"I Hate Christian Laettner"

            I recently watched the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “I Hate Christian Laettner”, which follows one of the greatest and also most hated collegiate basketball athletes of all time. Christian Laettner lead Duke to the Final Four in four straight years from 1988-1992 and won the National Championship twice. Although it would seem he should be remembered as a sports hero his name lives on in jeers and cheap t-shirts. What is it about Laettner that has caused so many to hate him for so long?

            Before changing the channel I questioned of my own dislike for Duke basketball, which I have retained since before I can remember, and failed to find a worthy reason. The only answer I had for rooting against them every March is because they’re good each and every year contending for the title. People voice their hatred for Duke, Laettner, and similar sports dynasties such as the New England Patriots or New York Yankees because of a cultural love for the underdog.

            Laettner unfortunately got a bad wrap for being the face of a basketball program that was just really good. Duke is hated across the nation because they beat almost every team they play every season and travel the country breaking the hearts of home fans. It was those angry fans and people rooting against Duke that lead to Laettner’s greatness, he fed off their energy and seemed to play his best on the biggest stages. Maybe sports need enemies, villains, Dukes, and Christian Laettners to feed the competition, but how far should it go? Should we really jeer the players and teams that are ultimately the best at what they do and chose to idolize others?

            Love him or hate him, Christian Laettner still holds the NCAA Basketball record in Most Points Scored, Most Free Throws Made, Most Free Throw Attempts, Most Games Won, and Most Games Played.

http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=ihatechristianlaettner