That's not really at issue. The point is the way mutual interests bring people together.

Explain how.

It has changed some, but the change has been very slow.

The OJ trial was significant because he was black and famous. How he became famous is irrelevant.

Obviously it doesn't help that sports culture hasn't changed much in decades. It's still marketed to straight men with an emphasis on hypermasculinity - real men don't care about books or alternative music or film theory - real men care exclusively about sports, hot babes, fast cars, and watery beer. It's all black…

Chlorophyll? Sounds like BOREophyll!

I would argue that if OJ Simpson were famous for reasons other than sports, his trial still would have been exactly as important to history.

And that's the point. It's not about you. And I guarantee you the people sitting next to you when you make your cute little sportsball jokes absolutely hate it, because 1) they're trying to watch the game and you're interrupting with your pointless jokes, and 2) if you're not interested in sports, why are you even…

Mariah also emphasized how sports fandom can bring together communities. This guy may be black and living in the slums, and this gal may be white living in the 'burbs, but they're both Cavs fans, goddamnit. Does it fix their inequality? Shit no, but they're part of a greater whole when engaged in the same fandom.

John Teti writes a column here during American football season called Block & Tackle where he provides one of the most thoughtful, intelligent, and humorous perspectives on sports I've ever read. Sports and intelligent analysis are not mutually exclusive.

Two sides of the same elitist coin.

My arms are flailing wildly!

Wow, well done.

That was a clown, Ms. Simon.

It wasn't me, was the dildo-armed man!

Mmmm…eggs Dirk Benedict…

He just an ex con who's trying to go straight and get his kids back.

He'll smoke cigarettes - he's an anti-hero!

I love it when a seminal event in the American black experience is told through the eyes of a white guy!

That's because he's getting his own musical.