I think sports have always been war games of sorts in that they carve out boundaries of in groups and out groups. People overwhelming support the team that they

I think sports have always been war games of sorts in that they carve out boundaries of in groups and out groups. People overwhelming support the team that they identify with (geographically determined for the most part) regardless if they win a lot or lose a lot because it is not enough to win, you need to win with identity. To unleash "win at any means" is far too close to war itself which subverts the intention of the game to replace war.