Confession.

Forgive me father for I have sinned. Well, maybe not sinned, but definitely been involved in a few paradoxical situations. I have placed money on teams I hate. I have enjoyed watching players off teams I hate. I miss a player I hate. What is wrong with me?

Manchester United
I thoroughly dislike Manchester United. One of my favourite annual pastimes is watching them get knocked out of the Champions League. Whoever does it, it’s always a pleasure. Here’s the thing, I have, ashamedly, backed them a few times. I have benefited financially from Manchester United victories on a couple of occasions. This does not make me feel good about myself. In fact, it makes me want to scrub my skin with a wire pad.

Of course sometimes it works backing against them...

Munster
I have lived in Dublin since I moved from the States at an early age. This makes me a Dub. For all its faults, I love the city. I played schools rugby and appreciate the skills of Ireland and Leinster’s finest, Brian O’Driscoll. In fact, the lady often teases me about ‘B.O.D’ (Brian’s nickname in Dublin) being a pal, as I used to bump into regularly in one area I lived in. Come to think of it, I watched a couple of horse races with him in a bookies once, even gave him a tip (he won). Thing is, and this is terrible, I prefer watching Munster to Leinster when it comes to Rugby. I am not entirely sure where this stems from, Leinster even play a more enjoyable style of game to watch. However, and I admit this with a feeling of disloyalty in my traitorous heart, when Munster and Leinster clash this weekend, I will actually secretly be rooting for the guys in the red jerseys. I am a terrible, terrible man.

I shouldn't really be rooting for this guy, he's not B.O.D

Jeter
This chap plays for the team I hate most in the entire universe. The New York bleepin Yankees. He is the face of the sporting organization I hate most worldwide. There are so many things I hate about the Yankees. Hate is a strong word, but in the case of the Yankee arrogance, the painful to watch YES network, certain Yankee fans, Billy bloody Crystal, A-Fraud and other aspects of the Yankees, I totally stand by my usage of it. Now, Jeter, he’s one dude I do not feel bad about having a little secret ‘bromance’ with. He plays the game with a style and class, clearly respects its history and furthermore, his mother is Irish! So this one I don’t feel as bad as the others. Still, it is wrong, and I know it’s wrong, but hey, I can’t help it. Anyway, like I said before, I am a terrible man.

Fly Derek, fly..

Manny
Saving the best for last. I hate this guy, I hate the way he plays the game of baseball, he actually disgusts me with that unique combination of laziness and greed he has perfected the last couple of years. While Manny left LA hanging over a couple of extra million in a 40 million contract negotiation, the normal denizens of the city of Angels queued in their thousands for part time, $9 an hour jobs at the same stadium he will be showcasing his lazy brand of baseball this summer in. And yet, I miss seeing him stand at the plate and swing the bat. Manny, dude, I miss you man. For all your evils, I miss you. I'm a mess without you. I miss you so damn much. I miss being with you, I miss being near you. I miss your laugh. I miss your scent; I miss your musk. When this all gets sorted out, I think you and me should get an apartment together.

These fellas miss Manny too..