Like most Covers readers and contributors, I'm not only a sports fan, I'm an avid sports bettor.  This reality can often make watching televised sports as dramatic and nerve racking as the final hour before your first child's birth.

Whether you double your bankroll or lose serious dollars, it is important to honestly enjoy the sporting event.  And sometimes, beyond the drama and tragedy of sports, we find moments of laughter.

Ball State 31 Central Michigan 24 (late 4th quarter)

On 2nd down, Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour hurls a deep ball that is scooped up off the ground and intercepted by a Ball State defender.  Hundreds of Chippewa faithful quickly make for the exits. 

However, the referees review the interception and discover that the ball actually hit the ground.  The zebra announces this over the stadium loudspeaker...and moments later the ESPN cameras show hordes of Central Michigan fans rushing back to their seats.

Only a few plays later, Chippewa QB Dan LeFevour throws deep once again.  Once more the pass is intercepted.  This time, the ball was intercepted cleanly.

Irony wins big.  ESPN lends a few close up shots of shocked Central Michigan fans.  It is the same look they give when told the keg is empty at a house party. 

Yet imagine the anger and sorrow of those who busted their rumps to return to their seats.  I know that perhaps I am being insensitive, especially to CMU backers, but how can you ignore the comedy?  If it helps, add the cast of Seinfeld to the scenario.

Money is important, but it shouldn't cloud, or worse yet, blind our love for professional sports. 

And you can't love something without also being able to laugh at it.