ON LOYALTY

I grew up in Northwest Indiana. Because of our close proximity to Chicago, we got Chicago TV. Because we got Chicago TV, we became fans of Chicago sports teams. Sure, I enjoyed the 85-86 Bears, but I really came into my own as a fan with the Chicago Bulls of the 1990's. I have very clear memories of watching the clinching game in 1993, seeing John Paxson hit that three-pointer, followed by Horace Grant's defensive play at the other end. After the game, my friend and I went outside - in the dark - and practiced Paxson's shot over and over again. The neighbors didn't care - we were all awake celebrating.

Since Michael Jordan left the Bulls in 1998, I have cared significantly less about pro basketball. The Bulls had some pretty lean years, then chose possibly my least favorite college player ever in Joakim Noah. My loyalty to the team was significantly tested. Add in the fact that I have lived in Arkansas (no pro team) and now live an hour south of Boston and it's very difficult to remain a fan.

Last night my "hometown" Bulls played the Boston Celtics - and I just realized I spent the entire day in a Boston Celtics T-shirt. I didn't realize it until I was watching "Sportscenter" at the end of the day - I had just spent the whole day silently supporting the team that was playing "my" team! What kind of a disloyal jerk am I?

Upon further reflection, I realized that I have been to more Celtics games than any other team, with the exception of the Chicago White Sox. My friend's husband is a scout for the Celtics, so I naturally root for them to succeed. And the shirt I was wearing was picked up for me by a different friend, one who actually attended the game one (which Chicago won). So in being disloyal to my team, I was actually loyal to more than one friend.

I guess it comes down to the fact that my loyalty to a pro basketball team is less than my loyalty to my friends. That's noble, I think. My loyalty to the Chicago Bears, however - all the free T-shirts in the world aren't going to buy that.