Sports Pages #13

When defining the significance of sport for African Americans, it would be ignorant to assume that athletics is the only escape from a lower socio-economic status. With that said, racial inequality does still play an extremely prominent role in the athletic and educational systems in the United States. This was seen in the documentary Hoop Dreams, which portrayed two African Americans struggling through the process of pursuing a better life through sport. 

This struggle can be seen in many sports movies, but one that stood out particularly to me was Jerry McGuire. Although, the plot was mainly focused on a mid to upper class sports agent (Tom Cruise), the movie also embodied a typical situation for a professional athlete. This movie displayed how athletes, who completely invest their future in sport, are usually faced with the possibility of injury. With that said, this character particularly has his quality of life tied to his success in football. This position seems to be common for athletes in all high-profile sporting franchises, as seen in the ESPN 30 for 30 on Retired Athletes. These competitors are defined by a sport, and once their sporting careers expire, so does the contract, endorsements and socio-economic status.

I don’t believe that African American’s success in sport has damaged the race’s image. One critique of how sport could damage the perception and success of the race is that African American’s are encouraged to invest most of their time in sport. This hypothesis could be seen as valid, but our lectures and assigned readings suggest that discipline in sport typically carries into education as well. I believe that sport, which is typically tied with a scholarly institution, will encourage athletes to pursue an alternative plan if their sporting dreams are not fulfilled. Furthermore, with the history of athletes becoming victims of their own income and financial choices, future sportspersons will be aware of these traps and invest more time into an alternative plan.

Reflecting on the Shame of College Sports: Should NCAA Div 1 Basketball and Football players get paid?

            The argument for paying collegiate athletes find its basis largely in the structure of athletic programs and the salaries of coaches, franchises, and media that own the players’ performances. Furthermore, these athletes spend their lives focusing on their abilities, yet they make no money. If collegiate sports did not make a profit, it would be more reasonable for players to compete without compensation. Additionally, competitors are putting their health and bodies at risk in order to participate while expecting nothing in return. The argument against paying college athletes emphasizes the nature of education as a privilege that requires dedication and hard work academically, rather than an advantage bestowed on those that will increase the university’s prestige and revenue. Athletes contribute to the spirit of the college, but should they be paid for simple athleticism as opposed to working toward their higher education?

            I believe collegiate athletes should be paid for their time and lifestyle commitments, as well as the risk to their personal health. However, these ‘salaries’ should be capped to ensure the franchise is not over-paying for talent that has no other contribution to the university itself. Furthermore, these players receiving compensation for their athletic contribution should also meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a substantial GPA and participating in additional programs through the university. While I believe athletes deserve payment for their commitment, it should not be bestowed based solely on participation in an athletic program.

Once the cheering stops: The life of a retired pro-athlete

Professional athletes are ill prepared to handle the responsibilities of money management during and after their careers. Being unaware of the temporality of their careers and paychecks, these individuals spend their earnings as quickly as they are made. In doing so, these athletes are financially compromised at the end of their career. This especially is true for NFL players, due to their relatively low earnings, short careers, and high medical costs in the late stages of their lives. These athletes typically they find themselves with minimal income and zero-savings.

            This poor money-management is mainly due to unawareness of taxation, belief that they can find work within the franchise after their athletic career, and unforeseen long-term expenses. This is especially true for athletes in the 80’s & 90’s, due to the rapid increase in player salaries. Because these paychecks were unheard of, the athletes had no financial examples (relatable to their situation) to guide them. I believe this poor money management is an issue left in the past. Many athletes are required, or strongly recommended to seek a financial advisor once they are signed. Furthermore, by witnessing these financial horror stories, athletes today will be happy to seek financial guidance and start considering their future and expenses after sport.

Sport in the Ancient World

Sports in the ancient world consisted of activities like discus, boxing, wrestling, and caged events involving animals or other human beings. These early sports considered winners to be similar to gods, therefore granting them fame, fortune, and an increased status in the community. The sports were an outlet for society’s urges, demonstrated in a ‘humane’ and ‘honorable’ manner. Though the events would be considered barbaric by modern standards, they were the embodiment of discipline and masculinity. Rewards were social, political, and financial. Men were the only participants in such games as women were forbidden to take part. In some cultures, winning could be the key to freedom and in others is was the ideal display of skill and strategy.

The Sport Ethic

As defined by Hughes and Coakley, sport ethic is defined as “the criteria defining what it means to be a real athlete”. They go on to outline the following elements that make up sport ethic:

1)     Making sacrifices for the sport

2)     Striving to be unique by increasing performance

3)     Playing through pain and excelling through known risk

4)     Ignoring accepted limits and pursuing excellence

Athletes form their lives around these criteria because through these achievements they believe they can attain greatness. These sacrifices manifest not only in the game and in the arena, but also in their lives as a whole. Where a non-athlete would spend their time socializing or living without this level of discipline, athletes go without such forms of recreation to ensure they are always exhibiting peak performance. I personally have dedicated to playing through pain or injury, such as concussions and broken bones so I could continue to participate in participate in snowboarding because the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment outweighed the consequences.