The Conclusion to SM 221

"You should really get to know your players. Michael scored in the 98th percentile in protective instincts." -Blind Side

As the semester comes to a close, I look back on all the history of sports this class has taught me. Breaking down various sports and eras was something new to me. There was more to learning about the history of sports than who did what and how the sport was formed. Some chapters became explanations for why a sport or athlete achieved great success or shame. There were reasons for why a sport changed or grew popular. The same could be said for athletes. Overall, it is because of the history of sports that I have chosen to pursue my career in sport management.

Throughout the semester, the class touched on many subjects regarding sports and sports figures. These subjects included the past and present, racial, and political topics. For example, The Miracle On Ice is a political issue even though this was a hockey game played in the Olympics. During this time (1980s), a Cold War was taking place and the USSR had invaded Afghanistan. The USSR was expected to easily win the Gold medal. However, with the help of a miracle, the U.S. hockey team pulled off the greatest upset by beating the Soviets and advancing to the Gold medal game. The U.S. eventually won the Gold medal and reenergized a struggling nation. Personally, the HBO movie about this historical moment is truly motivating. This game was no ordinary hockey game but a political statement.

The one topic I thought could have been talked about more was the commissioners in professional sports. Obviously, these commissioners have been involved with many decision-making processes for their respective leagues. Some decisions have boated well for them, while other decisions have sunken their reputation. Bud Selig’s call during the 2002 All-Star Game was an example of a reputation gone down the drain. Selig eventually called the All-Star Game when it was tied 7-7 after the 11^th inning due to a shortage in pitchers. I feel as though commissioners dictate the outcome of how well their sport does. For instance, lockouts have been a prime subject in sports. I believe how a commissioner recovers from a lockout predicts the future of the sport. The NHL, once thought to be near dead sport for attendance due to its 2004 lockout, has nearly recaptured fans by making rule changes and introducing the annual outdoor hockey game, The Winter Classic.

In addition, I would have like to gone into more discussion on which commissioner people preferred. I know I commented on Brad Frank’s post about David Stern. In my opinion, I feel that all the commissioners need to be removed from their positions. There needs to be fresh blood and new faces in all these sports. A younger commissioner can relate to the younger generations and markets. These new rule changes hurt the way the game was once known for. Football and hockey are prime examples. Both football and hockey have seen rule changes to protect players and take away the physical play.

This class taught me a lot about the true history behind sports. The creation and beginning of certain sports is an incredible story to hear. The way African-Americans and Native Americans created sports that we now play today is simply amazing. I feel the book gave the credit they deserve for attributing to sports. There were many historical events that will not be forgotten. Yes, even the great ESPN helped out with the movie clips the class viewed. To end my conclusion, here is a quote by Vince Lombardi…

“We didn’t lose the game; we just ran out of time.”

Congrations Dan Sexton!

On a personal note, congratulations to Dan Sexton on making his NHL debut in Minnesota for the Anaheim Ducks. Dan also scored his first two NHL goals tonight against the Dallas Stars. Dan played two years at Bowling Green State University. In two seasons with the Falcons, Sexton finished with 24 goals, 36 assists (60 points) and 18 multiple-point games in his collegiate career. He left after his sophomore year when he signed a professional contract with the Anaheim Ducks.

Dan, you have represented Bowling Green State University very well. There could not be a better person to show how the Falcons Hockey program is growing. This is a tremendous story and one to remember. Best of luck to you and a successful career!

http://bgsufalcons.com/news/2009/12/5/HOCKEY_1205093517.aspx

Elin Woods Good With The 3-Iron

"He's on his final hole. He's about 455 yards away, he's gonna hit about a 2 iron I think.." -Caddyshack

And the Tiger Woods saga continues. I wanted to comment on the article relating to the Tiger Woods incident that occurred this past week.(http://www.examiner.com/x-17547-Financial-Fraud-Examiner~y2009m12d3-Tiger-Woods-scandal-and-details-emerging-about-Elin-Woods-prenuptial-agreement). You know in my opinion, here is another athlete that disappointed the world. People thought Alex Rodriguez was going to break Barry Bonds homerun record steroid-free. Well it turns out that Mr. A-Rod is a steroid user. The same can be said about Michael Jordan. Everyone saw his record-breaking numbers with the Bulls; however, did anyone see the gambling issues he had? I also forgot to mention the cheating on his wife, as well. Even The Great One, Wayne Gretzky has problems. I remember hearing his wife was in gambling ring with her husband’s Assistant Coach on the Phoenix Coyotes. Oh, Janet.

The world does not want to see these superstar athletes act this way. Kids growing up look to these role models as a guide to follow. Tiger Woods now is the latest victim to join the bad imaged athletes. The question remains why did he do it? Tiger, don’t you live the life? If I remember correctly aren’t you the first billion-dollar athlete? Some athletes lose so much respect when instances, like Tiger’s, occur.

Overall, Tiger Woods lives the dream any person in the world would love to live. He is married to a Swedish model, who is absolutely gorgeous. The man is sponsored by Nike, Gatorade, Gillette, and many more brand name sponsors. Did I mention he has a yacht? Tiger, you are 33 years old and have two kids. There is no need to be prancing around looking for other young women to fool around with. Whether or not these allegations are true, your image will be forever tarnished outside of golf. As far as your golf play, no one will notice a bit, but you now join the same category as the athletes mentioned above (A-Rod, Gretzky, Bonds, Jordan).

Tiger, you got what you deserved. Next time do not underestimate your own skills, swing a golf club, cause the club finally backfired on you. The one thing that hurts the most is the fact that Tiger will not come out to the public and speak the truth. He is too afraid he will lose sponsorships, in my opinion. What is the worst that can happen, going from a billion dollars to half a billion in total earnings? The world is such a cruel place, Tiger. It’s time to grow up and act like a true role model. Then again, not only are you a role model for young kids and teenagers, but how about being a good role model for your own kids?

LeBron, Kissing Up Or Genuinely Nice Guy?

"In America, we have laws. Laws against killing, laws against stealing. And it is just accepted that as a member of American society, you will live by these laws. In West Canaan, Texas, there is another society which has it's own laws. Football is a way of life." -Varsity Blues

LeBron James may have a heart after all. Recently, James came out to the public about retiring Michael Jordan's number throughout the entire NBA. Jordan, who was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, has his number 23 retired in Chicago. During his career with the Bulls, Jordan won 6 NBA titles. He retired in 1993 for a brief stint in order to pursue his other career dream playing professional baseball. Jordan briefly switched to No. 45 when he returned to the Chicago Bulls after retiring the first time before going back to No. 23 (2009).

"I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon," said James, who has worn 23 since he was a high school sophomore. "There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade if there wasn't Michael Jordan first" (2009).

According to ESPN, There are 13 No. 23s in the NBA. Oklahoma City rookie Byron Mullens, who ended up with the number after finding his preferred No. 32 was retired by the organization for Seattle SuperSonics great Fred Brown, is open to a switch.

"I don't have a problem," Mullens said. "I'm a rookie so I don't have no say-so. It's Jordan, man. His number should be retired from the NBA. If it is, then congratulations and good for him. If it's not, then I guess I'll stick to it. I was kidding around with my teammates, though. I told them, 'Jordan's going to have to pay me out' " (2009).

I think this is a great example of the respect around the league for Michael Jordan. The NHL and MLB have done this across their prospective leagues, why not the NBA do it? We have athletes who perform at the high expectations day-in and day-out, why not respect them? Granite, sometimes these athletes are not the best role models, they perform at great levels in their sports. Truth be told, if I am the NBA, I would mind letting the number 23 be the face of the NBA. I mean look how popular his brand has become.

(2009, November 14). Lebron wants all players to surrender 23. Retrieved from http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4650907

Veteran's Day Tribute

"Just remember, football is 80% mental and 40% physical." - Little Giants

Today, we celebrate Veteran’s Day. This is a day to remember all of our country’s soldiers for all they have done in keeping our freedom alive. Over the past several days I was watching television looking at the commercials or events that will be occurring for Veteran’s Day. On ESPN, certain shows will be shown on military bases throughout the country. ESPN, also, had commercials with star athletes thanking every troop, current or veteran, for helping keep freedom in America. In Chicago, the Blackhawks will be wearing camouflage jerseys in warm ups. Much more will be going on today throughout the sports world to honor our soldiers.

However, the question I have is do people think there is too much public relations going into these Veteran’s Day events? In other words, are these events specially designed for the good image of the organization or do these organizations really appreciate the American soldiers? In ESPN’s case, the commercials have some of America’s top athletes. I wonder how much each athlete was paid for the commercial. Why wouldn’t ESPN make a tribute to all the soldiers with top athletes wishing them thanks for all they do? This network is one of the most popular on television. The tribute is a great public relations move on their part.

In my opinion, what happened to the small, feel good stories the media shared. I feel like those stories represent what Veteran’s Day is about. Pat Tillman remains and always will remain a feel good story about how sometimes there are things more important in the world than sports. Even though Tillman’s death is a very tragic loss, people need to remember him for the good he did for our country. If ESPN wants to thank all of the soldiers, bring out a feel good story that is from the heart. Especially, tell stories of athletes who have had family members in the military. I know my grandpa and uncle, who have given military service, always get a chuckle out of the commercials on Veteran’s Day from athletes. My grandpa wonders how much each athlete gets paid to thank the soldiers.

Now here is my thanks for to all the soldiers…

To all soldiers, current or veteran, thank for all you do to keep our country safe. There is no bigger fan than the American people. You are truly all heroes. Please stay safe and come home soon.

The Big Mac Back in St. Louis?

“Would you rather spread manure, or play hockey in Madison Square Garden in front of 20,000 people?”- Youngblood

Anyone remember back in 1998, the great homerun race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa? Who would of thought baseball’s comeback was because of these two great sluggers? Well little would anyone know about 10 years later, steroids would be baseball’s new topic of discussion. As I recall McGwire and Sosa were the topic of a baseball investigation, The Mitchell Report. Both denied taking steroids and McGwire said he did not want to talk about the past but focus on the present. All in all, both were one time first ballot Hall of Famers. Now, they are both lucky if they get into the Hall at all.

Interestingly enough, the Big Mac is back in St. Louis. This time, McGwire will become the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. Surprisingly move? I would love to hear what Cardinals fans think. Who knows maybe a public relations move to clear up McGwire’s image? Then again, if the whole team starts to smash homeruns, people are going to start thinking steroids. In my opinion, McGwire may actually be a smart, hitting coach for the Cardinals. I am sure there are plenty of St. Louis fans who still appreciate all McGwire did.

Still I wonder what this move does for the St. Louis Cardinals and McGwire. If somehow McGwire proves he was steroid free, is baseball’s legacy changed forever? Think about Pete Rose and his situation. He was banned from baseball because of betting. Why is baseball allowing McGwire back in the game after he refused to talk about “the past?” I understand McGwire was never found guilty of steroids but the man disappeared from the game. Anyone else see that as a sign?

Well best of luck to you, Mark McGwire. I hope you prove baseball wrong. Honestly, since this hiring has occurred, I think it is time baseball looked at Pete Rose.

However, as a Cubs fan, I hope McGwire ruins Albert Pujols’ swing.

Friday Night (No Money to Spend On) Lights

“You know what Coxy let me ask you a question. Why'd you wanna play college hockey? Isn't it obvious? For the girls.” -Miracle

This past Monday, Megan and Morgan talked about sports being cut out from high school budgets. Megan gave an example of her high school near home. Megan was telling the class about how the high school completely cut sports from their budget and effects this decision had on the community. I personally went through this situation and it is not a fun one. The community really becomes too paranoid. My parents were looking into other private schools for me. Then they would fight over whether paying for school was in their budget. Luckily, in my case, I played hockey and Illinois High Schools Association did not support my sport due to insurance reasons. In other words, I did not have to go to a private school. However, there may be teacher and class cuts at my high school. This situation quickly became a mess.

Interestingly enough, there was one solution to stop this problem that my high school district did not consider. Sometime after 2000, Pepsi had come to our school district with an offer. My teacher, who taught my business law class, was telling our class Pepsi Co. wanted to end the Coke line products in our district area. Pepsi was willing to offer around $7 million dollars to the district under certain circumstances. One of the requirements for this deal was each high school within the district had to put in special field turf with Pepsi logos in each endzone. Another requirement was Pepsi Co. products are the only products allowed in the school.

Now I am sure there were other details. According to my teacher, she was saying the district was afraid the community would not like the Pepsi logo around the school. In fact, our vote did pass and taxes were raised around the area. Then again, last year, the high school changed their field to the special field turf even though money was tight. The district simply could have considered the offer and had a couple of Pepsi logos. Plus, the community would not have to raise taxes and elderly people would not have to complain. There would have been enough money for improvement in both sports and education. Our district would have been put on the map, as well.

Maybe its time high school districts should look into sponsorships!