Sport and Societal Values

View full article here: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/18/witten-im-against-domestic-violence-but-hardy-is-a-teammate/

On May 13 in my American Sport in the 21st Century class we discussed how the area of sport reflects societal values in the United States. These values are seen through violence and drugs. We've seen this in many different sports. Stories such as the Adrian Peterson beating his son, or Major League Baseball players being caught for taking PED's are just some examples of these societal values. Professional organizations are taking a stand, and not allowing these players back on their teams. Currently running back Ray Rice, running back Jonathan Dwyer are all still looking for another organization. Then, there are other cases including former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, being found guilty for murder. Although there are some teams are giving these guys a second chance.

An article from profootballtalk.com talks to current Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten on his thoughts about having Greg Hardy on his team. Hardy, who was suspended 15 games last season as well as 10 games this season for a domestic violence charge, will appeal his current suspension. Witten talks about how he feels about having a someone like this as his teammate. These players now put themselves on a high pedestal when it comes to societal values. Doing the right thing, accepting the suspension, and moving on with your life is the easiest and fastest way to get through this process.

Greg Hardy heading into his court hearing

Youth Sports

Click here to view the full article: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sportsdoc/Sports-Its-all-about-kids-having-fun-right.html
To view more statistics on youth sports please view the article here: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303519404579350892629229918

On May 15 in my American Sport in the 21st Century class we discussed the different aspects of youth sports. Growing up and playing youth baseball it was about just having fun, gaining leadership, making friends, and getting exercise, but deep down inside I know I wanted to win, but as long as that I was having fun, that's all that mattered. But, those coaches and parents are the people that care about winning, and only winning. These coaches and parents will win at any cost, and it does not benefit the kids which is the real reason on why they are playing in the first place. One of the biggest youth sports programs in little league baseball. According to an article from the Wall Street Journal statistics show that U.S. participation in baseball and softball has decreased 6.8% from 2008-2012.

An example of this is an article from philly.com is articulating the reasons why kids are playing these youth sports in the first place. Kids are playing sports to make friends and have fun. Kids are playing more sports as they get older and they will develop a competitive nature. But for right now when kids are 7,8 or 9 years old, they just have to play hard and have fun. But these coaches and parents are not letting kids be themselves. And this is setting a bad example for these kids. Youth sports are a fun way to make friends and have fun, but are these parents and coaches dragging kids away from playing youth sports?

Little League baseball is only one example of a youth sport league

Sports and Politics

Full article view here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zola-books-/5-moments-in-history-when-sports_b_4824397.html

On May 20 in my American Sport in the 21st Century class we talked about the connections between politics and sport. Sport has been used as a tool to connect the world of both national and international politics to the world of national and international sport. The article in the Huffington Post keys in on the five biggest moments when sports changed the world and politics forever. These issues vary in importance but they website has broken down each one and ranked them. For example, in 1936 Adolf Hitler resisted to shake the hand of a Jew during the 1936 Olympic Games. Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler, focused in on the Aryan race (5-20-15 lecture) and they were superior than anyone else. Jewish athlete, Karoly Karpati defeated the German favorite Wolfang Ehrl during the gold medal wrestling match.

Another example, of politics being involved in sports is when former NBA player Dennis Rodman has a close friendship with North Korean leader Kim-Jong Un. As crazy as this sounds, but one day this weird friendship might actually benefit the United States. History has shown that athletes have an effect on leaders, even as crazy as Kim-Jong Un, for peace. Sport and politics play hand-in-hand role on each other.

Kim-Jong Un (left) spends time with former NBA player Dennis Rodman

Deviance in Sport

Link to view full article: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/roger-goodell-says-no-judgments-made-in-deflate-gate-controversy-183735200.html

On May 21 in my American Sport in the 21st Century class we talked about deviance and how it is a major issue in the sport industry. Deviance is when it goes against the norm, and also is using behavior and attitude that is unacceptable within society. Illegal drugs, crimes being committed are deviant. Many athletes have had deviant behavior. Many NFL players, both veterans and rookies have been deviant so far this year. For example, rookie linebackers Randy Gregory and Shane Ray were recently cited for possession of marijuana. This led to their draft stock being hurt. Both projected as early to mid first round pick to being taken in the late first round for Ray (23rd overall to the Denver Broncos) and late round 2 for Gregory (60th overall to the Dallas Cowboys), respectively.

 





 As discussed in the article written by Frank Schwab of yahoo.com, he writes the many issues that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has had to deal with last football season. Goodell has faced many criticism this season. For example, many people argued that the suspension laid down by Goodell on former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was not severe enough. Goodell handed Rice a two game suspension for the domestic assault on his fiancé turned wife Janay Palmer, now Janay Rice. Another issue that was brought up was about Deflate-gate. Just recently now a decision was made and suspensions, fines, and draft picks, were all handed down from the NFL to the New England Patriots and starting quarterback Tom Brady. Deviance comes in all different forms and no matter the severity of crime that was done, they are all deviant in one way or another.

Gender and Sports

Link to view the full article: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Women+sports+Gender+equity+remains+elusive/11079492/story.html

On March 27 in my American in the 21st Century class we discussed the role of gender in sport. Gender plays a big role in how different sports are perceived in the viewing eye. Many sports like women's soccer are not shown as often on television as other sports are like men's basketball. These women athletes are not getting the same recognition in all different sports. Sex appeal plays a big part in the role of gender. Women athletes such tennis player Serena Williams and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick are the leading women when it comes to sex appeal. Women athletes are being shoved around and when it comes to sports is in the background compared to men and they are not taking a stand. It first began in 1972 when Title IX was first introduced.

 Just recently in an article by edmontonjournal.com, Mike Beamish writes that the goalkeeper for the women's Canadian national soccer team, Karina LeBlanc, believes that there is a space that needs to be bridged between men and women. LeBlanc believes that there is room for a women to be the next national team coach or the next president of the CSA (Canadian Soccer Association). The article concludes by saying that men are still more dominant on the side of managing rather than women, at least for now.