You write a lot about the culture of sports, so what’s the biggest change you’ve seen since you’ve been a follower?
WEIR: Without a doubt the celebrity culture we now live in and the access we have to players. Growing up as a Giants fan I never knew or cared about the players’ personal lives. If Lawrence Taylor was doing drugs, I sure didn’t know it. And if I had known it, I wouldn’t have cared as long as he could sack the quarterback on Sunday afternoon. Even since I’ve left the Chiefs, I’m amazed by the media explosion and the access to players that is expected. Some players really respond to it well. I always thought no one liked being famous more than Derrick Thomas. But some of the biggest stars, like Joe Montana, were so uncomfortable with celebrity. In pro sports today, you better like the spotlight, because you’re in it.
