I (very much) appreciate sports.

I wanted to start with that line because it’s central to what I’m about to say, disagree with, and try to articulate.

Competition, grit, will and the pursuit of excellence is a joy to watch, regardless of the sport. When it comes to this year’s NBA champions, the Knicks clearly deserved it. They were the best team. They played like a team. They earned it. They are worthy champions. In a lot of ways, I’m totally jealous of the team they built and how it came together. I hope the Sixers can emulate them one day in the not-too-distant future.

But that’s where the line is drawn.

Anything further, especially when it comes with turning your sports nose up at fan brethren, is a bridge too far.

Let’s talk about that.