Season Finale

Well the end of the semester is almost here so its time for my final blog. Its been a fun semester both in the classroom and here on the blog pages. First I want to say that I was surprised at how much this History and Philosophy of Sport class had to offer. Initially I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought the majority of the class would be dedicated to studying the origins of sports like football and basketball, clearly I was way off. The course work went much deeper than I ever thought it could, and I was amazed to see how much sport has had to with shaping the history of our country. This class taught me just how influential the world of sports has been throughout our countries history. Whether it be a political influence like the Olympic boycotts, or people like Jesse Owens or Jackie Robinson changing the way people look at race. This class has really shown me a lot.

I wanted to take the time and go back to one subject that I really enjoyed this semester, and that subject was the early years of baseball. Baseball has always been my favorite sport but I never took the time to learn about its history. I thought it was very interesting to examine the origins of baseball and to examine the way that the game has changed over the years. I also enjoyed studying the old school players that really helped to shape the game. The thing that I found the most interesting about this subject were the "hero" roles that the athletes took on for the public. Its strange to see how differently players behaved than compared to now, and it almost disappoints me a little bit to see how poorly current players behave, especially off the field.

Switching gears back to the classroom for a second. I just want to say that I really enjoyed attending this class. I think that the in class discussion that we had, as well as the ethical issue presentations, really helped me to enjoy it. I knew that no matter what the topic, we would probably have a really good class discussion about it. I liked being able to share my opinions in the classroom, and on my blog, and I think thats what made the class really fun. I also really enjoyed the ethical issue presentations. I think they're are a really good learning tool for this class and they were fun to watch. I'm sure a lot of people didn't want to give a 5-10 minute speech but I was looking forward to it. I enjoy the extra attention. But seriously, the ethical issue presentations were very enjoyable and they really sparked some good discussion and I think thats why I liked them so much. I would definitely encourage Dr. Spencer to keep assigning the ethical issue presentations in the future.

Finally I just want to talk about this blog. The whole idea of a blog was very new to me, at least writing one was. I was familiar with blogs and sometimes even followed some sports writers and occasionally an athlete, but I had never been on the publishing side of a blog. I've really enjoyed blogging this semester, its been a great experience and I think that I'm going to be able to use this new blogging skill in the future. What I liked best about it was being able to respond to other peoples opinions. Sometimes issue come up out of class that we don't get to discuss as a group and the blogs allowed everyone the opportunity to share their ideas with one another. I loved getting feedback from my class mates and it really was a lot of fun hearing what other people had to say. Blogging is easily the most fun and creative assignment that I've ever had to do.

I would highly recommend this class to anyone. Its really not your traditional History class and its a great experience for anyone, even people who aren't SM majors.

Its been a fun semester and good luck to everyone on finals and future classes. Thanks for reading.

Benched for Tweeting?

The popularity of Twitter is reaching an all time high. Its become extremely popular for professional athletes these days. Pros like Shaq and OchoCinco have made following pros on twitter even more popular. But the use of Twitter by professionals has been closely regulated after a few Twitter users have made some comments that make them wish for an "Un"-Tweet button. Also, people claiming to be pros and imitating athletes have also made some waves. But recently Nets rookie Terrence Williams made a comment that found him the bench.

He proclaimed his Nets love on Twitter after posting: "How would it be if Mr. Stern called my name 10 min earlier #9 or 5 min later #12 hmmmmmmmmm to bad I can't live off what ifs." And that came after he posted, "Up early to the gym before practice to practice before practice, because NOW practice is my games. Welp that's life."

Although the Nets are claiming that the benching didn't have anything to do with the Tweet, they have announced that they are advising Williams to be more careful with his future Tweets. Right, don't bad mouth the prestigious (2-20) Nets.

Williams wasn't the first to find some pine for Tweeting his mind. Last year Charlie Villanueva was suspended for tweeting during the half time of a game. David Stern has since solved that problem by outlawing Tweets a few hours before, and after games. Individual teams have also taken action against Tweets during team functions, and of course many have done their best to keep players from Tweeting something might soon regret.

Professionals Tweeting brought the impact of social networking to the forefront of every Commissioner, and GM's attention. The truth is, social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace provide an up close and personal look into the lives of celebrities and athletes. Its something that fans always want more of. They can be a real tool in attracting new fans, or keeping old fans happy. I personally follow Shaq on Twitter, along with his team mate Mo Williams, and often find his Tweets to be fun and interesting. Shaq describes some of his Tweets as "Random Acts of Tweetness." Shaq uses his Tweets to give fans hints and free merchandise that he sometimes hides around the city of Cleveland. How a 7"1' 300 something lb. man hide anything in a city like Cleveland is beyond me, but I guess that's whats great about Shaq.

In order for fans and players to keep enjoying social networks like Twitter, I think organizations like the NBA and NFL need to sit down and set some specific rules in regards to them. Leagues and teams should monitor players very closely when it comes to Twitter, but I believe that players should have the freedom to express themselves, as long as it stays appropriate.

Cleveland Born & Cleveland Bred. But Will He Stay, or Go Instead?

A few weeks back we had a very delightful conversation about LeBron James and his NBA future. With the end of the semester approaching I think it would be a tragedy if I didn't dedicate at least one blog towards this debate.

To me it seems that everyone outside the state of Ohio, is under the impression that LeBron will jump ship the first chance he gets, and run to some big market team like the Knicks or Nets. It could just be the wine and gold jaded glasses, but I don't see it happening. If LeBron stays true to his word about winning championships, and that's a big if, than NY or NJ doesn't seem like a logical fit. Both NY and NJ are years away from a championship, and maybe even the playoffs. The addition of LBJ would likely increase their chances but it still seems like an improbable feet. If you remember his first few years with the Cavaliers, they were anything but extraordinary. Some might say that was because he was young, and his skills were unrefined, or he lacked a jump shot. Well he won an MVP last year and still couldn't reach the finals! Plus I still don't think he has a jump shot, at least not the other night in Memphis...or Houston. The truth is he is an amazing player, but one player no matter who he is, is not capable of carrying an entire team to a championship.

I think that the Cavs have put LBJ in the best position possible, in order to win a Championship. I think the only placed LeBron could be, that would give him a better chance to win, is LA. But barring some kind of video game style trade that would never happen. So like I said, if he wants to win I think he's in the best place.

Another reason for him to stay is the money. Statistically speaking the Cavs have the ability offer him more money than any other team. Although he would have the opportunity to be more of a global icon in NY, they can't pay him more than the Cavs. Which brings me to another point. How much more of a global icon does he need to be? Are their basketball fans around the world saying "I would watch the NBA if only their was a 6"8' 265lb freight train of muscle, who could barrel towards the basket shaking fouls to the side and still have the ability to "throw the hamma down!" Not likely. LeBron James is an international commodity whether he is in NY or CLE or Bowling Green or Tibet. People know who he is.

I could find a thousand reasons for him to stay in Cleveland, but Knicks fans could find a thousand reasons for him to leave. The truth is I'm speaking from a completely biased point of view and have absolutely no understanding of what he will really do. I for one think he already knows where he will end up, but besides him no one does, and no one will until he makes his decision public.

Halftime Inebriation

So recently Ron Artest has been spilling his secrets to the media, and appearing halfway naked on Jimmy Kimmel. He recently admitted to alcohol use during half time of NBA games! I'm really going to make this post quick, frankly because I hate Ron Artest. The truth is, it was a stupid thing to do and a stupid thing to admit. His actions definitely hurt himself and his teammates, and probably jeopardized his teams chances to win. I think that even though these events happened in the past, that David Stern should ultimately punish Artest for his actions.

On a side note. Artest's admission to alcohol use at half time led me to another question. And I'm speaking based on assumptions here, but I can assume that someone knew about Artest's bad habit. I mean its hard to sneak a brown bag full of liquor into an NBA locker room without someone noticing. So assuming that, why didn't someone call him out on it? Why wasn't he punished by his team for his actions? Are NBA players, or athletes in general, reaching a level of superstardom where they believe themselves to be untouchable and above the rules? I think so. I don't know how else to explain it, other than Ron Artest is an idiot.

But if Artest liked to drink at half time of games, than why did he get so upset in Auburn Hills when a fan tried to give him a beer? He must be a Bacardi and Cola kind of guy.

Tiger Woods

Like most of you, I'm tired of the whole Tiger Woods Meltdown series that apparently has taken the place of Sport Center on ESPN. But I now see that Tiger's actions have started to affect his sponsorship. Although each sponsors maintains that the following decisions were made long before Tiger's indiscretions, I don't buy it. ESPN has reported that Gatorade is dropping the Tiger Woods Focus drink. Of course the company says that the decision was not based on his extra-marital affairs...I don't buy it. Secondly the Swiss watch company Tag Heuer has announced that they will be removing images of Tiger Woods face plates from a series of expensive watches. They too say it had nothing to do with Tigers affair.

To me this Tiger Woods debacle is starting to remind me of the last two seasons of Lost, I did find this stuff to be interesting. I original thought that Tiger would suffer a little bit from his actions, but never this much. This morning on ESPN I saw a graphic that showed Tiger's fan approval rating, starting from 2007. In 07 Tiger had an 83% fan approval rating. One week ago his rating was at 56%. This morning his fan approval rating was 38%!! That's unbelievable. At one point in time this guy had a higher approval rating than President Obama! I also heard that Tiger has not had a prime time ad, meaning one of the many commercials he's featured in, since Nov. 29th!

I'm honestly shocked at the impact that this situation has had on Tiger and his professional career. Although I don't agree with the actions that Tiger took, I do believe that this personal matter shouldn't affect his professional life has much as it has. But than again, he has been portrayed as a perfect family man and husband. Looks like that worked out well Tiger.

Ex-Ref Donaghy appears on "60 Minutes"

An article on ESPN describes the actions of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, after his "60 Minutes" interview on Sunday night. Donaghy as most of you will remember was the center of controversy after his involvement with gambling was revealed, in regards to NBA games. Donaghy, who was recently freed after a 15 month prison sentence for his part in the gambling scandal, has been on the circuit since his release, trying to mark it a tell-all book. However, Donaghy had his book pulled by the publisher due to liability reasons, and it now appears that he has turned towards other means in order to regain the National spotlight.

His "60 Minute" interview revealed many details that had not previously been released by investigators, or by the NBA, and appear to add a new spin to the controversy. Henry Abbott, writer for ESPN and author of Donaghy sticks with his story, described Donaghy as appearing "vague","combatant", "indignant", and "controversial" in his interview with "60 Minutes" but despite all those ill natured tendencies, Donaghy has stuck with his story. Donaghy claims that he never altered a game in which he wagered, and that he only placed bets based on the biases of other NBA referees. Although Donaghy's book was cancelled he did offer some telling information in his "60 Minute" interview. Making accusations of referee bias and favoritism against some of the top referees in the NBA, including Joey Crawford and Steve Javie.

In my opinion whatever Donaghy does next, the damage has already been done. Although his credibility is low, he still possesses the power to destroy the reputation of NBA officials at a point where the sports popularity is at a near all time high. His unethical decision to wager on the sport in which he worked has given David Stern an extremely large obstacle to overcome. Stern's actions, in regards to officiating, in the next couple of years will determine his legacy as a successful commissioner, and the future success of the NBA.

Reaction to Ethical Issue Presentation: Legarrette Blount

On Monday Dustin gave an Ethical Issue Presentation on Oregon Running Back Legarrette Blounte. I thought he gave a really good presentation on the subject, but just wanted to reflect on a few things that were brought up during the discussion.

My initial reaction to the incident was for Blounte to be suspended indefinitely, that way Head Coach Chip Kelly could discuss his status with the University and NCAA before reaching a decision. When he decided to suspend him for the year I wasn't surprised, because I thought the punishment fit the crime. What Blounte did was inexcusable and Kelly's decision was completely within reason. Of course, Blounte has recently been reinstated by Kelly because he had met certain academic, among other things, requirements. A lot of people found this to be unfair and that Kelly should stick with the punishment he administered the first time. I however tend to agree with Kelly. If Kelly gave Blounte a list of requirements that would get him back on the field, and Blounte met them than why shouldn't he be allowed to compete? I think that some people feel Kelly went soft on Blounte but I believe that the punishment still taught him a valuable lesson and he probably deserves a second chance.

The other issue that I wanted to address is something that came up during the class discussion. I'm not sure who made the point, but someone stated that the University of Oregon should give Blount another chance because suspending him was ruining his future in the NFL. I completely disagree with that idea. As a collegiate athlete your required to behave yourself and stay out of trouble, its not the university's job to do that for you. As an athlete if you can't keep yourself out of trouble its not the university's fault if your draft status takes a hit. The university is their to help make you better as an athlete and a person, but they don't have any responsibility for your future. If I got caught cheating as a student, no one would be demanding the university give me a second chance because they're ruining my future.

In the end I think that Kelly and the University acted appropriately, in both suspending and reinstating Blounte. And I also feel that the its the responsibility of the athlete to keep themselves in a position to play, not the university, in order to compete for a chance at the next level.