Dr. Coggins, you are an expert on many subjects. For instance, I understand that you have an interesting perspective on sports as metaphor?

Yes, I do. Thanks for asking. Football, for instance, is a metaphor for unjust social systems. The linemen (the working class) do all the heavy work and take all the hits, while the quarterback (and his associates, the running backs and receivers, the managerial class) tells everyone else what to do and gets all the money and glory without getting his uniform dirty. There are even rules preventing him and his associates from being hit.

What about basketball?

Basketball is a metaphor for the rat race. You work like crazy, succeed most of the time, but lose out to the other guy who gets one more lucky break, makes one more lucky shot than you do.

And soccer?

Soccer is a metaphor for the futility of modern life. Like everyone else, you run around all day exhausting yourself, and nothing ever happens. You never achieve anything. Life ends in a scoreless draw.

What about baseball?

Oh, baseball isn’t a sport. It’s just an excuse to sit outside in the sun in the summertime.

Thank you for those insights.

You’re welcome.