Op-Ed: Maybe it's a good thing I can't watch the Toronto Raptors

I was planning on watching the Toronto Raptors get spanked by the Houston Rockets tonight. The game, however, is being broadcast on TSN2, a channel I don't have.

As you're probably aware of by now, well-paying Rogers Cable customers like myself don't get TSN2. Can't get TSN2. So, I won't be watching Raptors basketball tonight. A lot of people have voiced their displeasure with this whole Raptors, Rogers and TSN2 fiasco. Twenty eight percent of Raptors games are being carried on a network that Rogers Cable refuses to pick up. That's a substantial amount. There was even a protest a few days ago at the Rogers offices by, obviously, a very dedicated group of Raptors fans. Which brings me to my point. Maybe it's a good thing Rogers Cable isn't picking up TSN2. Maybe the honest, hard-working folks down at Rogers Cable are finally, after taking so much of our hard-earned dollars, doing us a solid. Maybe, just maybe, not watching the sinking Raptors is a good thing. Think about it. Do you really want to watch the Raptors blow another lead? Do you want to continue to pull your hair out over the fact that this team cannot rebound the God damn basketball, at either end of the floor? Do you really want to watch Will Soloman back up Jose Calderon at the point, while Roko Ukic sits on the bench? Do you want to watch Andrea Bargnani shoot 40.6% from the field? Do you really want to see Jermaine O'Neal back on the bench in street clothes because of his 67-year-old knee? The Toronto Raptors are what they are, and that's a mediocre basketball team. Scott Carefoot of RaptorBlog.com has, not surprisingly, thrown in the towel on the season. And there's still 50 games to play. 2008 was a tough year for the Raps. There's no reason to believe that 2009 is going to be any better. One of my resolutions this year is to try and find the positive side of every situation. In that respect, Rogers' decision to not pick up TSN2 is good for my overall health, especially my blood pressure. Oh, and my kidneys and liver. After all, the less Raptors action I watch, the less alcohol I consume. I won't be watching the Raptors this evening. My Friday night will likely be more enjoyable as a result.