Chatting Bull with Dan Dawson - Issue #019

While they might not be swigging beer and smoking fags on stage like they were back in the 80s, most are still from backgrounds and lifestyles which most darts fans understand. However, the general public’s ability to empathise and relate only goes so far.

There is no doubt that a player like Luke Humphries has had his life immeasurably transformed for the better by darts - he has gone from an aspiring roofer to a millionaire, with a big new house, a family and security. He deserves his success, not just for his talent, but for his hard work and dedication as well. But this comes at a cost - the endless travel, work commitments, scrutiny and constant pressure to keep performing at somewhere near his best. It is draining, and I would argue understandably so.

When he voiced this opinion in a post-match interview though, it came with a barrage of comments to the effect that he had forgotten what real hard work was like. I do not dispute that playing darts is an easier gig than being down a mine, grafting on the roads, or being an overworked nurse in the NHS, but that does not mean that it is entirely stress-free. The reaction to his comments is itself an illustration - few other workers face such a backlash for simply saying they are struggling with their workload.

As such, Humphries has said he simply will not voice his honest opinion when interviewed in future, because it is not worth the hassle of speaking openly. This is a pity, and it is also not an isolated case. Many players have come off social media entirely in recent years, due to the levels of abuse.

There are isolated cases of players who continue to engage very successfully with fans (notably Stephen Bunting and Damon Heta), but many now either avoid it outright, or have their management teams run their accounts as santisied, uninteresting promotional content on their behalf.

We are in danger of losing one of the most compelling aspects of the sport - the relatability of its stars. The move away from the toxic environment of social media has been a long and steady process, but if players are now being shamed into silence by fans simply for explaining how they feel in interviews, then they are in danger of becoming remote characters who exist in a place far removed from their fanbase. The top players nowadays do need a break in their schedules every now and again, but they could do with fans giving them a break as well.

Issue #019 Quiz Answers

1) 2014
2) Two
3) Jonny Clayton

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