I am a little torn about the questions, should college athletes get paid? After watching the presentation given in class the other day, I thought about the how much money an athlete brings to a University and how in some situations, when the student is a phenomenal athlete, the athletic department would be in disarray if that athlete were not playing. Granted, I always hear that the athletes get to live in the Enclave, paid for by the University here at BG (whether or not this is true), and they get most of their schooling paid for.
One side of me says that the athletes should get a small living stipend that would be equivalent to a minimum wage job. However, I do not believe in bribing athletes who are in high school or college or paying them huge amounts of money (under the table) because it is not fair to other athletes who are not receiving the money.
What I can't figure out is how the athletes presented to us in class were able to hide the enormous amounts of money they were given. I feel like if I was an athlete and someone was giving me hundreds of thousands of dollars on the sly that my parents wouldn't allow something like that to happen for fear of someone finding out and the moral aspect of it. If it were me and someone found out about the situation I would risk losing my scholarship, playing time, and reputation. I'm just not sure if it is worth it, when some of these athletes are so good they can just wait until they are a professional--then they'll have all the money they need.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Chapter 6 2/10/09
Ok, I am definately a big dork! I really love the photographs in chapter 6 of the old sports teams. I love to see what the men are wearing, how their hair was done, and just all the differences of the time compared to today.
I can't believe all the changes that have been applied to football over the last hundred years to make it the game we know today. I am still actually a little bit confused about the differences in "football," "rugby," and the other forms of the sport played differently at various colleges. I loved reading how this was a game especially for gentlemen, especially those at Ivy League Colleges. This sport was a way to show manliness. I find that amusing considering how the football players of those days look compared to those men we know now. The men in the 1800's were so much stronger; they didn't work out like our men do today. I'd also like to add that I don't see very many "gentlemen-like" qualities in our professional or college athletes today. Just think of all the athletes who have been in trouble with the law; those characteristics would have definately been looked down upon in the old days.
Now, on to rowing. These "gentlemen" rowed only a few times before a contest "...for fear of blistering their hands" (page 85). They even ate diets of mostly meat and beer because this would make them perform better. Can you imagine if a baseball or football coach told his athletes that now? Wouldn't they be excited? We all know fruit and milk is a "soft diet" and will make less of an athlete during a race (page 86). I find this whole section to be kind of funny and also interesting because of the mind set a hundred years ago compared to today, especially in sports, diet, and personal training. I also can't imagine a college team dropping out of their league because they were defeated; sure it might be embarrassing, but you can't just leave! That is exacting what Yale and Harvard did in the 1870's because they were the intellectuals, beaten by the "bucolics" and they were pretty embarrassed. Instead, they decided to compete almost exclusively against each other (page 86).
Well, as you can see I found this chapter pretty amusing. I hope I learn more crazy facts in chapter 7.
I can't believe all the changes that have been applied to football over the last hundred years to make it the game we know today. I am still actually a little bit confused about the differences in "football," "rugby," and the other forms of the sport played differently at various colleges. I loved reading how this was a game especially for gentlemen, especially those at Ivy League Colleges. This sport was a way to show manliness. I find that amusing considering how the football players of those days look compared to those men we know now. The men in the 1800's were so much stronger; they didn't work out like our men do today. I'd also like to add that I don't see very many "gentlemen-like" qualities in our professional or college athletes today. Just think of all the athletes who have been in trouble with the law; those characteristics would have definately been looked down upon in the old days.
Now, on to rowing. These "gentlemen" rowed only a few times before a contest "...for fear of blistering their hands" (page 85). They even ate diets of mostly meat and beer because this would make them perform better. Can you imagine if a baseball or football coach told his athletes that now? Wouldn't they be excited? We all know fruit and milk is a "soft diet" and will make less of an athlete during a race (page 86). I find this whole section to be kind of funny and also interesting because of the mind set a hundred years ago compared to today, especially in sports, diet, and personal training. I also can't imagine a college team dropping out of their league because they were defeated; sure it might be embarrassing, but you can't just leave! That is exacting what Yale and Harvard did in the 1870's because they were the intellectuals, beaten by the "bucolics" and they were pretty embarrassed. Instead, they decided to compete almost exclusively against each other (page 86).
Well, as you can see I found this chapter pretty amusing. I hope I learn more crazy facts in chapter 7.
Chapter 5 2/10/09
I'll start off by telling Kim and Megan "great job" on their presentations today; especially being the first group to go. I never heard of the betting situation involving the NBA referee so it was really interesting to learn of it.
We talked about chapter 5 a lot in class today, but there are still some things I want to touch on. I'm very surprised in all the chapters I've read so far how important Track and Field was. It never caught on like football or baseball but it always seems to be mentioned in all the chapters and with any social class or ethnic group. I find this interesting as someone with a love of track and never seeing it get much attention or with a very small fan base.
Can you image if Crickethad become "America's great pastime" instead of baseball. It's too bad the Civil War was part of the reason that baseball took the lead in popularity, but I'm sure glad it did! Then again, I'd probably be saying the same thin g about Cricket had it become one of our most popular sports. I'm actually very surprised that cricket isn't played more in clubs or intermurals; when I think of cricket I think of Europe and I automatically get a sense of status and importance associated with the game.
I was very surprised to learn about the Turner societies; although I am still a little confused about them. However, I can't imagine gymnastics being so popular; but I'm glad it was and the Turners were able to introduce the sport to schools; some of which still have gymnastics teams today. I am very thankful to the Turners for introducing exercise programs as well, to both the public and schools. It is kind of ironic actually that in today's society where we know so much more about health, physical activity, and have such a high rate of obesity that many schools are cutting out gym classes or recess; when in the 1800 these people understood the importance of a strong exercise program.
The last thing I'll mention is how badly I wish I could have visted the New York Athletic Club in the late 1800's. With the picture on page 76, it just makes me think of a simpler time (although I'm sure it probably wasn't), and of all the wealthy people who would eat in their dining room; and probably the women dressed in beautiful gowns and the men in tuxedos. It reminds me of the dining room on the Titanic, what an amazing time to live in, looking back now.
We talked about chapter 5 a lot in class today, but there are still some things I want to touch on. I'm very surprised in all the chapters I've read so far how important Track and Field was. It never caught on like football or baseball but it always seems to be mentioned in all the chapters and with any social class or ethnic group. I find this interesting as someone with a love of track and never seeing it get much attention or with a very small fan base.
Can you image if Crickethad become "America's great pastime" instead of baseball. It's too bad the Civil War was part of the reason that baseball took the lead in popularity, but I'm sure glad it did! Then again, I'd probably be saying the same thin g about Cricket had it become one of our most popular sports. I'm actually very surprised that cricket isn't played more in clubs or intermurals; when I think of cricket I think of Europe and I automatically get a sense of status and importance associated with the game.
I was very surprised to learn about the Turner societies; although I am still a little confused about them. However, I can't imagine gymnastics being so popular; but I'm glad it was and the Turners were able to introduce the sport to schools; some of which still have gymnastics teams today. I am very thankful to the Turners for introducing exercise programs as well, to both the public and schools. It is kind of ironic actually that in today's society where we know so much more about health, physical activity, and have such a high rate of obesity that many schools are cutting out gym classes or recess; when in the 1800 these people understood the importance of a strong exercise program.
The last thing I'll mention is how badly I wish I could have visted the New York Athletic Club in the late 1800's. With the picture on page 76, it just makes me think of a simpler time (although I'm sure it probably wasn't), and of all the wealthy people who would eat in their dining room; and probably the women dressed in beautiful gowns and the men in tuxedos. It reminds me of the dining room on the Titanic, what an amazing time to live in, looking back now.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Chapter 4 2/5/09
This was my favorite chapter in our reading so far. It seemed like every few minutes, I would stop and think “wow,” that’s really cool. I was with one of my roommates and I made her listen to some of the interesting facts I would read about.
The first thing I found funny were the names of the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings; amazing that they are now known as the White Sox and Red’s; what a big change in names. I’d love to find out how the names came to change; I can’t imagine having to call the teams the Red or White stockings!
I liked reading about Albert Spalding and finding out about his modest sports equipment, only to think about the multi-billion dollar company we know today.
I couldn’t get over all the differences in the original game and leagues compared to today. Originally the American League was called the American Association or the “Beer Ball League” which I think is so funny because I can’t imagine going to a baseball game and not hearing “beer here!” A baseball game would not be as fun without the beer, peanuts, and fun we have today.
Who could believe Toledo had a major league team at one time? Not to mention that they had Moses Fleetwood Walker, the real first black baseball player.
I can’t believe during the 1870’s and 1880’s that they leagues actually instituted different rule changes just to attract more fans. I guess that’s what has to be done at the beginning of a sport; they need to build a fan base. I couldn’t imagine MLB just deciding to change some rules for no reason other than to attract fans.
The first thing I found funny were the names of the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings; amazing that they are now known as the White Sox and Red’s; what a big change in names. I’d love to find out how the names came to change; I can’t imagine having to call the teams the Red or White stockings!
I liked reading about Albert Spalding and finding out about his modest sports equipment, only to think about the multi-billion dollar company we know today.
I couldn’t get over all the differences in the original game and leagues compared to today. Originally the American League was called the American Association or the “Beer Ball League” which I think is so funny because I can’t imagine going to a baseball game and not hearing “beer here!” A baseball game would not be as fun without the beer, peanuts, and fun we have today.
Who could believe Toledo had a major league team at one time? Not to mention that they had Moses Fleetwood Walker, the real first black baseball player.
I can’t believe during the 1870’s and 1880’s that they leagues actually instituted different rule changes just to attract more fans. I guess that’s what has to be done at the beginning of a sport; they need to build a fan base. I couldn’t imagine MLB just deciding to change some rules for no reason other than to attract fans.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Chapter 3 2/2/09
Hi Kids,
Before I forget, I want to give the link to all the Superbowl ads. I'm not gonna lie, I don't think I really watched more than 2 minutes of the game yesterday and I didn't see any commercials that blew me away; but check them out for yourself. http://superbowlads.fanhouse.com/
What I did watch was the Puppy Bowl on animal planet, this was the fifth year for it, and it is so worth it! My roomates and I voted for Eli for MVP: Most Valuable Puppy. You can see all the players here: http://www.animalplanet.com/puppybowl.
Now on to the academic stuff:
To reflect on last week's class, I really want to see the movie "The Patriot" after seeing the clip. I absolutely love history and now I have some insight into the history of sports and I can think about that while watching the movie.
What really got me though, was of course, Michael Vick. I can't express my anger for this man in words. I knew about the story but I never cared to look into it more because it just made me sad and angry. I can't believe even now that he ordered to have dogs killed who weren't performing: some were hanged! I was appauled to hear this in the clip. Just the Egyptians used to say: "an eye for an eye." Maybe we should do to him what he did to the dogs. What a horribly inhumane thing to do in any case.
On a lighter note, now that I have that off my chest: chapter 3. I liked this chapter the best out of the first three because it talked more about games I could start to relate to and visualize. I can't believe the history of boxing! How brutal! Men fought bare-fisted for a hundred rounds or more, basically until the opponent begged for mercy or gave up! I find it strange that this was considered a "sport" since there really were very few regulations and it just seemd to be a blood bath. The author even states in the reading that it was not about the agility and speed like boxing is today, it was more about how hard you could punch someone to knock them out.
Marathons! Who knew they started because John Cox Stevens wanted to put on a race and pay the winner out of his own pocket. It seems like such a strange way for a sport to be created. None the less, it looks like the Marathon and the diehard runners were born for this "pedestrianism" in the mid 1800's. I do think its funny that some of these races were run with people and horses together. I wonder who won?
Well thanks for reading and to keep from getting beat up in class I won't say "Go Steelers!"
Before I forget, I want to give the link to all the Superbowl ads. I'm not gonna lie, I don't think I really watched more than 2 minutes of the game yesterday and I didn't see any commercials that blew me away; but check them out for yourself. http://superbowlads.fanhouse.com/
What I did watch was the Puppy Bowl on animal planet, this was the fifth year for it, and it is so worth it! My roomates and I voted for Eli for MVP: Most Valuable Puppy. You can see all the players here: http://www.animalplanet.com/puppybowl.
Now on to the academic stuff:
To reflect on last week's class, I really want to see the movie "The Patriot" after seeing the clip. I absolutely love history and now I have some insight into the history of sports and I can think about that while watching the movie.
What really got me though, was of course, Michael Vick. I can't express my anger for this man in words. I knew about the story but I never cared to look into it more because it just made me sad and angry. I can't believe even now that he ordered to have dogs killed who weren't performing: some were hanged! I was appauled to hear this in the clip. Just the Egyptians used to say: "an eye for an eye." Maybe we should do to him what he did to the dogs. What a horribly inhumane thing to do in any case.
On a lighter note, now that I have that off my chest: chapter 3. I liked this chapter the best out of the first three because it talked more about games I could start to relate to and visualize. I can't believe the history of boxing! How brutal! Men fought bare-fisted for a hundred rounds or more, basically until the opponent begged for mercy or gave up! I find it strange that this was considered a "sport" since there really were very few regulations and it just seemd to be a blood bath. The author even states in the reading that it was not about the agility and speed like boxing is today, it was more about how hard you could punch someone to knock them out.
Marathons! Who knew they started because John Cox Stevens wanted to put on a race and pay the winner out of his own pocket. It seems like such a strange way for a sport to be created. None the less, it looks like the Marathon and the diehard runners were born for this "pedestrianism" in the mid 1800's. I do think its funny that some of these races were run with people and horses together. I wonder who won?
Well thanks for reading and to keep from getting beat up in class I won't say "Go Steelers!"
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