Conan O’Brien, the iconic late-night talk show host, recently spoke candidly about his unwavering loyalty to his hometown sports teams during an episode of “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend.” As a native of Boston, Massachusetts, Conan emphasized that in his city, being a sports fan is more than just a choice – it’s a way of life.
In the episode, Conan humorously explained that from the moment you’re born in Boston, you are assigned your sports teams. Whether it’s the Bruins for hockey, the Red Sox for baseball, the Celtics for basketball, or the Patriots for football, these teams become part of your identity. There’s no room for discussion or switching allegiances; these teams are yours for life.
However, Conan, who has been living in Los Angeles for a long time, expressed feeling disconnected from the LA sports scene. He found himself wondering about the etiquette of supporting a Los Angeles team, particularly when his beloved Red Sox were not in the running for the championship.
Conan’s desire to participate in the Los Angeles sports scene led him to discover an intriguing tradition associated with the LA Football Club. Each game, the club has an opening ceremony that involves an honorary Falconer. This person holds a falcon on their arm, and the bird is released, adding a touch of spectacle to the event. Notable figures, including Elizabeth Banks, have previously taken part, sparking Conan’s interest.
Curious if he might have the opportunity to become an honorary Falconer, Conan contemplated his eligibility. He pondered whether being from Boston would disqualify him and potentially lead to backlash from passionate sports fans. After all, wearing a Boston Red Sox hat at a Dodgers game could turn heads and invite heated discussions.
Conan humorously discussed the unwritten rules of being a sports fan in Boston. Fans must drink Dunkin’ coffee, and there’s no room for supporting rival teams like the Yankees. While he entertained the idea of supporting the Dodgers, he concluded that it would be a risky move, akin to attending a Bar Mitzvah wearing a quinceañera tiara.
Furthermore, Conan emphasized the point that once players leave Boston teams, loyalty to them dissipates. He used the example of Mookie Betts, who played for the Red Sox before joining the Dodgers. Despite Mookie’s incredible talent, Boston fans would still root against him as he now played for a rival team.
Conan’s hilarious banter continued as he discussed his lack of interest in other sports, aside from soccer. Not being a traditional Boston sport, Conan felt he might have some leeway to support LA’s soccer team, the LA Football Club. However, he jokingly considered the consequences of wearing a tiara, symbolizing his allegiance to the Red Sox, while attending a soccer game.
In conclusion, Conan’s humorous take on balancing his unwavering loyalty to Boston sports teams and his desire to participate in the LA sports scene provided viewers with a lively, entertaining segment. Conan’s unique perspective on the unspoken rules of sports fandom in Boston showcased his love for his hometown while also highlighting the challenges of rooting for his teams from afar. As Conan continues to explore opportunities to engage with the LA sports scene, fans can expect more entertaining anecdotes and insights into his sporting adventures.
