F@#% Yeah!

Today we are going to talk about something very near and dear to me, cursing. This universal form of dramatic expression has been used for thousands of years. Almost every society has had words that have been labeled as taboo. Curse words are used to express a large slew of emotions and in all different forms of speech. Curse words are also used by most adults and often with those are even younger. They can be found in movies and even in everyday conversations. So the question is, if cursing is so frequent and ubiquitous, why do we get angry when we see and hear athletes curse?

What has brought this issue to the forefront in these current times is the current buzz surrounding Wayne Rooney’s conduct at West Ham last week. Following Rooney’s third goal he was caught at the end of his celebration shouting the “F-word” at the camera. The 25-year-old striker is now being investigated by the FA and is facing a two game suspension for “offensive, insulting and/or abusive language.” In my opinion this ruling is excessive and unfair.



Cursing occurs in a large amount of Premier League games. I personally have seen numerous occasions where the players can be seen cursing at the official for making calls they did not agree with. Why are these players not punished and Rooney is? Why does the cameraman deserve more respect than the official? To this, the argument can be made that he isn’t being disciplined for cursing at the cameraman; he is being disciplined for doing it at the camera and that way in turn at the fans watching at home. I don’t think this is the case. Watching the clip it seems that Rooney becomes annoyed with having the camera so close to him and chooses to let the cameraman know how he feels. The only difference between what Rooney did, and being able to read the lips of a player shouting “F#$% OFF!” at an official is audio. Everyone can tell what the player said. So why is Rooney being punished when this is a common occurrence?

Publicity and image are the reason. I personally have a few choice words for how I feel about that arrangement. Cursing is a regular occurrence in both sports and society. Who cares if a player curses on TV during a game? It doesn’t matter and it is people becoming concerned for the sake of keeping up appearances. In closing I will say this to the FA. If you want to sanction players for every time they are seen cursing on TV. Be my guest, but you will quickly run out of players. If you are not willing to enforce the rule without being selective, my suggestion is that that you shut the fuck up. Thanks, and goodnight.