NCAA

Current Event for the Week of October 29

This article deals with Lebron James' decision to go to the Miami Heat and the reason he thinks why people hate him for it. Lebron James is claiming that the reason people hate him is because they are racist. That the reason they disapprove of his decision is not because he did it in an hour-long special, which could have taken two minutes, but that they are racist towards him. Whitlock explains that the reason people hate Lebron James is because he is an arrogant and narcissistic human being who cannot get over the fact that he is the "King" of the NBA. I completely agree with Whitlock in the fact that Lebron is both arrogant and narcissistic. He revealed where he would play in an hour-long special titled "The Decision" for something that could have easily been done in a matter of two minutes.

This is significant because it brings a whole new discussion to the issue of racism and sports. Racism has been relevant in sports for as long as the history of them and to bring it up nowadays is only further causing problems. Lebron has it all: money, fame, and the self promoted nickname the "King". What else could a man ask for? Instead of accepting the fact that people do not like him for being egotistical and more obsessed with himself than a normal person can handle, he blames it on the fans of basketball for being racist towards him.

This story has a major effect on sports because with the idea of racsim floating around, more and more athletes will result to the fact that people don't like them because they are racist, a rediculous assumption that can completely destory a person's life. Since Lebron blamed his faults on racism, why won't other people? It seems easier than to accept the fact that they are arrogant and self absorbed. The idea that racism in sports explains why people do not like a person or do not agree with what they did will only increase, and overall have a negative effect on that player and sport. So the self promoted "King" should have thought twice about blaming his faults and neglegance on this rediculous misconception.

Current Event for the Week of October 1

I found this article rather interesting. It deals with how the economy  plays a major role in sports and whether or not fans can go to games to support their team. The Tampa Bay Rays were upset that their stadium was always empty because nobody came to their games. Rays pitcher David Price even tweeted on how he felt with nobody going, which may not have been the best idea to go and yell at your fans when you want something from them. In response, The Rays gave away 20,000 free tickets for their next game, in hopes to fill their stadium.


This story is significant because it shows how poor the economy is when there is a playoff team in hopes to win a championship, and nobody goes to watch them play. Tickets these days are too expensive which is taking away the rights of some people that love baseball, but cannot go to a game. You sometimes pay hundreds of dollars for a  ticket and if you bring  your family or go with some friends, the money you spend on food is overwhelming. It's no wonder nobody shows up to a game where a great team could clinch a playoff spot, because the prices today are rediculous.

In order to ensure yourself that people will show up, lower some of the ticket prices. This way you will have no problem selling out every night like most teams do.

Current Events For the Week of September 24th

Ifound thisarticle ratherinteresting.This article is about a baseball coach who started to argue balls and strikes calls, but took it to a much larger level. The coach Brent Bowers stormed out of the dugout in pursuit of complaining the calls made by umpire Billy Van Raaphorst. Bowers gives arguing calls a new definition when he yells at Van Raaphorst and calls him some derogatory names. He throws a fit stating that Van Raaphorst is gay. Van Raaphorst is gay, which adds heat to the fire in this explosive argument.
This story is greatly significant because Bowers brought Van Raaphorst's personal life into something that should not involve it in any way. Being gay has nothing to do with the way Van Raaphorst officiates and Bowers crossed a line by involving it. It brings great attention to the fact that not everybody truly understands the personal choices people make with their life and they need to learn to accept the fact that it is that person's decision, nobody else's. Bringing Van Raaphorst's sexual preferences into the matter was highly inappropriate and something should be done to further aware people that this cannot happen.

What this story reveals about society is that not everyone is fully aware that is  inappropriate to discuss or bring up anybodies personal choices or behavior in manner like this, especially if it is none of their business. If Van Raaphorst could not have controlled himself in such a dignified and honorable way, something serious could have broken out between the two, causing much more harm than intended.

Bowers got off easy for this insulting tyrade, getting only a two day suspension and a $500 fine. I do not belive people fully understand the circumstance and that it could have escalated to a much more violent and controversial event. Otherwise, Bowers would have suffered a much more severe punishment.

Nate's History With Sports

My history with sports began when I was 4 years old. I played baseball until I was 16 for a total of 12 years. I played on numerous all star teams from age 7 to age 12, and then again at age 15. I started basketball at age 7 and played until I was 14. I was on the all star team from age 9 to age 13. I also played football for one year, but didn't like playing. Baseball and basketball are my favorite sports, but I also enjoy football.

When I was little, the leagues I was in consisted of all guys with the exception of a couple girls. Whenever we would play against them nobody gave them a chance.

When I played sports my whole family got involved with it. My brother started baseball and basketball before me and I followed behind with it. My dad was the assistant coach and I would be the bat boy. My whole family would go and cheer us on. It definatly brought us closer as a family. It also impacted my education because school came first and if I didn't do well in school, I couldn't play in the game.

The media impacts my view on sports when I watch ESPN. Generally if a topic is being debated I pick a side on each discussion. The media is very straight forward and let their opinions known about certain topics which sometimes affect the way I look at things.