Sport and Society-Final Post

           

            Well, the journey has come to an end. First, let me thank you Dr. Spencer I have really enjoyed your course and particularly this blogging assignment. I never thought I would ever have my own blog where I could let my opinion be known. Second, let me thank my fellow classmates for providing insightful opinions and comments about my posts. The thought and time you put into your posts is greatly appreciated.

            When enrolling in this class I was not completely certain what my enjoyment level would be though now as it comes to the final week. I can say without doubt this has been my favorite class at Bowling Green. The wide array of issues we touched upon as well as well as the variety in assignments has really made me work and think. For example, I will take my epiphany and complete it as my master’s project.  My favorite discussion just occurred recently regarding weight and the athlete. Though I am still grateful for your efforts Dr. Spencer to get us to talk about race. I do know personally that as a result I am much more open discussing issues of race.

            I will remember many things from the course and continue to use them in my professional life. I do not really have any ideas or suggestions outside of making the blog assignment mandatory to add to the class. Also, please keep Jeopardy really think it allows the class to lighten up and have fun while also illustrating what they have learned. I am grateful this course is a part of the Sport Administration curriculum.

            On a personal note, I look forward to working with over the next several months as I finish my master’s project and earn my master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. Well there are no more until next times, so this is it, pretty simple.

From a Simple Man-Thank you and good luck to all of my classmates on their future endeavors.

What I have learned at Bowling Green thus far?

            I was hired in July of 2009 as the first ever academics graduate assistant for the men’s football team here at Bowling Green. I had no idea what I was doing and for the most part no one could help me as it was the first time anyone had such a position. Therefore, I spent most of the first fall running around like a chicken with its head cut off just trying to do everything. There were many long nights and a great deal of caffeine that first year. Constantly wondering what else I could do to make sure all the academic support was provided to the student-athlete at Bowling Green. I spent most of the year thinking to myself I am teaching these guys a lot about responsibility and maturity. Though now I look back almost two years removed and realize that the student-athletes taught me.

            Characteristics such as organization, preparation, and time management were all things I constantly harped upon to the athletes and now I realize that all that was also aimed directly at me. As a result, of this experience I have learned a great deal about time management to avoid pulling all nighters and also about knowing where exactly everything I need is at. Further, the players have taught me a lot about who I am becoming both as a man and now that my role has changed as a coach. I have always been a quiet and reserved person. Though having experienced several situations that required action and a stern voice have developed these attributes in me.

            From the football side having to recruit athletes has improved my communication abilities as well as my public speaking skills though there is still great room for additional improvement.  Also, having to be accountable not only to the older full-time staff members but also to the student-athletes who remarkably do not forget a word you say has improved my follow through and attention to completing assignments.

            So what have I learned at Bowling Green? I came here thinking I would learn more about the game I so dearly love and I have do not get me wrong. My knowledge base compared to when I arrived has improved tenfold. Though I have also learned social, organizational, and institutional rules that I will carry with me no matter where my next stop may be. Not bad considering I came out here not even knowing what I was doing.

The New Yankee Stadium Friend or Foe?

            “Olympism is a philosophy of life calling for the holistic development of the body, will, and mind. It is a fusion of sport, culture, and education within the acceptance of universal and ethical principles. Its goal is to contribute to world peace through sporting competition, competition that is to be non-discriminatory and participated in in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play” (International Olympic Committee, n.d.).

            The philosophy of Olympism has undergone a vast transition over the past decade as a result of the severe environmental damage caused by these mega events on their host cities. It does seem quite illogical to spend millions to earn a bid and in return have to spend millions once the games have finished to counteract the negative damage done. The 1998 games in Nagano, Japan marked the first games in which the IOC or International Olympic Committee invested it environmental protection to attempt to ensure environmentally friendly games. This trend is a growing one as in order to win an Olympic bid you must now clearly illustrate your cities plan to incorporate sport, culture, and now the environment as the three tiers of the Olympic movement. This is of the utmost importance when concerning all mega projects. An example I experienced firsthand was the construction of the new Yankee Stadium.

            Yankee Stadium is located in the South Bronx, an already depleted area in need of dryer help, rather than investing in developmental projects to enhance the area, New York City and Mayor Bloomberg felt in appropriate to greatly finance the monster project. The construction of the new stadium only furthered the devastation surrounding the South Bronx, and as a result furthering the poor living conditions for local Bronx residents. Similarly to the Olympics I believe that if a professional sports franchise was to create a new stadium they must do so in an environmentally friendly manner as well as adding to the existing environment that they plan to erect their new home. Until forced to do so teams will continue with plans similar to the Yankees and local residents and the environment will be the only things hurt. A change needs to be made and now!

Sad Thing is: I ould have to let him play

Janoris Jenkins a senior cornerback for the Florida Gators football team was arrested for the third time in 23 months on April 23, 2011 at 12:35 for possession for marijuana. Florida's new head coach Will Muschamp will now be forced to make a decision get rid or arguably one of the best players in the country? Or sent a precedent that behavior like Jenkins will be tolerated? Recently Sports Illustrated did a study on the high rate of arrest in college football citing that University of Pittsburgh for having the highest arrest percentage 1 and every 4 players has been arrested. Though what happened on the field this season was a direct reflection of their off field behavior and as a result Pittsburgh’s staff was fired. Furthermore, supporting this claim is unfortunately Bowling Green when head coach Dave Clawson arrived the image of a Bowling Green player was extremely negative and best summed up in a mug shot. As a result, coach brought in a set of rules that would apply to all regardless of importance to the team. This set of rules and Coach Clawson’s word was unfortunately tested his first year when our best player violated a serious team rule and was suspended for 6 games. Had we had this player in all likelihood we would have won the conference title. Though Coach is a man of morals and sticking with his guns the image of the Bowling Green football has undergone a transformation. So what will Muschamp do with Jenkins? In all likelihood give him a 2 game suspension and the kid will play 10 games before getting drafted next April and making millions of dollars in the NFL. However, should he let him play? If not playing Jenkins risks winning and losing I imagine Muschamp will let him play.  If I were a coach in my first season at Florida I unfortunately would probably have to let the young man play. I would suspend him but ultimately coaches are judge by one number and that is the number of wins.

April 23, 2011

Kyle Maistri
InsidetheGators.com Senior Writer

Related Links:

Janoris Jenkins cited for marijuana possession

Talk about it in Alligator Alley

The second arrest in the Will Muschamp era was the same as the first.

Getty Images
Janoris Jenkins was arrest for the third time in 23 months Saturday morning.

Florida senior cornerback Janoris Jenkins was arrested for possession of marijuana for the second time in three months early Saturday morning. It's also Jenkins' third arrest in the past 23 months.

According to a Gainesville Police Department report obtained by the Florida Times-Union, a GPD officer noticed Jenkins sitting in a car in a parking lot at 104 N. Main St. smoking a marijuana cigar at 12:35 a.m.

Jenkins was given a notice to appear in court on May 12 for being in possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.

Jenkins recently plead to a misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana, and on March 18 he was ordered to pay $316 in court fines and had adjudication withheld.

Muschamp said the team would discipline Jenkins for that first possession incident internally, and UF has not yet commented on Saturday's arrest.

Jenkins was also Tasered and arrested on May 30, 2009 for resisting arrest after being involved in a fight. He signed a deferred prosecution agreement and had the charge lifted from his record after paying the fees and staying out of trouble for six months.

Jenkins decided to return to Florida this offseason rather than declare for the NFL Draft and skip his senior season because a shoulder injury would have prevented him from being able to workout for NFL teams before the draft. He had surgery on his shoulder and missed all of Spring Practice, just recently getting cleared to start football related activities. Jeremy Brown, Cody Riggs and true freshman De'Ante Saunders would be the three candidates likely to benefit the most from a possible suspension of Jenkins for the start of the season.

Baker-Baker the Basket Maker

“As early as 1986, a study of 496 randomly selected Ontario adolescents in their last  year of high school showed that two-thirds of the girls were preoccupied with weight and dieting, compared with 15% of boys" (Robinson, 2002 pg 125, para2).

            This study just reinforces the concept that our society has become too focused on weight and further becoming too big. It is sad when a young man or lady will take drastic measures to ensure that they maintain what society has told them is a proper look. My cousin Caitlin a very good prep basketball player had also been a very well proportioned girl, having to play in the post required her to keep her weight up she was constantly eating. During her career I would call her the baker-baker the basket maker on account that our grandma had given her the nickname caker-baker. Throughout her high school career you could tell she was not happy that she had to be so big. So the day her career ended she began a crash course diet that ultimately took a turn for the worst. Caitlin is 5’10 and at weighed 168 pounds her senior year (she would kill me and her mom who told me if she know I admitted her weight). Caitlin began to work out 3-4 hours every day after school and initially saw great results losing 15 pounds. Though unfortunately it didn’t stop her weight loss began to plateau Caitlin took a drastic measure and began to not eat. She was very good at hiding that she wasn’t eating. Either finding a way to get rid of her meal or pushing on someone else. I remember it had been about three months between visits to see her and in that time she went from around 150 pounds to about 128 it was scary she wasn’t my pretty cousin she was pale and grossly looking. It didn’t stop there Caitlin got all the way down to 118 pounds before we as a family decided that we had to stop this. So last fall she check into a food counseling center and in the past year has done really well her weight is back to 130 pounds which is still way to small. Though she is eating and gradually gaining healthy muscle back. I can’t believe our media and society have reinforced such a belief that Caitlin would push herself to such extreme lengths to lose weight. I am just really happy she has stopped. When I asked her it if alright to write about her, she was said yes you never know maybe it will help someone avoid the mistakes I made. So I want to thank her and say that I am lucky to have such a great cousin and couldn’t be happier she is on a positive track.

Group Olympic Bid-The People Project at least to me!!

            As we approach our Olympic group bid presentation I have realized that as much as this project is about doing research and being active fact finders. It is more so about working as a cohesive unit and being trustworthy enough to depend on your group partners. I was hesitant at first getting into a group with all members of the athletic department as I have learned that the professional demands of athletics graduate assistants can be quite demanding leaving very little time for academics. Though this process has not only taught us how to further manage our time but also how to design a group project so that each individual’s best assets contribute to the project as a whole. For example, Asil in my personal opinion is extremely good with computers as a result he was in charge of all things computer and graphic related on our project. In addition, Antonio (a.k.a Tony) went to Columbia so by default he was selected as one of the final editors along with myself. Austin did a great deal of internet searching and preliminary research. Mike who properly citied his initial citations became our expert on proper citation and this was a huge asset as our rough draft was rough in large part due to an inability to properly cite. In terms, of an enjoyment level I think we had a great time from me trying to send emails of pictures to judges and not really knowing how, to Asil asking if we should dress up in Toga’s for our presentation,  to Austin suggesting that we paint his sisters dog the colors of the Italian flag, it was an overall enjoyable experience. As I get prepared to enter the professional world I will look back to this experience and realize the benefit it played as I will be dependent upon others in the future to dictate the group’s overall performance. I want to thank my fellow group members for all their efforts and despite winning a bid or not I had a great deal of fun making this project and do look forward to presenting it too my peers. I also want to wish the best of luck to all the other groups on finishing their papers and presentations.

Can Athletic Women Win?

Our class discussion concerning weight and the healthy and unhealthy athlete caused me to think for quite some time. With the exception of Matt Weight I can say I have had the most experience with changing my body as a result of sport. As I have mentioned I have weighed as much as the mid 300’s and as low as 189 pounds. Though my thoughts arose at the comments made by the females in our class, I really had never given thought to the fact that it must be a hard balancing act between maintaining the feminine look that most females desire and having a body effective for their sport. I found Sarah’s and Dr. Spencer’s insights to be particularly interesting concerning size and women’s basketball. Mainly because the other sports discussed did not require weight gain. As women, I would imagine it is difficult to be told to gain weight especially after growing up in our society that often preaches that skinny is the way to be. O had never thought of it before in large part because I just did what my coaches told me, though I did understand that once I reached 310 pounds it was definitely non attractive and I really disliked having to be that big though as athletes do I did what I was told. Further, can women win if they reached the ideal athletic body for their sport and position they are often labeled as too masculine or muscle bound. Furthermore, if they maintain a sleek though it may bit be best for the performance, though will it matter. For example, in our society female athletes are often glorified for their looks and not enough for their talent. Take Brittney Griner, an incredible player who is often charged with being too manly due to her physical stature. Can women win?  I am not sure but I am glad we had that class discussion as it opened my eyes to a concept that had unrealized existed.

20 hours per week means 20 hours per week or does it?

The NCAA has limited the number of hours a college football staff can have their players in required mandatory activities. The 20 hour a week rule establishes that coaches cannot keep their players all hours of the day and night in order to attempt to gain a competitive advantage. Having witness both sides of this argument as a player and now as a coach. I have to agree with this rule whole heartedly. I believe coaches would keep players for many more hours than what the NCAA mandates. Coaches are paid and maintain job security by winning and if keeping a player more than 20 hours per week would increase the odds of winning and being successful on the field coaches would keep players for endless amounts of time.

Michigan University the most successful program in college football history in terms of wins was found to have violated this rule and was put on probation by the NCAA. Did keeping players more than 20 hours per week help Michigan and their football staff? I would have to say no as Rich Rodriguez was fired following the 2010 season. I am not saying he and his staff were fired for keeping players more than 20 hours per week, I am just saying no competitive advantage was gained. However, there is always a shade of gray in collegiate athletics. Coaches can only make 20 hours per week mandatory. Though can suggest players come watch extra film on their own, get an extra lift on their own, etc.

So should there be a 20 hour rule? Yes, without question there should be a limit on the amount of time a staff can be with players though I think it could be increased to 25-27 hours per week. Doing so would less the stress on both players and coaches would always feel rushed as 20 hours does not provide a great deal of time to prepare for a practices and a game each week. Though remember who you are asking a guy who aspires to be a college head coach.

Tokyo and it's Olympic Size Decision

Tokyo has been the epicenter for one of the worst if not the worst natural disaster in history. The earthquakes and tsunami that have crushed this nation has left a mark that will not easily be forgotten. Sport is often thought to be a comforting stable for a nation. This was evident here in the United States when baseball returned following the events of September 11, 2001. Furthermore, in New Orleans after the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina the return of New Orleans Saints brought a city back together. In these cases, sport provided comfort and resolution to destroyed and ravaged areas. However, in the case of Tokyo and after witnessing the video footage and utter destruction I cannot say I disagree with their decision not to make a bid for the 2020 Olympics. I understand this may not make sense given my previous statements though the difference to me is that the opportunity to host the Olympics requires so much more than a singular event as was the World Series and Super Bowl.  Further, the gravity of the damage in Tokyo seemed to appear much greater than Katrina.

September 11, 2001 shocked the country and shattered many friends and families. The return of baseball did not bring back normalcy as much as it allowed a nation to temporarily forget the awful situation. Would hosting the Olympics allow Tokyo to forget the overflowing water and or huge earthquakes? I do not think so. Rather, I think the country needs to focus on rebuilding and providing as normal of a life for its residents as possible. As mentioned in the article attached below the Olympic Bid can happen again in the future and will be on a better foot than the rest of the country as the rest of the country.

"Fortunately enough the Metropolitan Government of Tokyo including the JOC headquarter-building and the venues of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games remains without any damage,"

Disagree or agree one thing is for certain I wish Tokyo a quick and full recovery!

http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/olympic_bids/1216135620.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUiWf9vrms0&feature=related

Can Coaches Be Friends?

After watching the Butler verse Florida NCAA tournament basketball game last night I was amazed by the embrace that Florida head coach Billy Donovan and Butler coach Brad Stevens gave one another after such a close contest. I wondered if it is possible to truly be that friendly with your competition, especially given the close nature of the game. I then began to search the Internet for stories linking the two and found one in the San Jose Mercury Newspaper. The Mercury provided a real story which occurred earlier this season; Brad Stevens who managed to take his small time team to the NCAA final a season ago was in the midst of a three game losing streak and looking for guidance. Who did Stevens turn to? Billy Donovan head coach of the Florida Gators.  Donovan must have provided some good insight as both teams had wonderful seasons and met in last night’s “Elite Eight” game.

It is weird to think that months before the game these two men spoke to one another regarding their greatest passion, basketball. I wonder if Donovan heading into last night’s game regretting or wish he had not passed certain knowledge to his opponent. Donovan is a great coach at a major power. Stevens who could have taken almost any job last season after his team’s marvelous run seems to be quite content with his home at Butler. I think it is great that although the chance of one day playing each other, Donovan passed along his insight to another coach as Donovan is quoted as saying, “I've always felt like my responsibility as a coach is to share. If I have experiences that I've gone through, been through, and in some way can help somebody else, I think that's my responsibility."

In a sports environment that has grown so crazy and competitive it is great to see sportsmanship still exists.

Link for Story Attached Below:

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_17703937

Yao..Yao..Yao

The NBA all star game has come and gone and although it was entertaining there was one large figure absent from the gala. Yao Ming, center for the Houston Rockets was the leading vote getter for three consecutive years as a result of getting millions of votes from his homeland. Yao Ming was and is a good player who brought a game to a new nation. The NBA owes Yao for what he has done for the game. Though over the past several years has endured serious foot injuries that plagued players such as BIG Z who plays for the Miami Heat.

Yao was able to connect two nations through a simple game. His presence cannot be overstated and represents a growing trend of foreigners taking over the NBA. This movement is a positive one in my opinion as it in part is forcing U.S. college players to stay in school longer as foreign players who are older and have professional experience. Though one American Brandon Jennings realized this and after graduating from high school headed immediately overseas to begin his professional career.

In large what I am saying is that the NBA owes Yao Ming a great deal of thanks for his ability to bring a new audience to their league. Further, his impact although not as great as expected on the court, will be felt for a great deal of time off of it.

Homosexuality in Sport

Having participated in what many consider the manliest of sports (football) I began to reflect on my playing career and wondered if anyone I had played with or against was a homosexual. I did not wonder this out of fear or nervousness but rather out of recognition of the struggle that this young man may have encountered. Though, what I did not know was this question would be answered for me. One of my best teammates in high school who went on to play in college recently revealed his sexual orientation.

Rather than thinking back to the butt taps, jokes, and showers shared among teammates all I remembered was the friend I had gained. It did not matter to me that he was a homosexual what mattered to me was that for 20 years he had to keep it a secret out of fear of what others may have thought. Recently, some professional athletes have been more open about their sexual orientation. Though for the most part have done so after their career was over. Will an athlete ever be able to open about his or her sexual orientation during his or her playing career?

I have gained a new appreciation for the experiences that my friend had to go through by working with young student athletes who often throw terms around that would be deemed less than satisfactory. Though like my very own teammates these young men simply do not know better. I can only hope that no one has to go through what my former teammate did.

Until next time...

Race in Today's Society:

In today’s society, how can we engage openly in dialogues about ‘race’ and/or ‘racism?

              I grew up in Avon Lake, Oh a west side suburb of Cleveland, Oh that has a population of roughly 19,000 people of those people a handful are minorities. Growing up in this environment I often heard words that I now understand are illogical and represent stupidity on the part of people who unfortunately do not know better. As I began to look at universities to attend for college I made a trip to Fordham University in the Bronx. I quickly learned that this environment was completely different than anything that I had ever experienced. As a result I was immediately drawn toward the Bronx and ultimately decided to attend Fordham University.

              Now I have returned to Ohio and live in Bowling Green, Oh and work with the football team and as a result of my experiences in the Bronx I am much more equipped to work with players of all races. Further, I live with two African Americans a thought at one point in my life I would have not imagined. I experience race on a daily basis though despite my growth in handling matters of race certain ideas and topics are still not comfortable areas of discussion.

              Why? I am not completely certain though there seems to exist a certain understanding among not only myself but those I interact with that certain areas of race do not belong in casual conversation. These areas are a byproduct of ideologies that have been established throughout history and despite how comfortable I and or my roommates or players get with one another will not be talked about. Therefore, what I am trying to say is that although race dialogues have become more opened for me personally, there still exists a certain barrier. Do I think this barrier will ever be completely removed? No, though with each day the ability to discuss all areas of race increases.

Indian Wells Continued and Changed:

After witnessing the video of the atrocious actions of fans at Indian Wells on March 15, 2001. I want to change my outlook on the Williams sisters. Venus, Serena, and Richard Williams were all subjected to racist behavior. As you had mentioned in class racism exists in our society as we are all one race or another. Richard has not helped his daughter with some of his off the wall or controversial comments. However, the booing and acts of ignorance that occurred at Indian Wells were uncalled for.  I believe the Williams sisters are completely justified in not wanting to return to Indian Wells. Further, Dr. Spencer your theory that by not attending Indian Wells the Williams were affected negatively seem more than logical and quite justified.

The actions at Indian Wells were uncalled for and represent the worst within in our society. Relating this to the actions of Ben Johnson and his criticism for violating the Olympics substance abuse policy. Johnson a highly regarded sprinter was viewed as a national hero for a 48 hour period after winning the Olympic Gold medal for the 100 meter dash. Though after failing a drug test cheers and admiration quickly turned into booing and harsh criticism. The video viewed in class illustrated the idea of main culture media taking advantage of a situation. The media interviewed Johnson's relatives and did so in a less than appropriate manner. Overall, I think Johnson's situation differed from Gretzky on the basis of race. Although Gretzky did not use performance enhancing substances he left his country and embarrassed them similarly to Johnson. However, blame was put on the shoulders of others in Gretzky's situation whereas it was placed solely on Johnson's and as a great result I believe it was due to race as unfortunate as it sounds.

The situations of both the Williams’s sisters and Ben Johnson would have been greatly different if the athletes were not minorities. I hate to say this though I believe it would have. In conclusion, I believe until race of individuals is not a way to view individuals racism will exist and actions such as Indian Wells will continue to exist and plague our society.

"You Know Your From Cleveland"

Last Friday February 11, 2011 the Cleveland Cavaliers ended a 26 game losing streak beating the Los Angeles Clippers. What had once been a proud team has quickly become the laughing stock of the NBA. The Cleveland Indians have endured 3 straight 100 loss seasons and do not even get me started on the Cleveland Browns which has resulted in one letdown after another. Despite these awful teams Cleveland fans continue to show up and endure the pain. Why? Well I am from Cleveland and to me it is simply about loyalty. Last Friday I watched the Cavs game from the comfort of my home and celebrated as the Cavs had finally won. That’s when it hit me I was celebrating a team for ending a 26 game losing streak, I know instantly I was from Cleveland. As sad as it was I was happy to say that I am a Cleveland Sports Fan.

The Cavs, Indians, and Browns are awful though the hope of eventually winning keep me interested enough to endure loss after loss. I love Cleveland despite its porous reputation and will continue too despite rivers catching on fire and poor sports franchise Cleveland is home and will be and eventually it will be home of a champion at least I hope so. They were able to clean up the water and make sure it never caught fire again so maybe a sports championship could become reality. At least I hope so.

GO CLEVELAND SPORTS!!!

"Williams Sisters" Would their impact be so great, If they weren't?

Venus and Serena Williams are great tennis players. Simply look at their career victories and championships to see their on court success. However, too often what is looked at when discussing the talented sisters is their tight fitting clothing, braids, and muscular bodies. As noted by Daniels (2000) it is not unusual for Black athletes to be "celebrated in terms of a brute physicality and innate athleticism' (p.26) The Williams sisters are indeed athletic and muscular and in part that has contributed to their on court success but so has their understanding and intelligence concerning the game of tennis. A similar trend has been seen in football with the ideology that Black quarterbacks cannot process the game as quickly as white quarterbacks and as a result are not viewed as favorably. These beliefs represent a problem that still exists within our society Racism.

Historically, racism presented itself in forms other than sport, however now it is easily seen as was evident at Indian Wells on March 15, 2001 that sport provides a forum to unfortunately prove that beliefs of superiority and inferiority still exist along the lines of skin color. The Williams sisters were persecuted not because of their ability or skill but rather their skin color. Why? One may argue plain racism, however I am suggesting that the sisters were booed and tortured because they were successful. Had the sisters been mediocre players, issues of race would not be so prevalent. I may be wrong but unfortunately I believe my claims have merit.

White privilege has unfortunately made certain individuals believe their race is superior to others as a result of skin color differences. The Williams sisters play a game for the most dominated by whites and their success alarmed fans of the game who viewed the game as predominately white game. I am trying to convey that had the Williams sisters been average players who competed in tournaments and not won often that issues of racism would go under the radar. I am glad the Williams sisters have won and proved that White Privilege and ideas of superiority should no longer exist and that any form of racism are illogical and represent pure stupidity.

Sport represents a venue where change can be made and the more Williams sisters that exist the better off society will be. I believe the Williams sisters represent the best of our society and the manner in which they handle the horrible behavior at Indian Wells can be summed up as extraordinary. I know this much the Williams sisters are pioneers and need to be celebrated on their achievements not persecuted. They have opened many doors for many people who once though it impossible.

Dr. Spencer I would love to hear your thoughts!!

"The Muscular Body"

I grew up in a single parent household and my mother worked her tail off to provide my brother and me with a good and satisfying life. My mother is a certified dietician which would lead one to believe I grew up a healthy and fit young man. However, due to my mom's great work schedule demands as well as unwillingness to work out I ate extremely convenient food which often presented itself in the form of McDonald's, Burger King, etc. This took a tool on my body and by the time I was in 8th grade I weighed an embarrassing 354 pounds. I was so large playing football was essentially erased I went out and practiced but never really played due to my inability to move.

I entered my freshman year of high school big as ever and would have continued on my path had it not been for one day after school. Upon the suggestion of my high school football coach I went out for wrestling in hopes to shed some weight. I had been wrestling all season which up to that point was 3 months and had lost 15 pounds although not much to you that was an amazing amount to me. Then it happened I was practicing getting the tar kicked out of me as usual and my left leg snapped like a twig. I laid there in pain unable to move. After I had spent a  couple days in the hospital and been sent home my mom bought me a magazine called "Men's Health and Fitness" I flipped through the pages staring in amazement at this men who had lost weight and kept it off. In that instant I had made up my mind, I was going to lose weight.

 

I went on a strict liquid diet and once allowed began rehabbing every day and what started out as fun became a necessity I worked out every day for 3 hours after school doing anything and everything I could. The rehab process was grueling and time staking though when all was said and done I had lost 113 pounds and was in the best shape of my life. Although, I will never look like one of the pictures in Flex magazine I understand the journey I have been on and no one can take away my love for exercise and true understanding of its value.

Until next time...

"Super Bowl"

I have aspired to be a football coach for as long as I can remember. I want to learn anything and everything I possibly can about the great game. This search for knowledge began the second my playing career had ended. As a player I simply understood what I had to do in order to execute my assignment not really understanding why I needed to actually execute it.  I could not see the whole picture as coaches often call it. This inability bothered and has forced me to study football as much as humanly possible. With that said it would only be safe to assume that I love watching the Super Bowl the Mecca of football.

However, what was once a battle of the two best or luckiest (I'll let you be the judge) teams in football square off has become a glorified circus. Seemingly more important issues such as who is performing at halftime or what was your favorite commercial seem to overshadow the beauty on the field. Aaron Rodgers did not play a great game as he missed several throws and others were dropped by his skilled receivers (again I’ll let you be the judge). Though some of the throws he did make were amazing he seemed the ball throughout defenders to his receivers and is the reason the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I did enjoy watching the game and sad as it sounds didn’t even mind the halftime show. Though the point I am trying to make is that the Super Bowl needs to get back to football and focus less of its attention on the sideshows. One may argue this will hurt ratings, though I have to believe true fans of football who will invest in the NFL and as a result continue to generate a healthy profit for the league will continue to show up and support. Heck the city of Dallas paid $31 million just to host the game not including what they have paid for the construction of the new home of America's so-called team the Dallas Cowboys. I understand this may sound bitter though the X's and O's of football are beautiful and need to be fully appreciated.

Until next time.

"The New Boy"

The "narrative turn" as Rorty put it allows us as an individual person to share to others our thoughts, experiences, and opinions on matters. A narrative gives an author power to clearly and vividly remember and share details only he or she may have felt, remembered, or experienced. This point alone justifies the use of narratives but further promotes their ability to describe in ways other sorts of literature fall vastly short.

Duncan discusses the use of stories as a means of scholarly literature. Although, to some who argue that scholarly works must include hours upon hours of research and experimentation in order to justify validity, stories allow one to discuss more vital such as thoughts and emotions. Stories allow a writer and reader to connect. For example, I am writing my epiphany on losing a very important game, although other members in my class may not have heard, witnessed or experienced the actually game telling them the story may provide them with the opportunity to experience my personal emotions. Furthermore, it may evoke personal feelings as they too can relate in one way to the story.

In Duncan's story about Steven she describes being new to a school to readers regardless of whether or not you moved as a child throughout school everyone can relate to being new. The first day of class although many of us knew one another we were all knew to the class and the classroom setting in which we found ourselves. Additionally, the language Duncan(1997) uses in describing Steven provides further example for the need of stories "There was nothing exceptional about him no dopey clothes, no bad haircut, no scars or buckteeth-- he looked average, and that was a point in his favor.” ( p.1).

Using such language that could only truly be attained from a firsthand account allows an author to truly put readers in his or her shoes. That to me is the greatest benefit of narratives. Agree with me or not but imagine how great a story each of us could tell about our grade school years.

Until later

Introduction: Imagining Sociological Narratives

Denison and Reinhart's Introduction: Imagining Sociological Narratives discusses Denzin's opinion on narratives. Denzin believed that "scholars haven't gone far enough" further adding he was dissatisfied with the "progress" made in researching and studying human social relations (p.1)." Furthermore, he added that "social science had come up short and was letting people and not fulfilling its promise." Although, writing a truly effective sociological narrative Denison and Reinhart discuss possibilities to achieve an effective narrative.

This reading caused me to think of such moments in my life that would possess both sociological as well as physical activities typical of a narrative. After thinking for some time one certain event in my life stuck out. My high school football career was quite successful as a junior at Avon Lake High School we won the Ohio Division II State Championship going an incredible 15-0. I started in the last 5 games that season due to an injury to a player who I looked up to and mimic due to his mannerisms and on field success.

The following season we returned 4 starters from the previous season and were not expected to do much. However, we completed the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. Then began a playoff run toward the state championship. For 29 consecutive weeks the Avon Lake Shoremen were victorious then finally in the state championship on a freezing night in December the powerful Shoremen were defeated by a tremendous Columbus Brookhaven team which featured 11 Division one college signees. Although, being defeated this game represented the highlight in my high school career and to presents a perfect example to write a sociological narrative.

"Are Pro Sports Growing More Altruistic?"

   
  This past June a television show wasted an hour of my life that I will never get back. "The Decision" which documented Lebron James free agency was a glorified commercial that ultimately ended up with him leaving the city of Cleveland and heading to the Miami Heat. At the time I like many other Cleveland sports fans was extremely anger and viewed James as a trader. However, now almost 8 months later my perspective on this move has changed.
       James' left Cleveland believing that the Heat's all-star roster comprised of the "Big-Three": (Bosh, Wade, and James) would better provide him with the opportunity to win a championship. In order to go to Miami, James took a great a pay cut and although this does not appear as selflessness James did what was best as he was taught by society. Our society loves winners and remembers champions. Therefore, James did what he thought would put him in elite company and more importantly he did what was necessary to win a championship.
      The article "Are Sports Growing More Altruistic" cites an example of Brooks Laich stopping to help a mother change her flat tire. This is a prime example of an athlete acting selflessly and is a positive for professional sports athletes. However, this example is often smothered in the stories of Brett Favre sending inappropriate text messages, Cameron Newton's father accepting $250,000 or so dollars for his son's services. Further, that trade off doesn’t look so bad right now as $250,000 for a national championship doesn’t seem so bad especially given the payout for a national title appearance.
      Additionally, my generation the Millennial are noted as being less turned on by the violent side of sports. This is ridiculous simply look at the growing popularity of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) to disprove this theory. Overall, I believe professional athletes are becoming more aware of the role they play off the court and are attempting to enhance their image though in general are acting status quo which is unacceptable cite Gilbert Arenas bringing guns to his work place. I disagree that my generation of professional athletes and athletics are becoming more altruistic.

Until next time

"The Promise of Sociology"

 C. Wright Mills "The Promise of Sociology" provided a interesting and new found perspective on the way individuals encounter society and the result of being a byproduct of the context in which you and your generation is found. Overall, the reading was somewhat difficult to understand though after in class discussions I feel that I have gained a firm understanding.

Mills (1959) writes "Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both" (p.1). This concept was one I had never examined as individuals are usually to preoccupied with their personal situations to ever place that within the context of society at large almost seems impossible. In my lifetime, I have only witness one occasion where individuals united as one and put history in its proper contact. This event occurred on September 11, 2001 when the United States was attacked by terrorist and for a brief period of time a country of individuals became an untied country focused on one matter. The scary thing about this is it took such a life altering experience to unite a country. Mills (1959) reflects this when he writes "They do not possess the quality of mind essential to grasp the interplay of man and society, of biography and history, of self and world" (p.1).

Applying Mills to Sport is interesting in that it’s written in such a manner that it can be applied to almost anything. Mills (1959) notes that "The sociological imagination enables its possessors to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals" (p.1). One such example, occurred with Jackie Robinson and his club’s owner Branch Rickey who possessed the imagination that enable his professional career to be increased as a result of understanding an African American could play professional baseball.

Overall, I enjoyed the reading and its ability to be applied to several facets of life and I really am glad this was the first assigned class reading.

Until next time

Introduction to Sport & Society

Hello,

       My name is Ian Pace this represents my first attempt at blogging so I ask for forgiveness in advance. I am in the second to last semester here at Bowling Green State University. I am currently seeking my master's in Sports Administration while also working as a graduate assistant for the football team. The past two years have provided me with many great experiences. However, with those experiences have also come great trials and tribulations.
       My first year at Bowling Green I worked as academics graduate assistant for the football team. My responsibilities included class checks which have become a staple of our program, grade checks, weekly academic meetings, running study hall and any other academic matter. In short, my first year was busy and I went as hard as I could for as long as I could. This was not only my first year but also the entire football staff's first year. Overall, the staff did a wonderful job the team finished with a 7-5 regular season record and earned a postseason bowl bid to the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho. A contribution I helped assisted in was the eligibility of all 105 team members for the bowl trip. I was and am still extremely proud of this accomplishment especially given all stories heard in the news regarding academically ineligible players.
       As a result of hard work and fortunate opportunities I was given the opportunity to become the offensive graduate assistant for our staff in my second season. I am extremely lucky with this role especially given how many young coaches there are and how hard they all work. This past season was a difficult one as the team struggled to a 2-10 finish. Further, I myself struggled with the concepts of our playbook and am still working to fully grasp the offense. I do know one thing I will work until I have a complete and true understanding of our offense. I love my job and people I work with, so I consider myself to be a truly lucky individual.
       Academically, school at Bowling Green has been good and getting to learn a new topic different from my undergraduate focus of political science has been an excellent experience. Balancing class and work took some transitioning though I have finally grasped the time management skills necessary to achieve a proper balance.
       I am excited to take this course as I usually associate sport with mere physical activity not considering the social implications of sport and fitness. In terms of the most profound book I have read in sport I consider Jim Tressel's Winners Manual extremely influential though I now have a different perspective on it as a result of recent actions undergone by his program in particular playing suspended players in the Sugar Bowl. Furthermore, I enjoyed reading John Wooden's The Greatest Coach Ever as it provided insight from several individuals I look up to and admire.
       Well I hope I didn’t make too many people fall asleep reading this blog. I promise they will get better until next time.