The ESPN film about retired NFL players was interesting and very shocking. The fact that majority of NFL players go bankrupt after only a few years of starting their retirement is astonishing. The film talked about how these players become millionaires when they are in their early 20's. As a 20 year old, and not finishing college, it is no wonder they go through their money in the first couple of years of being a pro athlete. People that young, let alone young pro-athletes do not know how to spend wisely,and save money; or make investments for that matter. Realistically, going to the NFL at that young of age is a huge accomplishment, and who wouldn't want to spend their money how they wanted to, and purchasing everything they have ever wanted (which is exactly what they do). However, this is what really hurts them in the long run. Meanwhile, this is not the only thing that makes them go bankrupt later.
In the film, it also talked about how these pro-athlete's agents, and investment deals scam them just for agents to get more money out of them. Also, due to being famous, people know your salary, and they know how much your endorsements are. This has caused people to break into player's homes; thinking they store all their money there( how ignorant). Not only do players, lose money from agents, investments, or people trying to steal it they also, spend it carelessly. One player in the film he dropped $500,000 on jewelry for his friends and family. Not only do they buy gifts for family and friends but the players all like to keep up with one another when it comes to money. Another, big spending problem was gambling. Another player in the film stated he lost $10 million dollars in gambling.
These players have become introduced to this luxury life, but what they didn't understand was that the "more money they had, the more problems it created". The NFL players had huge taxes, they had periods on the off-season where they didn't get paid which caused them to live pay check to paycheck. Almost majority of the players financially supported multiple families and friends because they felt like they owed them for becoming so successful; a lot of them also had very high child supports to pay due to how many kids they had. In other words, they had a lot bills and expenses, and the careless spending only made them reach bankruptcy faster.
Numerous financial adviser, and coaches stated there that there was no way any of these athletes should have gone bankrupt. They all needed financial advisers. The athletes lived in the moment, and did not think of what could go wrong or what they had to pay for. Such expenses included divorces ( which were extremely) expensive, medical bills from all their injuries, and just life in general after not playing in the NFL anymore.
It was also, interesting to learn that the NFL is not considered a career because the players can get released at anytime. It is also shocking to find out this professional sport that has the lowest salaries, but has the most injuries. For how many injuries, and sacrifices the NFL players make you would think they would make more.
Hopefully, after seeing what these former NFL players have gone through, and seeing how after bankruptcy they had to start all over will help the current players make better decisions. Planning for retirement, saving for incidents that could occur, and sticking to a decent budget should help NFL players from have to claim bankruptcy.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Sport, Politics, & The Olympics
Prior to the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico, the people of the country were not content with what was going on in regards to the Olympics. They witnessed their government spending millions of dollars preparing for the Olympics, but left the people in suppression of independent labor unions, farmers, and economy. Students in Mexico City formed the Student Movement. The Student Movement was created to get students (high school and college) to stand up for their people, and to try show their government they wanted democracy. These living condition were not acceptable to the them, and they wanted a change. On October 2, (10 days before the Olympics), 10,000 students accumulated in the Plaza de las Tres Cultura in Tlatelolco for a "peaceful rally". They all started chanting " We don't want the Olympics, we want revolution". The government saw this as a threat, and ordered 5,000 soldiers, and 200 tankettes down to the plaza to break it up. This is when shots broke out, and 42 people were killed. After, this had happened the media and government stated that the "peaceful rally" was a riot, and that one of the rioter's started shooting first. Low and behold, later on the investigation relieved that the shooter was ordered by the government to go down to the plaza to start shooting the students. Numerous students witnessed a helicopter give a sign for the soldiers to start shooting as well. By the government, lying about what had happened just showed they wanted to cover it up, and show that the people were being chaotic. The massacre was the people's fault, and the government was just trying to keep the "problem under control" in the government's eyes. They also, didn't want this to have an effect on the Olympic Games.
To connect this event prior to the 1968 Olympics, with Sage and Eitzen's five political uses of sport would be with demonstration and violence. All these students wanted was to establish a democracy before the government spent a great deal of time preparing for the Olympics. The people and students were frustrated that the Olympic Games were more important than their needs as a country.These students and people were standing up for what they thought was right. They wanted a change, so they decided to do something about it. It is depressing to know that from everything in history leading up till now, people who want change, and stand up for what they believe in will always suffer for it.
In regards to the statement "Sport is pure and devoid of political interference" I strongly disagree. There is always going to be politics in sport whether we like it or not. What happens in the world is always going to have an impact on sports, and someone is always going to have a say about it. It is sad to say, but it seems it is something we are going to have to get used to and deal with.
To connect this event prior to the 1968 Olympics, with Sage and Eitzen's five political uses of sport would be with demonstration and violence. All these students wanted was to establish a democracy before the government spent a great deal of time preparing for the Olympics. The people and students were frustrated that the Olympic Games were more important than their needs as a country.These students and people were standing up for what they thought was right. They wanted a change, so they decided to do something about it. It is depressing to know that from everything in history leading up till now, people who want change, and stand up for what they believe in will always suffer for it.
In regards to the statement "Sport is pure and devoid of political interference" I strongly disagree. There is always going to be politics in sport whether we like it or not. What happens in the world is always going to have an impact on sports, and someone is always going to have a say about it. It is sad to say, but it seems it is something we are going to have to get used to and deal with.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
London Calling: The Globalization of the NFL
Overall, the globalization of the NFL in London would be cool. However, it is not realistic. The NFL is succeeding in the US without it having to go to London. The organization makes more than enough revenue here due, to how popular it has become over the years.
However, the NFL is so keen on expanding its organization solely on the hope of gaining more revenue. The organization chose London because it is an "internationally renowned city", and the fact that Wembley Stadium is easily accessible only would help bring in that much more revenue. This way people from all over Europe can attend the games. Although, this would attract all different Europeans, the likelihood of the stadium filling up like they would in the US is unlikely. The factors that are facilitating
the expansion of the NFL tends to lean towards the fact that some NFL team owner's also own a percentage of the English Premier Leagues. For example, as stated in an article by The New York Times, "Randy Lerner of the Cleveland Browns has bought into Aston Villa, and Stan Kroenke of the St. Louis Rams also owns 12 per cent of Arsenal, the North London team" (New York Times). Even though, these guys think this is the gateway into expanding the NFL in London the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of expansion. For instance, the travel time to go overseas not only takes a toll on the athletes physically, it also takes a significant amount of time out of their schedules for a single game. Not to mention, the living costs are more expensive, so the athletes salaries would have to be higher, the schedules would have to completely change just so that playing in the US/London would be possible. This is when the idea of building a facility in the US for the London team came up. Even though, that would be helpful, and logical the only place this would be remotely possible would be Orlando, Florida, but then again it still takes away from other NFL teams.
Also, this expansions could come with serious consequences, and the consequences could really hurt the athletes. With the no guarantee of a resign of players contracts after a year could make the move and playing for the team not even worth it at all. In my opinion, no athlete in their right mind is going to risk everything for a team that might not even resign them especially with all the other disadvantages. Organizations tend to talk players into contracts that are focused on benefiting their interests more than the players. Due to, all the disadvantages of the NFL expanding into London, it is unrealistic, however the proponents will continue their campaign for the expansion.
Reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/sports/football/26vecsey.html?_r=0
However, the NFL is so keen on expanding its organization solely on the hope of gaining more revenue. The organization chose London because it is an "internationally renowned city", and the fact that Wembley Stadium is easily accessible only would help bring in that much more revenue. This way people from all over Europe can attend the games. Although, this would attract all different Europeans, the likelihood of the stadium filling up like they would in the US is unlikely. The factors that are facilitating
the expansion of the NFL tends to lean towards the fact that some NFL team owner's also own a percentage of the English Premier Leagues. For example, as stated in an article by The New York Times, "Randy Lerner of the Cleveland Browns has bought into Aston Villa, and Stan Kroenke of the St. Louis Rams also owns 12 per cent of Arsenal, the North London team" (New York Times). Even though, these guys think this is the gateway into expanding the NFL in London the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of expansion. For instance, the travel time to go overseas not only takes a toll on the athletes physically, it also takes a significant amount of time out of their schedules for a single game. Not to mention, the living costs are more expensive, so the athletes salaries would have to be higher, the schedules would have to completely change just so that playing in the US/London would be possible. This is when the idea of building a facility in the US for the London team came up. Even though, that would be helpful, and logical the only place this would be remotely possible would be Orlando, Florida, but then again it still takes away from other NFL teams.
Also, this expansions could come with serious consequences, and the consequences could really hurt the athletes. With the no guarantee of a resign of players contracts after a year could make the move and playing for the team not even worth it at all. In my opinion, no athlete in their right mind is going to risk everything for a team that might not even resign them especially with all the other disadvantages. Organizations tend to talk players into contracts that are focused on benefiting their interests more than the players. Due to, all the disadvantages of the NFL expanding into London, it is unrealistic, however the proponents will continue their campaign for the expansion.
Reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/sports/football/26vecsey.html?_r=0
Monday, January 27, 2014
Sociogenesis of Baseball
It is well known that baseball is known as the "All- American" sport. However, according to Wikipedia it is traced back to the 18th century, in England where they believe it was derived from a British game called Rounders. Although, this maybe true, Albert Spalding, the baseball executive in America did not agree. He believed that baseball was created in America, and that it was the "American sport". Baseball was then founded in New York by a man named Abner Doubleday. The first team was the New York, Knickerbockers.
Baseball, in the early years was known to be played by the middle to upper class white males. For years, whites did not let the African Americas participate until the year 1947. The game consisted of nine players, nine innings, and the bases 90 feet apart. Over the years, they changed the rule from being able to throw the ball at the runner to get them out (like they do in kickball) to having to touch the base, or tag the runner. At this time, the only equipment used was a baseball, glove, wooden bats, soft bases, and a pitching mound. In the present day, baseball is still played with the same fundamentals as it did back in the day; nine players, nine innings( in the MLB), and bases 90 feet apart. However, the equipment is more updated with metal or wooden bats, plastic bases, smaller pitching mound, helmets, and more high quality leather gloves. As in any sport baseball has injuries as well; sore arms, torn tendons/ligaments, bruises from getting it by the ball, or even concussions.
In 1857 the National Association of Baseball Players was established. It was the first organization of baseball, and it was the first organization to come up with the World Series. Also, the Civil War is when baseball started to get really popular because the soldiers would play, and it just continued to expanding from there. In 1869, is when baseball became a professional sport. The first pro team was the Cincinnati Red Stockings. However, this was only the minor leagues; the major leagues did not start till 1871.
Still to this day baseball is a very popular sport in America. Athletes from all over the world come to America to play in the MLB. It is the famous "American Past Time". It is very likely that everyone has been to a major league baseball game before. In 2012, the MLB had the highest attendance of any sport of over 75 million spectators. Baseball might not always be the most interesting sport to watch, but it will always be the famous "American Past Time".
Baseball, in the early years was known to be played by the middle to upper class white males. For years, whites did not let the African Americas participate until the year 1947. The game consisted of nine players, nine innings, and the bases 90 feet apart. Over the years, they changed the rule from being able to throw the ball at the runner to get them out (like they do in kickball) to having to touch the base, or tag the runner. At this time, the only equipment used was a baseball, glove, wooden bats, soft bases, and a pitching mound. In the present day, baseball is still played with the same fundamentals as it did back in the day; nine players, nine innings( in the MLB), and bases 90 feet apart. However, the equipment is more updated with metal or wooden bats, plastic bases, smaller pitching mound, helmets, and more high quality leather gloves. As in any sport baseball has injuries as well; sore arms, torn tendons/ligaments, bruises from getting it by the ball, or even concussions.
In 1857 the National Association of Baseball Players was established. It was the first organization of baseball, and it was the first organization to come up with the World Series. Also, the Civil War is when baseball started to get really popular because the soldiers would play, and it just continued to expanding from there. In 1869, is when baseball became a professional sport. The first pro team was the Cincinnati Red Stockings. However, this was only the minor leagues; the major leagues did not start till 1871.
Still to this day baseball is a very popular sport in America. Athletes from all over the world come to America to play in the MLB. It is the famous "American Past Time". It is very likely that everyone has been to a major league baseball game before. In 2012, the MLB had the highest attendance of any sport of over 75 million spectators. Baseball might not always be the most interesting sport to watch, but it will always be the famous "American Past Time".
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Sports in the Ancient World
Throughout Guttman's chapters he talks about all the different countries "sports", and what they were originally created for. He had stated that "primitive societies frequently incorporated running, jumping, throwing, wrestling, and even ball playing in their religion rituals and ceremonies" (Guttman). It is interesting to read that sports originated and were used for from religious rituals, or for pleasing the Gods; as did the Greeks. It is also interesting to read how different cultures had different sports. For instance, the Olympics originated from Greece. The Greek men participated in the Olympics to please the Gods, and if they were successful in the games, they would receive a prize from Zeus (the most powerful God). Another example, would be the Italian gladiators that went into battle for pure entertainment for the Roman people, but would show the Emperor honor by winning. It just shows how different sports in culture are, and what they represent. It also is cool to look at how much sports have evolved especially in the Olympics. However, not much as changed from sports being played predominately by men.
Sport, Society, Me
Sports for me have just been a way of life. Since, I was little my parents always had me in sports, and everyone is my entire family has played, or still play sports. I couldn't imagine life without them. I played softball all through high school, and absolutely loved it. Being on a team, and practicing for league, play-offs, or State is rewarding. You build bonds, and make memories that stay with you forever, and come on there is no better feeling then "game day". Playing a sport in my opinion is thrilling; its a rush. Not only is playing a sport thrilling, but it teaches you discipline; it builds character; it teaches you to overcome adversity, and it teaches you how to work together as a team. There is a lot a person can learn from sports.
Even if you don't play sports anymore or never did it is always fun to go to the games, and be apart of that atmosphere.Sports are entertaining and exciting. That is why most people love them.
Even though sports can be positive on society majority of the time, there are negative aspects to them as well. For instance, the fights that break out (even though they are always entertaining), the trouble the athletes get themselves into, the performance enhancing drugs, and the argument of how much money the professional athletes should make. All the negative aspects of sports in society only takes away from the sport and in my eyes ruins it.
Even if you don't play sports anymore or never did it is always fun to go to the games, and be apart of that atmosphere.Sports are entertaining and exciting. That is why most people love them.
Even though sports can be positive on society majority of the time, there are negative aspects to them as well. For instance, the fights that break out (even though they are always entertaining), the trouble the athletes get themselves into, the performance enhancing drugs, and the argument of how much money the professional athletes should make. All the negative aspects of sports in society only takes away from the sport and in my eyes ruins it.
Sports Ethics
In the article about sports ethic by Hughes and Coakley, describes sport ethic as being a criteria defining what real athletes are (Coakley). This criteria consists of four elements. These elements are:
"1. Being an athlete involves making sacrifices for the Game
2. Being an athlete involves striving for distinction
3. Being an athlete involves accepting risks and playing through pain
4. Being an athlete involves refusing to accept limits in the pursuit of possibilities" (Coakley).
It makes complete sense that these are the elements that real athletes have. Anyone that has played a sport understands what it takes, and that you do need all four elements to succeed. Real athletes are determined, and do these things because they strive to be the best, whether it is individually or as a team. In college and in professional sports, the fans really promote their success, and the teams and athletes don't want to let the fans down. In a way, fans help them with their success as they do in any profession in entertainment, and look up to them.
"1. Being an athlete involves making sacrifices for the Game
2. Being an athlete involves striving for distinction
3. Being an athlete involves accepting risks and playing through pain
4. Being an athlete involves refusing to accept limits in the pursuit of possibilities" (Coakley).
It makes complete sense that these are the elements that real athletes have. Anyone that has played a sport understands what it takes, and that you do need all four elements to succeed. Real athletes are determined, and do these things because they strive to be the best, whether it is individually or as a team. In college and in professional sports, the fans really promote their success, and the teams and athletes don't want to let the fans down. In a way, fans help them with their success as they do in any profession in entertainment, and look up to them.
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