The 23-Inch Football Field
The football fan who can't attend a contest in person may watch 
any number of games on television. This has the great advantage of permitting
an indolent fan to sit in the comfort of his living room to watch two
teams play in the most inclement weather. However, some of spirit, the
gusto, is missing when one watches a game on small screen away from actual
scene of contest. Also, the viewer is constantly exposed to a garrulous
group of announcers who continue to chatter in an endless way throughout
the whole afternoon. Should the game be a dull one, the announcers discuss
the most banal bit of information. Even in the poorest game, there is 
a constant chatter involving one platitude after another about the
laudable performance of each and every player.

to take French leave--The star player was fined $100 when he took French
leave from the training camp.
(to take French leave.)