Just a Game

The question that one may ask while reading or viewing the tabloids on the recent scandal involving a famous athlete or coach is the same one that this post is titled after.  What is so interesting about the lives, or perhaps the seemingly hidden lives of those that we see running, jumping, and swimming on the biggest stages in their respective realms? For those who study communication, it is common knowledge that social interaction is one of mankind's basic needs .  This is how we develop our own perception of self, especially when we are exposed to what the media and "insiders" of the game portray as perfect.  This is called framing.  When just a piece of an artifact is isolated and magnified to alter the image.  Framing can go both ways, and so can our reasoning for paying attention to the blunders of athletic wonders. Individuals enjoy sifting through the many stories of the decisions and consequences that their favorite athletes.  People l...

The image of a "fan", which is simply an abbreviation of the word "fanatic" , used to look like this picture above.  Becoming more prevalent each year in the world of sports is the mode of fandom termed "Fantasy Leagues".  Any sports fan will know what this is, and maybe even what the new fantasy fan may look like! The truth is that this is what the sports fan is turning into.  But it may come with a cost! That is one reason why so many states are now considering how appropriate it is for fantasy sports team owners to bet on their fantasy teams, or for leagues to require a fee upon entering into a draft.  There are four commonly acknowledged types of fantasy fans that have been identified. Statistical enthusiasts, fan-first, homers, and social players. These will not be described in detail, but it will suffice to say that these are all based on satisfying an individuals various needs through fantasy sports league play. I would ...

The best way to to handle mistakes, in my opinion, is to take full responsibility.  As with many things in life there will be exceptions.  But when it comes to sports, there is a lot of money involved.  Baylor University Athletics earns  over $67 ,  and recently there has been a whole revelation of news and reports revealing multiple sexual assaults committed by Baylor football players.   This has hurt the current image of this university. I have become familiar with William Benoit's  5 strategies to repairing or improving an image.  Personally, as I stated earlier, I think that it is most effective to fess up and take responsibility for whatever it was that was done. But, this will bring in the full load of consequences and many people may still have very hard feelings. This strategy is called "mortification" .   The head coach of the Baylor football team is named Art Briles, and was fired after the information came out concerning...

Today, SGB Media  released an article stating that the NSGA (National Sporting Goods Administration) joined the PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) in promoting team sports for youth. This partnership was made for the intent to show the "NSGA's interest in increasing team sports participation and keeping youth participants active" (sgbonline.com).  The PCA is an association of coaches that promote what is called positive coaching . This coaching style is a theory-based approach to building a successful team while maintaining a high level of player-confidence.  It is quite different from the traditional "chew 'em out" approach to coaching. Instead of imposing pressure and punishments, positive coaching builds the players from the inside-out with confidence and positive communication.  Phil Jackson coaching Michael Jordan (top) and Kobe Bryant (bottom). Positive coaching is not only useful in coaching youth. Phil Jackson (one of the most succes...

Many families are famous because of the sports they have been involved in. One family has been talked about a lot  recently, and that is the Ball family from Chino Hills, California.  With three boys who are close in age and in talent, there is a lot of hype surrounding them.  What really gets me excited to watch them in the future is how they are all very different.  I believe their father has fostered this element of individuality by promoting autonomy with all of his sons, allowing them to become the types of players that they want.  It is obvious that their father has influenced them, and they have adopted a similar attitude, but they have not let this consume them and turn them into bad sports. I believe they truly play the game because they love it and enjoy the challenge.  This video gives a little inside look to the Ball family. All too often, parents are pressuring their kids to conform to their ideals and dreams.  I don't see this in...

February is commonly known as "Black History Month". In that vein, I would like to base the thoughts of this week's post.  The Undefeated 44 is a website that is dedicated to 44 of the most influential Black Americans in history, many of which are athletes.  In a time where there is an increasing amount of discussion on the topic of crimes committed due to race, it is no surprise to me that this is in the forefront of most American's minds.  With websites and months being dedicated to the "differences" or "diversity" of our nation, it does not surprise me that the stereotypes and mindsets are lingering.  It seems as though, in the efforts to destroy the segregated mindset, we are establishing it.  I have learned of a theory that allows the media to determine what we think about.   Even though we may not agree with whatever article we are reading, it is still bringing the issue to our minds to be debated on a later occasion in which our opinion may...

Young fan is revitalized by the Seahawks: http://www.king5.com/sports/nfl/seahawks/12th-man-flag-flying-high-for-hospitalized-hawks-fan/385359114 After watching this video and reading up a little bit more on the story, it is nearly impossible to miss the fact that this young man would say that one major character trait he possesses is a love for the Seattle Seahawks.  What is even more impressive and shocking is the fact that the team he adores saved the day with just a simple gesture!  For those of you who don't know, "the 12th man" is a trademarked term for the Seattle Seahawks home crowd.  When they are playing at home, it is said that the crowd is so loud, it is like there is an extra (or twelfth) player on the field for the Seahawks.  Seahawk fans know this and that just feeds the beast, giving them all the more reason to be louder. The reason for this post, and what I find inspiring and motivating, is that the young man who was wounded last month was sav...