18 Things Sports Fans Need to Stop Criticizing Athletes For

A list of 18 things that sports "fans" need to stop criticizing athletes for.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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We're not shedding any crocodile tears. These guys make millions, retire in their thirties, and marry supermodels.They envy no one (with the possible exception of Jonah Falcon). They are beneficiaries of a society with some pretty odd priorities.

But with that position of public prestige, pro athletes are also exposed to a plethora of off the wall criticisms ranging from: unrealistic expectations, widespread contempt for being human, and clingy, vicarious fans with absolutely no lives. Have you ever listened to sports radio? The callers rarely ever seem to make a valid point. Often seem like they're venting personal frustrations. And almost always seem desperate for some--any kind of human contact.

Today we've rounded up 20 common gripes aired by fan bases that don't seem that terrible to us. Sometimes when you sit around and think about something for a minute, you realize "Eh, I guess that's not that big of a deal." Look no further then that NFC Championship Game/Richard Sherman "controversy," for a recent example. If that didn't make you question the tightness of the public's collective ass, then you may not like this list. In addition to that, here are 17 other Things Sports Fans Need to Stop Criticizing Athletes For.

Trash Talking

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Not mirroring the body language that rabid fans want.

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Taking pictures of their penises.

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Violating "Unwritten Rules"

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Smoking Pot

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Cheating on their significant others.

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Not sufficiently apologizing.

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Leaving college after a year.

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Not signing autographs, especially for man children.

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Not being cheerful enough with the media.

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Recruits not choosing the school you want them to go to.

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Not Winning Titles

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Athletes should "be loyal" for less money.

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Hanging on well after their primes.

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Waffling on Retirement

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Not Playing Through Injury

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Flaunting Their Wealth

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Choking

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