How football coaches became the vanguard of American conservatism

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#TIA – Let’s face it. It isn’t Donald Trump that makes America great: It’s football. And if you don’t think so ask the nearest big-league coach

“In a summer of reachy takes in football, University of North Carolina coach Larry Fedora reached further than anyone last week. The subject, ostensibly, was changes to the kickoff rule in college football. Most people have welcomed the changes, which are designed to reduce injuries. Fedora thinks they could lead to the downfall of America. “Our game is under attack,” he told reporters, questioning the connection between football and the traumatic brain injuries suffered by former players. “I fear that the game will get pushed so far to one extreme that you won’t recognize it 10 years from now. And I do believe that if it gets to that point, our country goes down, too.” Fedora didn’t stop there, adding that he once asked a three-star general what makes America’s military the greatest on earth. “That’s easy. We’re the only football-playing nation in the world,” the general replied, apparently ignoring such critical facts as the size of America’s economy, its gargantuan military budget, and the by now fairly well documented existence of association football, rugby union, rugby league, Australian football, Gaelic football, and Georgian lelo burti. “How is it different from rugby?” a reporter asked. “I don’t know rugby, so I couldn’t tell you that,” Fedora replied. “I just know they don’t wear a helmet.””

Read more at The Guardian