Previously, I used to enjoy cheering for Notre Dame football. The Fighting Irish conveyed a sense of prestige when they took the field. I truly respected Tyrone Willingham and the work that he was doing. When Willingham was dumped at the same time as Notre Dame clung to a pretence of integrity, it was an affront to sensibility.
I understand that most “big-time” sports are for entertainment purposes only, especially the Association. Most teams and athletes follow the Al Davis mantra “just win baby,” and I’m cool with that. What bothered me was that Notre Dame said it was never about on-field performance when it obviously was all about winning. Since that day, I ceased all of my emotional involvement with that team.
Attending a Notre Dame home game in during Tyrone Willingham’s initial eight game winning streak was a very enjoyable experience. Watching the Pitt-ND game on Saturday, it seems like the Fighting Irish have an exciting team that it would be fun to cheer for. Nevertheless, I have a 2002 “Return to Glory” shirt but it is staying in the box in the basement with the rest of my Notre Dame apparel.