It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another round of our ongoing series: the Complaint Report!
So, what exactly does OutKick do?
Well, it creates must-read, must-watch, and must-listen content across various platforms.
If you’re dissatisfied, we want to hear from you: matthew.reigle@outkick.com
But wait, there’s more, right?
I mean, do we have a particularly good-looking, witty writer who’s adept at voicing complaints and, oddly enough, exceptional at doing sit-ups—perhaps out of guilt?
Anyway, I had other topics in mind to discuss.
Sports?
Carolina Hurricanes introduce a novel beer cup
Bingo.
This week, I wanted to dive into some sports-related gripes. So, without further delay, let’s spill the beans!
Sound Effects During Playoffs
I’ve been glued to the Stanley Cup Playoffs as usual, but something struck me.
Teams are playing the 1-Up sound effect from Super Mario Bros right after a penalty ends and players return to the ice.
I’ve noticed the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabers doing this, among others.
I get the humor—it’s a pretty lame joke, but I understand.
Philadelphia Flyers Challenge Fans to Eat 3 Cheesesteaks
But it’s not just about being cheesy; they’re potentially harming their chances of winning.
Usually, when a power play wraps up, the goaltender thumps his stick on the ice to signal that a player is leaving the penalty box. This is crucial because, during a play in the offensive zone, those coming out of the box are typically behind the active players.
If they don’t get that signal in time, the team that just drew the penalty might easily score with a fast break. But if the goaltender isn’t paying attention or forgets, well, that creates a problem.
The 1-Up sound effect complicates everything; it replaces that crucial stick thump and, in turn, might hinder players from knowing when teammates are back on the ice.
Essentially, teams might be sabotaging their chances during a critical moment.
I can’t fathom why any team would permit this, even if it’s meant to be funny.
That said, I totally enjoyed it when my Flyers played against the Penguins and they fell for something like this.
Should You Torture Yourself After a 3-1 Playoff Loss?
But, honestly? If they were smart, they’d ditch this sound effect.
Stop Playing “Sweet Caroline”
I’ve touched on this before, but it seems nobody really listened because “Sweet Caroline” is still everywhere.
Countless teams at various levels claim, “It’s a tradition to sing ‘Sweet Caroline’ together.”
Diana Russini and Mike Vrabel’s Playlist? Seriously?
If everyone’s doing it, then what makes it unique?
Answer: nothing.
Please choose a better song. Because, honestly, “Sweet Caroline” is just not good.
It’s okay the first couple of times, but inevitably, you end up hearing it at every single game—be it a professional, college, or even high school event.
What frustrates me even more is when fans say, “This is our tradition”. It’s akin to claiming it’s a tradition to cheer when your team takes the field.
Everyone does that!
Just choose something new! Give those of us with a better taste in music a break from Neil Diamond for a bit.
Fans Wanting to Be Characters
Recently, there was the NFL Draft, and one aspect I really dislike is seeing fans trying to transform into characters rather than simply being fans.
Typically, these characters come with names like “Bengalsman” or “Coltsman.”
The Jets have their own version, which is laughable—nobody wants that title.
There’s nothing wrong with going all out to support your team, like the folks who paint their faces, but some fans go a step further, sportifying elaborate costumes to become unofficial mascots. They want to pose for photos and even run social media accounts dedicated to their alter egos.
That’s just excessive.
Still, it makes me curious about their home lives.
Imagine a “commanders man” telling his child he can’t be in the school musical because he needs to cheer during the draft.
Misrepresentation of “Walk-off”
Dissatisfaction is everywhere, kind of like a strange history lesson that leads to odd philosophical debates.
And speaking of grievances, here’s one I’ve held onto for a while: the incorrect use of the term “walk-off” in baseball.
This phrase was originally coined by Dennis Eckersley to describe the act of a batter hitting a game-winning pitch and then walking off the mound. Yet, now it seems like everything—from game-deciding hits and errors to hit-by-pitches—is labeled as “walk-off.” Can everyone please use it correctly?
…
I admit I might have been guilty of this too. Does it bother me? Not particularly, but now it might.
This ties into what I’ve been pondering: when enough people misuse a term, does it eventually become acceptable?
*Twilight Zone music plays*
The most relevant example? Many know what a whammy bar on guitar does—lowers pitch when pressed. Some call it a “tremolo,” but that’s a misnomer.
Still, folks often don’t mind that mistake. If you ask for a tremolo at a local guitar shop, they probably won’t bat an eyelid—likely thinking you’re knowledgeable.
I guess what I’m saying is that if a lot of people misuse “walk-off”, does it ever become correct?
I think there’s a point, and perhaps I’ve crossed it, but I’ve got to tread lightly to avoid slipping into illogical territory.
Well, I should probably take some Advil and rest now…
That’s it for this edition of the Complaint Report!
Feel free to share your thoughts for next time at: matthew.reigle@outkick.com
