In general, do the "experts"- the analysts and commentators-really know any more than the average fan?

Question

I watched the World Cup today where the "experts" were shocked that both England and Brazil lost. I turned to Wimbeldon where the "experts" were surprised that Agassi was routed in his last visit there (he was expected to lose just not so convincingly). Briefly flipped to golf where the "experts" were surprised that many favorites were struggling. Turned to ESPN for a few minutes and started laughing when their analysts predicted next years playoff teams and Super Bowl winner before preseason camp even began-no need to watch next season everyone because the Panthers are going to win it all. Funny, because I cannot remember the last time any football analyst or commentator actually added anything insightful to a game that I hadn't already known. I will say their are a few good analysts (I from Detroit and actually learn quite a bit from the Tigers analysts) but generally I don't think most of the "experts" know any more than the average fan. Am I right or can you please disprove me

Answer 1

They do not know jack. They sit there, analyse and comment just like we would if were relating the games to our friends. They only perch on those seats and give their unwarranted opinions. Sometimes you can actually here their bias towards a particular team when they are commenting.Thought they are supposed to be neutral? Some browse the internet and come up with statistics and facts so they come across as knowledgeable in the sport. Something we could also easily do. They are, after all, humans like us who love the same games we do. The only difference- they get paid whilst giving their opinions on TV.

Answer 2

I've watched my share of World Cups and these tournaments are never as clear cut as they seem. All the "experts" have been wrong about the final four (except for Germany - and even there, most "experts" were going with Argentina).
You are 100% correct. These guys are clueless. Maybe they do it to stir up conversation? Who knows?
At the beginning of this WC, the *HYPE* (and the "Joga Bonita" Nike commercials) surrounding Brazil was astounding. You'd think eleven super-human beings, with skills never seen by any man were going to step onto the field and...defy gravity, change the laws of physics, and win everything - AND, do it with style, flair and "beautiful" football. The way the experts were calling things, why even have the WC? Might as well just give Brazil the trophy and call it a month!
Well, what happened? Brazil crashed and burned, and they played UGLY! Ghana could have beaten them, had two clear offside goals not been given to Brazil.
So, for me, I never pay attention to these so-called experts.
About the only good thing about them, is to go back and re-read or re-watch their "predictions" and see how WRONG they were.
cheers-

Answer 3

YES! the experts do more than the "average" fan. I watch football every-so-often and I know the rules (I've played it since 3rd grade), but the stats that they give out are crazy! I would never know when someone get his 100th rushing TD or if someone passed for over 2000 yards, it is not likely for a fan to know these things. Tennis, I know the rules too, I play it, I can tell when someone is doing bad or good. But I wouldnt be able to tell you if someone had a +6 error/winner ratio, The "Experts" know these things because they pay attention (and have the papers given to them) as for the average fan, he does not keep track of what the experts do because he can't.

Answer 4

well usually the "analysist" is usually someone who has retired from the specific sport..The commentators usually know some. The fans might know a little more depending on how involved in that sport they are.

Answer 5

Well they sure think they do, just ask them, they'll tell you. Most of them are just washed up has beens who like to think they still have it today. Sad really,, NOT.