbor hard feelings for a multi-millionaire athlete.  Yet, in the end, it's just sports (basketball or football).  And to Cavs fans, Ravens and Steelers fans, I can't emphasize that enough:  it's just sports.