There is a popular football commentator in the UK named Simon Jordan. I watch short clips of his talkSPORT radio program several times a week.
He is the former owner of a football club in London called Crystal Palace. His experience in ownership brings a different perspective to his football commentary. Most other analysts are ex-pros, ex-coaches, or journalists.
As a weekly follower of the English Premier League myself, I find his thoughts fascinating. I can’t promote or endorse him beyond what I’ve heard on the radio show, but I often agree with what he says there.
The talkSPORT network also covers boxing and sometimes mixed martial arts. Jordan enjoys boxing but seems to say the same thing every time he’s asked about MMA: “It’s just not for me.”
I feel the same way about MMA, but often apply his phrase in other contexts of life. Cage fighting is not for me because I view hitting a man on the canvas as unsporting. I prefer the traditional Marquess of Queensberry Rules of boxing.
All of this is up for debate, of course. You may totally disagree. What’s not up for debate? Whether or not it’s right for me. Only I can decide that.
This is a phrase I have committed to using more often. Unless I elaborate, which I have done for the sake of explanation here, I speak only for myself. I’m not saying it shouldn’t be for you. You don’t have to defend it or defend yourself for enjoying it. You just know I won’t be watching with you.
My first tendency is to tell others what they should like or not like based on my own preferences. You may have had this feeling when I opened my commentary referring to soccer as football. Some have told me I ”can’t” do this. “The NFL is football!”
I get it. This person likes the NFL. They think European football players are wimps, sissies, cry babies, or something else unflattering. Maybe the Premier League is not for you. Just say that!
Sometimes I wish I could make final declarations about what “must be appreciated” and what “must not be appreciated” in the world. I have a long list of reasons for not preferring one sport or another, one form of entertainment or another, one idea or another. And I would gladly give you that list.
Most days, I think people aren’t interested in hearing my list. On those days, I’ll just say it’s not for me. If anyone wants to know more, I invite them ask.