There has been a big stink made the last few years anytime any sports commentator makes a military reference about a sporting event. People need to grow some thicker skin. I have heard some people in sports use analogies that were weak, stupid or even down-right offensive. This doesn't mean the person should be crucified for using them (I hope I didn't offend with my use of "crucified"). Personally, I do not see the problem with comparing different parts of sporting events to military situations, events or terms. There was a story in the paper the other day criticizing an NFL color commentator for saying that a player was hurt by "friendly fire. " If you don't understand what "friendly fire" is, it happens when a player hurts their own teammate while trying to deliver a hit on an opposing player. You have got to be kidding me. Who did this offend? I didn't note who the commentator was. It is not important. I don't know what was in their mind but I am pretty sure they weren't trying to say that the injured defensive back deserved a Purple Heart. It was simply a quick and clear way to describe what he saw happen.
I understand that there are "taboo" military/war subjects that should not be used to describe sports or anything else but I think, for the most part, analogies used in sports do not fall into this category.
Now relax and get ready to watch your favorite team as they prepare to do battle.
