Sept. 20

This might seem a little off topic but after watching Saturday nights fight between Mayweather and Marquez, I couldn't help but think about how the sport of boxing has fallen. What was once one of the most popular sporting pastimes, is now becoming a "private" sport, so to speak. No longer a matches televised on cable T.V. The only place viewers can watch a prime-time fight is on Payperiew. I think this is one of the main reasons that boxing has lost its popularity.

I'm sure their are some other factors that have contributed to the sports demise but I believe that its lack of availability to the public is largely responsible. In the golden years of boxing, fights could be found on basic television channels, for all who had a television to see. Lately, however, the high profile fights are only available on Payperview channels. For the common fan its sometimes hard to afford these fights. And now, with the extreme popularity of the UFC and mixed martial arts fighting, boxing is facing some fierce competition.

Even though high profile fights are still bringing in plenty of cash, and the athletes themselves too, the sport of boxing seems to be taking a hard hit. As a fan of boxing its hard to watch a sport filled with such a rich history and tradition lose its popularity.

Sept. 15

I came across this article on ESPN, and the timing really couldn't be better. Have a look for yourself, its pretty short and sweet:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4474771

I thought it was interesting that these legal battles have been continuing for such a long time. I also found it interesting that the American Indian group had their original ruling defeated because they took to long to bring their case to suit. I think that if the original court ruled in their favor, than the defense would need overwhelming evidence in order to overturn the verdict. It sounds to me like these judges have been throwing the Redskins a bone, or perhaps they've been in their pocket the whole time. I think it shows what really motivates people, MONEY. The fact that a legal technicality has allowed, and continue to allow, an entire group of people to be made a mockery is shameful.

I also found some of the comments on the article interesting as well. Granted their were about 150 others that were less than educated responses. It seems that the majority of sports fans are not educated on the subject and form ignorant opinions without the facts or research. After reading some of the comments I definitely feel differently on the subject than I did yesterday. Native Americans have become a sort of forgotten people. The only time we pay particular attention to them is when an issues like this occurs. I'm all for changing the names of sports teams, or mascots, on a case-by-case basis. I can see why Native Americans have been offended.

Intro

I suppose I should start things off by introducing myself, so here it goes.

My name is Cody, I'm 21 years old and am a senior here at Bowling Green. Unfortunately I won't be a graduating senior but I'm trying to avoid talking about that. I transfered here to Bowling Green last year from community college. Before that I went to Kent State and even Toledo for all of 4 days. It's been a long and twisted road, but I'm glad that I've ended up at BG.

I'm studying sports management, which is one of the reasons I chose BG, and am specializing in Sports Enterprise. I've really enjoyed my time here in BG, and in the program thus far. After I graduate (whenever that may be) I hope to find a job working as an athletic director. I would prefer to work a the high school level but definitely wouldn't be opposed to the collegiate level.

I've played sports for my entire life. Ever since I was young I've played baseball. It was my first sport and I definitely consider it my favorite. I played a little football in high school but ultimately I decided to focus on baseball because I believed I had a chance at playing in college. Unfortunately things didn't work out and I've attributed some of the blame to the athletic department of my high school, which is the primary reason for my desired future career.

On a more painful note, I'm a diehard Cleveland fan. Browns, Indians, and Cavs. Unfortunately I am old enough to remember the heartache of the 95 and 97 Indians teams, and the memories still keep me awake some nights. I've also been exposed, through my dad and ESPN Classic, to every other fabled title attempt by Cleveland franchises in the last 50 years. The Fumble, The Drive, The Shot, all have a special place engraved in my mind.

I'm also a huge College Football fan. I'm extremely excited for Saturday to get here! I lied to my boss so I can have Saturdays off, so if any one visits Ponderosa in Fremont...you don't know me, alright?

I'm a huge Buckeye fan and will defend them to the death. I've had some trouble coping with the big game losses the last couple of years but thats why God made Jack Daniels, right? Just kidding. I love my Buckeyes and am never afraid to sport my OSU gear. I'm also really excited for Bowling Green to start their season. Having transfered so much in my collegiate career I haven't been able to enjoy a good college football season as a student. Unfortunately I won't be in the Doyt tomorrow for the home opener but I plan on attending my fair share of games this year.

As far as this class is concerned, I'm really looking forward to it. I've heard good things about the class and am excited to get into some good discussions. I hope that I can walk away from this class with a slightly different outlook out sports, at least a more educated one.

Can't think of much more to say at the moment, but stay tuned I'll try to keep this exciting.

"Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision."

- Muhammad Ali