On the one hand, bowling lost out financially in the 60s and 70s when corporate sponsorship moved toward golf. On the other hand, let's be more corporate like golf. Golf has always been the gentrified game. Bowling has always been a blue collar game. Why not embrace that? The biggest sponsors bowling had were the ones that catered to everyday Americans-beer companies, automotive product companies, shaving products, etc.
As for conduct..I guess David Ozio would get ripped for being emotional too huh? Marshal Holman too? I get it, some reactions feel more like a put on. These bowlers have a blue collar mentality. Let there be excitement. Let them have fun with it. Let them be accessible. The buzz from the playoffs is off the charts, and Fox is running with it. Viewership is up, despite not being in as many households as ESPN. Growing the sport won't happen as long as the model that worked in the 60s 70s and 80s, with fewer entertainment options. Bland and boring won't capture the attention of the casual bowler. Bland and boring has caught up with golf BTW, ratings are falling, golf has been taking major hits as well, despite the corporate backing.
