There is nothing wrong with organized sports. In fact, sports are a very important part of a successful and thriving civilization. Sports not only
contribute to one's discipline, they help to keep society active, fit, healthy and engaged. They also breed competition and bring out the best in
people. As previously mentioned, sports also offer entertainment and a distraction from the hell which is everyday life.
Remember the Ancient Greeks, the civilization which was the birthplace of modern democracy? Well, the Greeks had this sporting event called the
Olympiad every four years where city-states would stop fighting amongst eachother and compete in athletic events.
en.wikipedia.org...
Now, if sports were important enough for the Ancient Greeks to put their differences aside and compete, they are certainly important enough for modern
day society. The fact that sports have been commercialized cannot be helped, because that's what capitalism is all about.
And in response to the statement of professional athletes being mindless Neanderthals, there have been many intelligent athletes who have gone on to
successful careers after their playing days have ended. Sure, you also have your share of a-holes in professional athletics, but the same is true for
any other profession.
A civilization without sports is similar to a civilization without art or music. In other words, it would not be a civilization - it would be
barbarism.