As I was flipping channels the other day, wondering what to watch instead of studying for my econ test, I remembered that it was time for the NFL Pro Bowl and the NBA All-Star games.

I had a little internal debate about whether to watch the games, measuring each game's pros and cons. Then I realized that both games, and all-star games in general, had some unfortunate similarities.

Like most sports fans, I enjoy the thrill of watching teams band together and work hard to achieve a goal. But after watching these types of games all these years, I’ve realized that there is virtually no effort displayed in these contests.

I know all-star games are more celebrations than competitions, but many players simply don’t care about the game. They’d would rather use their all-star break to vacation than to play hard or actually compete. For example, in the NFL’s Pro Bowl, it’s not uncommon to hear about a player who chooses not to play because of an “injury.”

There was a time when being voted to an all-star team was an honor that players appreciated and worked hard to attain. Players gave some effort in the games, and played to win, not just to entertain. Take a look back at the NBA all-star games of the early ’90s, and the MLB all-star games of the ’80s. Fans definitely saw entertainment and flair, but they also saw players who played hard.

I have no problem with superstars of a sport coming together to have fun. But I have a problem when athletes think being an all-star has more to do with partying and celebrating than having the honor of playing alongside their sport’s most talented players.

So, now that another year of virtually meaningless all-star games is here, I wonder if the value of these exhibitions is declining. Maybe by the time I’m 30, all-star games will be a thing of the past.

At the rate they’re going, that might not be a bad thing.

Vidur Malik is a senior at Mission San Jose High in Fremont. His column, “Unnecessary Roughness,” appears on this blog the third Monday of every month.

Scenes from the NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 18 in Las Vegas. West team: 153; East team: 132)

(Photo credit: Kevorak Djansezian -- Associated Press photographs)