Sports! Sports! Sports!

Whether you're a die-hard sports fanatic (like myself) or a merely a reluctant, casual observer, you may have an inkling of what I am about to tell you. Ready?

We are living in a golden era of spectator sports. 

The last couple years have been dizzying -- full of competitions filled with drama, excitement, accomplishment and historic achievement. So much so, in fact, that its effects stretch beyond sports to become a part of our shared popular culture.

My proof? The Chicago Cubs. The Cubs' Game 7 World Series victory over the rallying Cleveland Indians clinched the team's first World Series title since 1908, ending a lifetime of heartbreak and frustration for the Cubs and their lovable, loyal fans. And everybody everywhere knew it was happening. It was a moment shared by the entire nation, if not, the world.

And for the better part of the past two years, big sports moments have been plentiful. In 2015, the Kansas City Royals ended a 30-year World Series championship drought. Aging quarterback Peyton Manning led the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 triumph in his final game. LeBron James captured his third NBA title, but a first for his Cleveland Cavaliers, and the city's first sports championship in 52 years. The UConn women's basketball team has now won four NCAA titles in a row and 11 overall — tying the record set by the UCLA men's team. Olympians Michael Phelps, Simone Biles and Usain Bolt have redefined greatness in their respective disciplines. And American Pharoah became horse racing's first Triple Crown winner in nearly four decades.

Tank McNamara by Bill Hinds Jan 16, 2017

I could go on and on (and oh, how I want to)... But there is another side of the sports coin, a flip side to the glory and triumph. This reverse side is the home of whiners, sore losers, gripers and gloaters — the Sports Jerks. And it is time we (dis)honor all of them — with the 2016 Tank McNamara Sports Jerk of the Year Award!

The Rules

"Sports Jerk of the Year" nominations are accepted only for individuals – not for a team, league, organization or corporation. Nominations are accepted via four methods through Thursday, Feb. 2 — Groundhog Day:

• Twitter: Tweet to @GoComics using the hashtag #SportsJerk2016.

• GoComics Facebook: Visit the GoComics Facebook page and comment with your nomination, including the hashtag #SportsJerk2016. 

• Tank McNamara Facebook: Visit the official Tank McNamara Facebook page and comment with your nomination, including the hashtag #SportsJerk2016.

The "Sports Jerk of the Year" winner will be announced on Wednesday, Feb. 15 via the GoComics blog, the GoComics Twitter and Facebook accounts, the Tank McNamara Facebook page and the Tank McNamara comic strip.

Let your voice be heard!