Enjoyment from watching others get hurt, and sociopathy

[Ravenshire]

I can't speak for everyone, or even to all the sports mentioned in the OP, but big hits in football are typically indicative of a good play. I don't stand up and cheer when a receiver is clobbered after a 30-yard gain. I do, however, cheer when the oposing quarterback or running back is crushed for a loss. It's not the hit, it's the result.

So, in other words, would it be fair to say that it's not just what you're cheering but why you are cheering it, that's important?

Abso-fucking-lutely.

The big hits are great, but I still wince for some of them and I never cheer an injury to the other team. Not even when it's the Raiders.






Well.... Maybe the Raiders.












No, not really, but I do hate that team!

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I cringe every time someone falls or gets injured. I remember from America's Funniest Videos, how often the "funny" part was someone falling or otherwise getting an injury, wtf people?

I would agree with this as well. I never did understand why it was so hilarious to watch someone fall.

It kinda depends on the situation. If it's one of those "Here, hold my beer and check this out" moments, I'm laughing at the irony even if I'm wincing at the fall/crash/face plant/whatever.