Athletes Deserve the Same Jail Time as Everyone Else

“Hey... Goldberg! I bet if that puck was a cheeseburger, you'd stop it! Hahaha!” –Mighty Ducks 2

First of all, I thought Josh’s presentation was a good topic to talk about with all the upcoming “jail time” events for professional athletes. I, personally, would have added Lance Briggs slamming his $250,000 Lambo into the side of the Edens Expressway in Chicago and leaving the scene in the presentation. Now only if I was smart enough to be driving with someone in Chicago on the Edens at 3:00am, I probably could have had myself a nice car. Then again, I guess that’s how we do it in Chicago. First Lance Briggs and then this summer we had Chicago Blackhawks star, Patrick Kane, punch a cab driver over a near $.20 in change. Come on buddy, did you forget you had to tip him? Kids these days!
Overall I thought Josh made a good point about Donte Stallworth. The man (Stallworth) was drunk and driving. He killed other drunk man walking across the street and was only sentenced to 24 days in jail. Now, how does that work? I mean I completely understand he is under house arrest for the next two years (I believe) but really, that’s all? Anyone else would not be this lucky in their jail sentence. I do believe part of the reasoning is Stallworth’s money and lawyer. However, I do not think the court systems want people to know the more money you have, the better sentencing you will get.
Even Plaxico Burress is another unacceptable case. As matter of fact, I think he is an embarrassment to the NFL. Again I am not biased because I play hockey, but when was the last time you heard of a NHL or MLB player getting into a jail type situation with the exception of the steroid users? The NBA and NFL seem to have countless problems. Maybe the problem for these two leagues is the time in between the next games. NHL and MLB players seem to be always traveling with not a lot of down time during the season. In addition, NHL players, this year, have to play a regular season, playoffs, and compete in the 2010 Vancouver games for the Olympics. The MLB players have 162-game season to play each year.
Still, I do not really believe down time between games in the reason. In my opinion, I do believe everyone deserves a second chance in life. However, when a professional athlete is getting paid millions of dollars and are role models to society, they do not need a second chance because they have millions of reasons not to screw up. If I worked for a high paying job and well-known company and got arrested for shooting myself, do you actually think the company would rehire me after spending two years in jail? I don’t think so. We are all fans of the game and smart people, is it really fair?

Why soccer will not survive in the U.S.?

“You know what Gordie Howe got for a signing bonus? A team jacket!” -Youngblood

In class last Wednesday, Dr. Spencer talked about the popularity of soccer/futbol in Europe compared to the U.S. In Europe, futbol games are jammed packed with fans supporting their team. Futbol games have been known to even cause riots because the fans are so passionate. The U.S. has a different outlook. In the past, the U.S. has tried to establish a soccer league but has failed miserable. The latest league, Major League Soccer, has become a pleasant surprise. However, the league’s new all-star, David Beckham, has not worked out so well. Recently, Beckham has been booed by fans from the L.A. Galaxy. Beckham was signed to a five-year contract. The deal went south when Beckham wanted to be loaned to AC Milan. Beckham’s loan brought displeasure to American fans.

In Europe, the teams have sponsorships that pay a lot of money to be worn by the teams. A lot of money is spent on some of the top futbol players in the World. Their games are on European channels just as much as basketball, baseball, and football in America. For the most part, futbol seems to be played all year long unlike soccer in America. Soccer in America will not survive because a lack of sponsorships and how long the season lasts. The MLS cannot afford to pay the same top dollar that European futbol players are paid.

My solution is when the MLS plays there games, the teams should play in stadiums with a retractable roof. While games are played in summer, the roofs will stay open. Then the season can continue into early fall as the roof can be closed and the field is still in good condition. Major League Baseball has looked into new stadiums having retractable roofs so there are not a lot of make-up games due to bad weather. My other suggestion to this solution is to have primetime games like the NBA has for Christmas and NFL has for Sundays.

The True Meaning of Fighting in Hockey

With the start of the October month, I felt it was necessary to begin a new set of famous movie quotes from hockey movies.

“Did you really Quack at the Principal?

Yeah! Are we Ducks or what?” –The Mighty Ducks

Last week in class, Rei gave a presentation about fighting in hockey. His presentation was very interesting because he talked about how National Hockey League (NHL) players’ fights affect younger children. Rei showed a YouTube clip of an eight year-old hockey fight that occurred during the game. He explained how kids want to fight because their favorite NHL players fight. This issue has lead to many NHL officials trying to cut down on the fighting that takes place during a game. However, I feel there is one problem with that.

Hockey is a physical game. Yet, the fighting still sends the wrong message to kids. In my opinion, kids do not understand the meaning behind fighting. When it comes to fighting, most of the fighting is done because there is need to stick up for a teammate or trying to get your energy back into your team. Shaun Buynack wrote on his blog, “Even though fighting seems cruel, it is needed to keep order on the ice. It helps players from taking cheap shots and liberties towards the opposing players.” I agree completely with Shaun’s statement. Hockey is a fast, intense game where momentum can switch from one team to the other in an instant.

Now, think of this issue with a couple of other issues in mind. Shaun and I both agree fighting is necessary and not as big of an issue as people make it. I believe I would rather see fighting in hockey than steroids in baseball. I would also rather see fighting in hockey than performance-enhancing drugs in baseball and football. The same could be said for basketball players. I would rather witness a hockey fight than NBA players running into the crowd and starting a fight. I think before people get all raddled about fighting in hockey, people need to understand the reasoning behind fighting. I am not saying all this because I play hockey. I truly believe I would watch a fight, which is meant for momentum or sticking up for a teammate, rather than someone cheating in professional sports. When is the last time you heard a hockey player taking steroids or performance-enhancing drugs? Hockey players play the game for their passion and love of the sport.

Do not believe me? Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkr1yHOpoeg

The Rise of America's National Game

“And you know Steve you get the feeling that Billy Chapel isn't pitching against left handers, he isn't pitching against pinch hitters, he isn't pitching against the Yankees. He's pitching against time. He's pitching against the future, against age, and even when you think about his career, against ending. And tonight I think he might be able to use that aching old arm one more time to push the sun back up in the sky and give us one more day of summer.” –Vin Scully For the Love of the Game

Baseball has become “America’s pastime.” I found chapter four to be very interesting. Baseball went from a bat-and-ball game to “base ball” to a “base ball fraternity.” The change this sport has made is incredible. There is deep history in baseball and I am not talking about the Cubs not winning in 101 years. Who would have thought this backyard pick up game would involve into the sport viewed today? The Knickerbockers proved this game had a great pastime. I feel the amazing part of the story behind the game is how the game, itself, was developed. I was sorry to hear gambling and thrown games became apart of baseball. Then again, the Chicago White Sox thrown World Series does not surprise me. The state of New York and local media did a very nice job of spreading the word about baseball. Most of the credit goes to Henry Chadwick. Also, I was very impressed when the chapter talked about an “all-star” game. The overall setup of game made an easy decision to be called “a Native American Sport.”

One of the more exciting stories to read about was the visit to the White House. Sadly, Cincinnati actually had a really good ball club. At the time, President Ulysses S. Grant had the Cincinnati Red Stockings over to the White House to congratulate them. This success quickly got Chicago into the picture. So here is my appreciation, thank you Cincy!

Another part I liked in the chapter was the post-game dinner for the away team. Now there is the classy characteristic baseball is known for. This part really may not excite any readers but who would actually have thought there was a post-game meal? The parties even included live music and sometimes held a local tavern. Now, how come after my hockey games, I never received a team dinner?

Lastly, I leave my blog readers and Chicago Cubs fans with this…

Dear Milton Bradley,

You say the greatest fans in baseball, Cub fans, are racist? Then, how come Derek Lee, who is African-American, has never complained about us? Last time I checked, D-Lee is having a career year for an underachieving team. Milty, stop with the excuses. You are making $10 million a year.

Natives and Mascots Plus Sports in the Revolutionary America

“If I owned the Twins, I wouldn't even show up here. I'd just hire a bunch of scientists to do my homework. I mean, if you're rich you don't have to be smart. That's the whole beauty of this country”- Little Big Leagues

This week’s class was very interesting. The Native American and Mascot issue is more compelling than people really know. The most interesting talk was from Miami University. The SI article was talking about how alumni were willing to give more money to the school if they changed their name, Redskins. The name was changed and Miami is now known as the Redhawks. Soon after the name change, the school received $25 million in donations from the alumni. The other issue is the Washington Redskins. Native Americans do not appreciate the logo and name the Washington football franchise carries. Native Americans feel the term “Redskin” is cruel and hurtful.

My opinion, Native Americans need to back off this issue. Now, I have nothing against Native American’s and their history, which is probably because I know little about them. In history books, its was saving pilgrims and creating a holiday called “Thanksgiving.” Americans took your land and now taking Native American history right out of the books. Wouldn’t Native Americans be happy some history was kept around in America? Look at the Atlanta Braves for example. This team won 14 straight consecutive division titles. The Native Americans should be proud of the team and support the team has. The Chicago Blackhawks have one of the greatest logos in sports. They even made it to the Western Conference Finals. No respect? I think there is plenty of history representation here, Native American complainers.

The other topic is Sports in Revolutionary America. Ledbetter describes the sports participated during the war. Soldiers had to keep in shape and stay conditioned. Swimming was a big part of this conditioning. Other sports were boxing, fives, and nine-pin. Each sport was popular by the soldiers demand.

I have to say the soldiers playing sports during the war is not a bad idea. I wasn’t so sure why Washington restricted it, especially swimming. I thought swimming was good for the body because it worked all the muscles in the body. Then again, there were times soldiers were shot do to swimming. I think I understand why sports became popular in America. I can see the change in sports is being a change away from the British. Well maybe, it was just a thought.

Special thanks to Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Michael Jordan, and Kanye West for their big, glorious moments this past week!

Sports and History-Native Americans and Slaves

“Hey, kid! How'd you like to play for the Chicago Cubs?

Great! But I gotta ask my mom first.”- Rookie of the Year

Last week, we had two online journals about Native Americans and slaves. The Native American journal was about the history behind sport and how Native Americans played sports socially and as a culture. The games played by the natives have evolved into sports still played in the 21^st century. The article mentions how Native Americans have formed all-Native sports. Also, there is a section on Native American athletes who have made it to the professional level, which is something we talked about last week in class.

The other article was about slaves’ entertainment while on their plantations. Usually, slaves had dance parties on Saturday’s as a day to relax and forget about work. Slaves from other plantations would sneak out and go to where the party was located. The article also talks about how slaves went hunting, fishing, boxing, and wrestling. These physical activities help keep them in shape while still being able to have competition amongst others.

After reading each article, I had a question running through my mind about history. How come history books left out detailed information about Native Americans and slaves? Throughout all my history classes, a lesson on Native Americans and/or slaves seems short each time. There is a certain amount of information given and that is it. For example, I learned only about slaves as workers for white slave owners. They made dinner and did chores. For Native Americans, I learned about them through Thanksgiving and how they saved European settlers. However, I recently learned about slaves having Saturday night dance parties. Native Americans playing their own organized sports, which are still played today. I even learned about the famous athletes who have a Native Americans background. To me, that’s the history I want to learn about. These articles are the missing information left out of the history books. I actually feel like I know more about Native American and slaves then I did beforehand.

Introduction

"Hello everybody. Harry Doyle here, welcoming all you Wahoo maniacs to the year's first session of Tribe Talk. As you know, the Indians had a Cinderella season last year. Despite the fact that 'toxic' owner Rachel Phelps wanted the team to lose so she could move it to Florida, the Indians won the American League East for the first time since divisional play began. Rachel's gone now, thank God, having sold the team to retired Indian third baseman Roger Dorn, after a long, hard fought series of negotiations." -Major League II

My name is Nick DeSalvo. I am entering my third year at Bowling Green State University. My major is Sport Management with a minor in Marketing. This year I will be working my practicum through the Division I Men’s Hockey team. I will be working with Head Coach Dennis Williams and his staff throughout the year. Otherwise, I spend time working as the Vice President for the Club Hockey team I play for. Hockey has become a huge part of my life and to be able to continue playing in college has been more than I could ask for. I am also a big fan of baseball. The dream job I would want is to become a sports agent, like Scott Boras or Drew Rosenhaus. Lastly, I am going to admit I do not have any blogging experience. Read my blog for what it is worth and constructive criticism is always welcomed.

Being from the Windy City, I am big supporter of Chicago sports teams. I do, however, tend to favor the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Blackhawks over all the other Chicago teams. In large part, I am a Cubs fan. Yes, I am another depressed Cubs fan, who only prays this team will win the World Series before I leave earth. Now, some Cub fans may ask my opinion to why they have not won. My solution is not to blame Dusty Baker, Steve Bartman, Jim Hendry, or even Lou Pinella. What I am trying to say is look at the Chicago Blackhawks. Now here is franchise once at the top of the city and then hit rock bottom during the Bill Wirtz era. Suddenly a new owner change (Bill’s son, Rocky, took over), the Blackhawks became a franchise with new faces. After hiring former Cubs President, John McDonough, and developing their draft picks, Chicago became a team three wins away from a Stanley Cup appearance. On the other hand, the Cubs continue to pay top dollar for overpriced players when they should develop their prospects and team chemistry. Jim Hendry, a little advice, Milton Bradley is probably not your best offseason pick up. Attention Cub fans, there is a new owner coming after this dreadful year. Mr. Tom Ricketts, I beg you to pay close attention to what Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough have done with the Blackhawks. As an owner, improve Wrigley Field but bring in fresh, new faces. Most all of, Mr. Ricketts develop young prospects and get rid of your overpaid, big babies.

Honestly, the start of the 2009 year has been a life experience I will never forget. In fact, my experience began January 1^st at Wrigley Field in Chicago. From a sports fan’s perspective, one of the most spectacular sights my eyes have laid on is the 2009 NHL Winter Classic. To see an outdoor hockey rink on historic Wrigley Field is something I will never forget. No matter the outcome of the game, any true sports fan would appreciate the atmosphere inside Wrigley Field on a cold, winter morning. The other eye opening experience I had this year was with Chicago Blackhawks President John McDonough. Talk about one of the most respected men in the front office. Mr. McDonough was very straight forward man and yet, a pure genius in the marketing department. I was able to pick his brain apart to understand his thought process in the marketing of sports. The biggest advice I received from him was to be very humble and do everything with “professional class.”

The one historic event I would go back to is the 2003 National League Championship Series between the Florida Marlins and Chicago Cubs. This game is better known for the “Steve Bartman” incident. I want to go back to the whole incident with Moises Alou and Steve Bartman. It’s hard to believe fan interference can cause the chaos, which took place during the inning. The next play was an easy ground ball double-play when the ball went right threw the legs of the shortstop, Alex Gonzalez. A complete mental breakdown for a team poised for success. However, there were a lot of situations that did not take place during the inning. How come Dusty Baker did not go out for a meeting on the mound to calm everyone down? Why was Mark Prior still in the game so late? No matter what situation went wrong that night, the Cubs could have prevented their ugly mess. Then again, maybe there truly is a curse after all.

I look forward to the History and Philosophy of Sport class this semester. Unlike grade school and high school history classes, I know this history class is one I will enjoy and can co-exist with. Learning about the beginning of sport compares to the beginning of America. Again, only in my world would I say that. I found the online readings to be very interesting, especially about how sports were competed for honor and strength. Today, sports can be seen as doing everything possible to win the game. I find it remarkable how there is history behind any historical event in sports. For example, there is history behind the first Super Bowl game. In my opinion, understanding the history of sport is a big role in earning a degree in sport management.

My concern going into this class is keeping up with blog entries. This blog is my first time going public with my opinions. I will have to learn to take constructive criticism from other viewers and not take those comments to heart. Being able to improve on my writing will help throughout this semester. Otherwise, I am very interested in the learning about the history and philosophy of sport.