Stephen A. Smith Thinks Chip Kelly is a Racist....Kinda

So far this NFL off season has been filled with many star players making team changes. The Philadelphia Eagles have moved away from quite a few players since Chip Kelly has become the head coach. It started with the team parting ways with star wide receiver DeSean Jackson last season and continued this offseason with the Eagles parting ways with LaSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin.

The Eagles have interestingly not moved away from wide receiver Riley Cooper who was caught on video using a racial slur. Decisions and moves like this have drawn attention from the likes of Stephen A. Smith who is now questioning the direction in which Chip Kelly is taking the team, "Chip Kelly makes decisions over the last couple of years that dare I say leave a few brothas feeling uncomfortable. I think that’s fair to say" (Glasspiegel, 2015, para. 2).


Although Kelly has signed players who are African American in the meantime, Smith believes that there is a certain type of guy Kelly gravitates to, "It’s like you gotta be his kinda guy, you know? And when Riley Cooper’s your kind of guy… Let’s get beyond the system though, the operative word is culture. The culture is what resonates with me more profoundly because I’m looking at Chip Kelly and I’m like … really?" (Glasspiegel, 2015, para. 2).


Smith's final thought is simple, "I’m gonna repeat this. Gone: LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, ya know, DeSean Jackson. Staying: Riley Cooper" (Glasspiegel, 2015, para. 2).




So do you think Smith is on to something with his thoughts? Do you think Kelly makes decisions based on race? Does the fact that they have signed players like DeMarco Murray disprove this thought? What's your take on the decisions to move away from a troubled player like DeSean Jackson while holding on to Riley Cooper?




References:




Glasspiegel, R. (2015, March 9). Stephen A. Smith: Chip Kelly's Decisions Have Left "A few brothers feeling uncomfortable". The Big Lead. Retrieved from http://thebiglead.com/2015/03/09/stephen-a-smith-chip-kellys-decisions-have-left-a-few-brothers-feeling-uncomfortable/




By: Eric Vendemia

Cutting Down the NBA-Schedule?

by A. Khuny

Even though this topic has been discussed more lively in the beginning of the NBA season, I consider it worth bringing up again. After the NBA experimented with shortening game time (the NBA reduced the playing time to 44 minutes in some preseason games), some players, including LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki, mentioned that they would prefer a reduction in the number of games over shortened playing time (Herbert, 2014). This idea was immediately opposed by Michael Jordan (team owner of the Charlotte Hornets), who pointed out on the economic deficits the NBA and its team owners would have to deal with. Furthermore, Jordan mentioned the “love for the game” he as a player had and that if he would not play in NBA games, he would play somewhere else (Broussard, 2014). For me the reduction of NBA games makes sense for two reasons:

First, by playing up to a hundred games (including the palyoffs), NBA players put their health at risk, because they simply do not have enough time to recreate and recover after games. Even though the following situation is even rare for a crammed NBA schedule, I would like to point out on a situation the Detroit Pistons had to deal with in February: After loosing to the New York Knicks in double overtime in Detroit (starting time 7.30 pm), the Pistons had to play the Wizards in Washington the following day at seven pm (NBA.com, 2015). This means, that after an exhausting double-overtime game the players did not even have 24 hours to recover and prepare for the next game. Thus, from a medical standpoint, the high number of injuries among (star) players (Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard) is not surprisingly, even though other factors may add to that as well.

Second, the high number makes games unattractive and fans often seem to be exploited. Or, in other words, fans often do not get what they pay for. For example, coaches rest their star players for entire games or bench them as soon a game is decided (which can often be midway through the third quarter). This means that fans who bought expensive tickets to see LeBron James or Russell Westbrook, often only see parts of them or they do not see them at all. Furthermore, an 82-game schedule takes away a lot of excitement from games, since a loss does not hurt a team too much in the big picture. On the opposite side, it also seems that wins are not really cherished too much by many teams. To sum it up, the extended NBA schedule takes away the value of many games.

After I have followed the NBA more actively than in previous years (mainly because I have lived in the US for the past year), I can only agree with players like LeBron James or Dirk Nowitzki that the season is too long. What do you think about that issue? Is it justified from an ethical standpoint to put players’ health at risk by having them play so many games? Do you agree that fans are often exploited during NBA regular season games, in that they “don’t get what they pay for”? Are there any other arguments that speak for or against shortening the NBA schedule?

References:

Broussard, C. (2014, October 16). MJ mystified by shorter season talk. ESPN[online]. Retrieved from  http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11709451/michael-jordan-disagrees-talk-shortening-season-games

Herbert, J. (2014, October 15). LeBron James wants a shorter season to protect players. CBS-Sports [online]. Retrieved from http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24753782/lebron-james-wants-a-shorter-season-to-protect-players

NBA.com (2015). Scores and Schedule – Detroit Pistons. NBA.com. Retrieved from http://www.nba.com/gameline/pistons/

#Thirsty: How much should celebrations be broadcast to the public?

In the past 24 hours, the game of cricket has received a lot of attention in the global sphere of sport. Yesterday, the Australian team captured the title of Cricket World Cup Champions after they defeated New Zealand in the final.

In sharp contrast to the celebratory wishes and congratulations the team was receiving in light of their victory, Shane Warne, a cricket star from Australia’s team was harboring less than positive remarks on social media due to his post-game remarks.  

In his post-match interview, Warne was quoted talking about how much he is going to drink that night to celebrate the win. He also jokingly asked his teammates about what their drinking plans were for the evening. He continued the theme with Steve Smith, asking: "What about you, gonna have a bit of a drink tonight too Smitty? Gonna get thirsty as well? The boys are thirsty they seem" (Hume, 2015, para. 5). All was fun and games until this interaction between Warne and his teammates was broadcast across the entire stadium for everyone to hear about their extracurricular plans.

Fans responded by started a social media trend with the hashtag: #Thirsty. The fans began “criticizing Warne for setting a poor example to young cricket fans, and one labeling him a "bogan" -- Australasian slang for an unsophisticated person -- for his line of questioning” (Hume, 2015, para. 8).

Twitter user @elly_franks tweeted: “Yes @ShaneWarne they're all #thirsty - but do the millions of families watching on tv need to hear about it over & over? #probablynot #bogan”

This behavior received a lot of backlash from the public. Do you think Warne’s statement is inappropriate to be discussed with the media after a victory considering the family audience that may be watching? I think of baseball teams winning the World Series and all of the television cameras in the locker rooms filming the champagne showers after the game. Isn’t this the same sort of thing? Is it more accepted because the players are not specifically gloating about their drinking plans for that evening?

Hume, T. (2015, March 30). 'You feeling thirsty?': Australia's Shane Warne slammed for drinking comments. CNN. Retrieved from http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/30/sport/australia-cricket-warne-drinking/index.html

Marissa Tashenberg

Head Safety in Hockey

In recent studies it as been shown that the hockey helmets that have been used anywhere from youth to professional hockey will not protect athletes from concussions. Stephen Duma at Virginia Tech University developed a 5 star rating to determine the class of a helmet that would help protect the athlete better. Each star represents how much force the helmet can take while still protecting the brain. There were 32 helmets that were tested by Stephen Duma at Virginia Tech's own facility. The helmet companies do not provide any type of funding for Duma's research. After completing his research it was found that all helmets were insufficient in protecting the brain from trauma. There were 9 helmets that received a 0 stars with the majority of them that only ranked 1-2 stars. There was only one helmet that reached to a mere 3 stars that is made by Warrior. Upon this finding, the conclusion that with the wearing of these helmets that each individual would receive up to six concussions within the season. 

The CEO of Bauer that, Kevin Davis, who produces one of the most used helmets was confronted with this issue and asked why his helmets were not up to par. After the Bauer helmets were tested it was found that the most expensive of his helmets was rated last of all his helmets, while the cheapest helmet that they produce had a much higher star rating. Davis who claims that concussions are based on an individual basis and that each of his helmets are made to the quality that would protect each players brain. He mentions that the concussion injury is based purely on the athlete and how severe or the likely-hood of them receiving a concussion is all based on the athlete.

Dr. Alan Ashare who is head of HECC which is the organization that clears each helmet for use by athletes also reassures that the stamp of HECC on the helmets is proof that they pass the test to help protect the athletes from injury.

What do you think? Are the helmets really protecting the athlete or are they producing helmets that are not up to the task to protect our athletes? Does the helmet even protect the brain or as Kevin Davis states, concussions are an individual injury and no helmet can determine how that injury will affect an athlete?

Amanda Notley

(2015). Head Safety in Hockey [Online video]. ESPN. Retrieved from http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12571711

How Much Celebration is Too Much?

Allie McDavitt

Cristiano Ronaldo may be punished for his famous “calm down” celebration after scoring agaisnt Barcelona in a game. LFP president, Javier Tebas reported he believed players must be responsible for their actions, including celebrations or gestures that may provoke a negative reaction or even violence from opposing fans, stating that punishment could be anything from a fine or even suspension (Akerman, 2015).  In his article, Akerman reported Ronaldo’s celebration could be viewed as a reaction to the taunts from the stand.  Spanish football has been working to “clean up” the game after a history of violent fighting, investigations of possible match-fixing and players being suspected of tax evasion (Akerman, 2015).

                Athlete’s celebrations after scoring are often considered just part of the game, however Tebas’ view is that if these actions frustrate or anger spectators, then it should be eliminated (Akerman, 2015). Many athletes, including Ronaldo, occasionally engage in “overzealous” celebrations which could aggrivate or even stir up voilence in the fan sections. Many fans dislike the celebration tactics that athletes often engage in. It can be viewed as arrogant or conceited. Conversely, who is to blame someone for reveling in a victory or accomplishment? Yes, athletes are paid to perform at an elite level and some may think they should just do their job, but is it wrong for them to enjoy and celebrate their achievments “at work?” I agree that taunting the crowd, especially opposing fans, should be discouraged at all times but is there an ethical way to monitor and control the amount or type of celebration? Tebas stated he believed athletes should be leaders when it comes to their reactions to taunts or riducle from fans (Akerman, 2015). I agree with this statement. Cristicism is something we all encoutner at some point in our lives and it is important for those who experience it publically act and react in an ethical maner to pave the way for future athletes or even those who look up to them, not only based on their athletic ability, but also value similar morals.

References:

Akerman, N. (2015, March 25). Cristiano Ronaldo Potentially Facing La Liga Sanction over Clasico Celebration. Bleacher Report. Retrieved from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2408457-cristiano-ronaldo-facing-la-liga-sanction-over-real-madrid-clasico-celebration

Indiana's Religious Freedom Law

I was not extremely sure what the outrage was over this new law in Indiana. I only knew that when it comes to media they can make any news good news or bad news, so I decided it would be best I looked into this. I saw enough of it on TV and wanted to learn more about it. To most, the law basically “Allows any individual or corporation to cite religious beliefs as a defense when sued by a private party”. Now this maybe simple and some may feel like this law won’t hurt anyone but I decided to look further into it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/28/indiana-anti-lgbt-bill_n_6961188.html  

With everything we have happening over in the United States, I found it odd to write up this bill and take the time to actually go through the process of getting it passed.  If I owned a restaurant, I can refuse to serve you based on my religious beliefs and you can’t sue me because of it. I couldn’t believe I was reading this when I saw it and I thought this would be great to share because I don’t care who you love, happiness is really important to me but it makes me wonder one thing. Is this ethical? I’m not sure why someone would take the time to make this bill but I for one think it’s a waste of a good opportunity to work on other problems this country has. 

Bobic, I. (2015, March 28). Fierce backlash mounts over Indiana’s ‘religious freedom’ law. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/28/indiana-anti-lgbt-bill_n_6961188.html  

Vincent Marshall