Highlight Reel of SM 2210

As a wrap-up, I would like to summarize my experience in this course. I remember I was very nervous the first week in class. I do not consider myself to be a sports nut and although I like playing and watching sports, I am not very knowledgeable. As we went through the first few weeks, I realized that I would be alright because the class focused on history and philosophical aspects relating to sports. Also, reading the book and articles were useful tools to understanding the topics of the class more completely. I am sure that if I was more knowledgeable about sports in general I would have been able to participate more in class discussion, but I feel I did the best I could.

There were two things that I really liked about this course. The first was all of the in-class discussions and philosophical discussion board questions. The other was the ethical presentations. The topics in the course allowed for great discussions to be had in class and on the discussion board. For example, a few of the topics from class were things like, do youth sports build character and why is soccer not a staple sport in America. I found that I was talking to people outside of class about these topics, because I think it is very interesting to hear others opinions. Whether their opinions were different or the same as mine the topics from class made for good conversation.

I thought it was going to be very difficult to talk about an ethical sports topic for my presentation because I did not realize just how many ethical issues there were surrounding sports. Although I was not able to comment on some of the topic because it was my first time hearing about the issue, I thought the majority of them created a lot of class discussion. I was surprised to hear some of the reactions from classmates, such as the discussion that the sportsmanship topic created. This part of the class really captured the philosophy side of sports and that is why it was so intriguing to me.

I am taking much more away from this course than just having learned about facts and dates of important times in the history of sports. Thinking back on the course as a whole, I feel that the most important thing I am able to do is to analyze and think about sports differently. I understand that some people are sports addicts and there is nothing wrong with that. I was able to see that come through in some of my classmates’ comments. I like sports a lot; I think that sports are a great form of entertainment and news. But sports are not life. I still can’t wrap my mind around why people get so amped up over a sporting event or sports team. I see sports as a part of life, but not life. Because at the end of the day, whether you win, lose or tie, life goes on.

One of my personal favorites from class was creating a blog. I really like technology of course that aspect interested me. But as for the class, I liked being able to expand on topics that were discussed or to address other sports related topics that were happening throughout the world. I enjoyed reading my classmates blog more than I liked writing my own posts. It was fascinating to read all the different posts, but also to read the similar posts and the differing view we all had on the same topic. Blogs can be a good medium for people who may not be as comfortable talking in front of people to express their ideas. I know for me I was able to collect my thoughts on a topic and do some research to support my opinions and then write a blog reflecting my ideas. Creating a blog also allowed for extra things, such as links to relating articles, pictures, and video clips, to be added to the posts. Technology is always advancing and I really like being able to utilize these new skills in class.

How will this class impact my future career? Part of me is still trying to pinpoint the answers to this question. I am still unsure as to exactly what I want to do, but the path I am on right now is event planning. It is very possible that a possible career field could be event planning for sporting teams. Do I think that I will use the names and dates learned throughout this course in my future career? Probably not, but as I mentioned I learned and was exposed to much more than just that in class. I think I will be able to use the philosophy aspect form class in all that I do. Sports are always going to be involved in my life in some way, so this class has had an impact on my life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would recommend it all. One of the first lectures in class, Dr. Spencer told us to take advantage of all the opportunities that are presented to us, so to sign off for the final time this semester are some lyrics from the DMB song Lie in Our Graves.

“I can’t believe that we would lie in our graves, wondering if we had spent all our living days well.”

Ethical Presentation: Tiger Woods

On Wednesday, December 2, a presentation was giving on a recent news story concerning yet another sports star ruining their public image. Tiger Woods, wholesome, committed, family-man, rocked his public image with the recent allegations and charges brought against him. With so many stories surrounding this case it’s hard to know what to believe. I am really glad that the guys gave this presentation because I think it raises two important questions. One is the question that was posed in class, “Were Tiger’s choices ethical…?” The other, more important question I think this raises though, is, “Should we even be worried about issues like this?”

From how I understand it, the facts of the case are that allegations were made at some point that Tiger has been and/or still is cheating on his wife with one or two women. All of these stories were blowing up in the news and media recently because on Friday, November 27, 2009, Tiger crashed his car around 2:30A.M. into a fire hydrant when he was leaving his house. Tiger is a public figure so naturally people are going to be nosey and want to know what is going on in his life, especially when things start to take a downward spin. Why was he leaving his house early in the morning? Why was the back window smashed in with a golf club? Why wasn’t he wearing shoes? The police department eventually will have to have these questions answered for their reports.

Tiger is a public figure so he is going to be in the public eye. I feel like all Tiger needs to do is just make a statement to the police answering the questions concerning the car accident. THAT IS ALL. As for any of the other question, he doesn’t owe anyone any answers but his wife, Elin. That is his private life and it should stay that way. Why are we so concerned with sports stars personal lives? They don’t owe us any answers or apologies. Some may say that sports stars and celebrities need to own up to their poor choice because they are looked up to and are role models for the youth. I think that situations where the sports stars make bad choice while playing their sports, such as those of Elizabeth Lambert, or Serena Williams, need to be addressed and apologized for. But not issues that happen at home. It blows my mind that stories like this make the regular news channels. How is that news? There are plenty of other stories that could be told that actually matter and affect people. Tiger Woods committing adultery is not public news!

As for Tigers’ public image though, he has really messed that up. We will never be able to look or think about Tiger Woods in the same way, but I don’t think his game will suffer because of it. Public image is important for sports stars it can lead to things like addition revenue because of endorsements. Reports have said that Tiger is not going to lose his endorsements or sponsorships and he is not hurting financially. Tiger has lost is his respect and credibility. When you think about the big picture of sports related to life, what Tiger lost was more important than what he was able to keep.

“I Did It, Guilty As Charged” [DMB; I Did It]

What Determines Caster Semenya's Sex?

Wednesday, November 18, the ethical issue was presented surrounding 18-year old South African Caster Semenya. I thought that the group did a good job creating class interaction because it is a very debatable subject. They presented a lot of good background information; however I was a little confused about some of the story. I decided, for my own personal knowledge to look up the story and try to get some of my questions answered. On behalf of Caster considering herself a female, I am going to address the terms in this blog in respect to that.


Caster Semenya has been competing in female running events for years. There had been speculation surrounding Semenya for years. However, these life-changing question/rumors were not brought to the front table until she won the 800-meter run at the World Championship in Berlin where she won the Gold Medal. After her win, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) requested she undergo gender verification testing to prove she was a female. Reports indicate that Semenya is categorized as a hermaphrodite; having both male and female reproductive organs.


What I am still confused about is what qualifications must be met to constitute that a person is a male or a female in these specific situations? As Dr. Spencer mentioned in class, there are issues in the way that gender verification test are conducted. To start, there is a difference between your gender and your sex. “Gender refers to how an individual portrays and perceives him or herself---for example male or female. It is more of a social construct than a biological one. Sex, on the other hand, is biological, and that is the essence of the debate in this case, whether or not Semenya is of male or female sex, not gender. An individual can have male sex but female gender, and vice versa” (Tucker, 2009).

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2009/08/caster-semenya-male-or-female.html

According to the Science of Sports article link above, ones ‘private parts’ do not constitute male or female either. There are varying conditions that can cause, for example, male ‘private parts’ to develop without needing the male reproductive organs. There is no better way for me to say these next parts so it is straight from the article, “even genetic testing cannot confirm male or female. In fact, it is so complex that to do proper sex determination testing, you have to take a multi-disciplinary approach, and make use of internal medicine specialists, gynecologists, psychologists, geneticists and endocrinologists” (Tucker, 2009).


Definitions of the area of study of the above:
· Doctors of internal medicine treat the entire person, not only internal organs. These doctors are also called internist or general internist. http://medvotech.nurseuniverse.com/Medical-Vocational-Schools/3418.html
· A gynecologist is a physician who has a successfully completed specialized education and training in the health of the female reproductive system, including the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases. http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/obgyn.shtml
· Psychologists study the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of behavior, and provide mental health care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices. http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/psychologist.shtml
· A geneticist is a scientist who studies genetics, the science of heredity and variation of organisms. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneticists
· Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in your system. http://www.hormone.org/public/endocrinologist.cfm


Even after reading all of the information and educating myself on the terminology, I am still not sure of what the IAAF will rule on her case. I do feel that this nightmare of a situation could have been taking care of ahead of time, before all the rumors began. If there were questions early on, which reports account for, then testing should have been conducted at that time. Not after she won the race and then humiliate her with accusations and chance that her Gold Medal will be taken away. As for the question of whether she should be allowed to run with females, my stance is yes. Until clear, comprehensive and universal testing can be determined, then it is unfair to not allow her to run. By science a hermaphrodite is both and neither. So if Caster is considered both and neither, how could anyone make a determination as to whom should she run with?

"I find sometimes it's easy to be myself sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else"

[davematthewsband : so much to say]

Cheerleading; Don't Think You're Safe Just Because You're on the Sidelines

Recent reports have indicated that it’s not the contact sports of Basketball and Soccer that we should be worried about when it comes to injuries; it’s Cheerleading. I found an interesting report on Fox News’ website and their broadcast show about Cheerleading and its dangers for high school girls and college women. According to the 26th annual report released by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, Cheerleading is the most dangerous sport for women.

Cheerleading accounts for 2/3 of all catastrophic injuries (severe or fatal injuries) in high school and college females. The report released from the NCCSIR totaled 103 fatal, disabling, or serious injuries among female high school athletes. Of that 103, 67 occurred in Cheerleading. The report indicated that the next closest number was 9 in Gymnastics and 7 in Track.

Dr. Jake Deutsch, Doctor of Emergency Medicine from Hackensack University Medical Center, attributes the high numbers of injuries to how the sport has evolved. There are much more advanced, gymnastic-type stunts. Since Cheerleading is not recognized as a sport, the safety standards have not been updated as the sport advances. Deutsch remarks that the safety techniques are not regulated and more often than not Coaches or Advisors of the Cheer Squads are not certified.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529190,00.html

The percentages for catastrophic injuries for girls in high school were 65% and college women were 67% at the time the report was released. These numbers, for an athletic display not even considered a sport, are dangerously high. Before hearing about the report, I didn’t think anything more than a sprain or strain was to worry about in Cheerleading. This could have been because where I went to high school our girls were not able to do any stunts or pyramids for insurance reasons. They were not covered in the event that some injury would happen so they were banned from fly-stunts. In a few other studies that are out now, some states are requiring the Coaches or Advisors to take certification classes and safety courses. I think that is the first step to having more success in Cheerleading. I now have a new respect for Cheerleaders and what they do.

"Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss, But Leave a Trail of Busted Stuff"

[DMB][Busted Stuff]

Marcus Jordan; Special Treatment Ethics

Marcus Jordan, son of Michael Jordan, has caused quite a debate in the news this past month. Marcus Jordan is in his freshman year at the University of Central Florida where he plays basketball. Going into the agreement to play there, Marcus was promised that he would be allowed to wear his shoe of choice, White Nike Air Jordan’s; despite the fact that UCF has an exclusive contract with Adidas. Reports indicate that this promise was made in the presence of UCF officials and Adidas regional representatives. However, corporate officials for Adidas overturned the promise on the company’s end of the deal. Because Marcus was allowed by UCF to wear his father’s brand of shoes because of previous terms of agreement, UCF lost their 6 year, $3 million contract with Adidas.

Is this a question of special treatment and privileges or does this fall into the category where a precedent was already set? Before I did so research, I thought it was a cut and dry typical case of a famous athlete’s child receiving special treatment because of their last name. Everything fits the mold for that situation. But, at UCF, athletic director Keith Tribble defended Jordan’s decision to wear their competitors brand because a former football play for UCF was allowed to a different brand because of the way the shoe fit. Precedent was set when UCF and Adidas allowed that situation to happen.

I am not familiar with all the terms and conditions placed on UCF’s contract with Adidas, but what has been reported in the news seems to me that the blame is mostly on UCF for any financial losses or breach of contracts. Is the case a little different because Marcus Jordan is who he is. Think about it they are not going to go back on a promise they made to Michael Jordan’s son, and that I think is the only shady part of this situation. It is hard for people who have to make the judgment calls to only focus on the facts, and not weigh in the hype surrounding the situation. Would UCF go back on a promise made to a ‘no name’ athlete to save financial burdens?

"The Money is Clean when They Scrub it Good"

[DMB][Joyride]

Questioning Soccer's Exposure

If the sexiest sports bra and the most tantilizing male stature didn't do it for America, I don't know what will! One would think in a society so obsessed with looks that soccer would have more of a following in the US. Not the case for this reason and many others. Along the lines of why America Football is so popular we discussed in class why soccer hasn’t had the same successful following. The US hasn’t failed for lack of trying, but what they try just doesn’t seem to work for us for right now at least. Starting with the fact that soccer is not unique to America. The game originated in Europe and therefore American’s see it as foreign. Stephen Colbert even went so far to declare that soccer, “the sport for fourth graders that foreign people take seriously" (Nelson, 2009).


Something else that might take the attention away from soccer in America is that it is a long game, 90 minutes; 2 halves; with almost no break time until the first half is over. Also, it is very difficult to score. The field is long and wide and the ball is very small and has to over a lot of ground and get through a lot of the opposing players to make it to the goal area. Because of the difficulty in scoring it makes for a very low scoring game. It is not usually a continuous string of excitement if you are used to watching basketball where scoring happens almost every play. I think that for the people that don’t find the game exciting it is because they don’t understand it. Not every play is going to score a goal, but there are plays in the game that are exciting and not necessarily end up in the back of the net. Most of us grew up playing youth soccer so the fundamentals are understood, but for those who didn’t stick with it or care enough to learn more about the game, they write the game off as being unimportant and boring.

It is one thing for people who don’t understand the game to just not pay attention to it. It is another thing to bash the sport or bash people for playing the sport. Soccer is often seen as a sport for wussies and for people who aren’t good enough to play American football. To that us soccer enthusiast say, go take off all your protective pads, slip in some shin guards and we will meet you on the field. “People make fun of the sport the way people make fun of Canada—it's the easiest target imaginable. Until you go to Canada, that is” (Nelson, 2009).

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/american-football/Content?oid=1973424

"What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying"

{Dave Matthews Band; Dancing Nancies}

What's So Great About Football...?

Awhile ago in class, we discussed why football has such a big following. There are many reasons, and as we discussed in class and in Chapter 6, football has the biggest following at the college level. Some of the topics that came up in class were that football has become a sort of tradition for families. For the most part, football games are placed once a week, so there would be a lot of build up for that week’s game. The games would be on a Saturday, which is the end of the week and people don’t have to worry about going to work the next day. Because of this people were able to tailgate.

Tailgating has become almost as big, if not bigger, than the actual playing of the game. It’s a way for friends, family, or members of the community to gather around a grill of food and a cooler of beer and talk about sports. There is actually a group called the American Tailgater Association that claims the first tailgating happened in 1869, at the first football game between Princeton and Rutgers.

According to Rader, football has also had a positive effect on the bonding of diverse people. In the late nineteenth century extra-curricular activities became the center of the college experience. School newspapers became a medium for getting the students involved in going to the games and advocating having school spirit. With the growth of importance of the game it became a great time for alumni to come back and get connected with the school and the community.

Some other things that add to the experience of a football game are the halftime performances and shows, the songs from the band, the cheerleaders and dancers, and the announcers. Football has really done a great job of encompassing all of the aspects of good entertainment, but do all the entertainment aspects overshadow the game?

I will be honest; I am not the biggest fan of football. I think that it is nice to watch every once and a while. I have been to a few OSU games and I really did feel part of a community. It was weird how accepting or pissed off people are just because of a jersey you wear… but overall I feel like football makes people feel that they are a part of something bigger than themselves; and that is why we all watch.

Signing off today with one of Chris Berman's nickname's; even though it is a play on words of baseball player Eddie Murray, it also is a play on words from lyrics from the Dave Matthews Band song Trippin' Billies:

Eddie "eat, drink and be" Murray