Diversity in Sport

Sport has come a long way in the field of diversity over the past 50 years.  Athletes are no longer judged on race as they used to be.  However, is the problem solved?  Absolutely not.

Although all races of athletes are now accepted in professional sport, not everything else is.  Coaches, staff, and front office positions are highly dominated by white men, which discriminates against both minorities and women.  Players are still judged based on sexual orientation, which is very apparent with Jason Collins coming out this past week and being the first active professional athlete to do so.  If a woman wants a job in sport, she might as well not look past the WNBA, MLS, or NBA.  Trying to get anything aside from an entry level job from the NHL, NFL, or MLB is highly unlikely.

While the diversity issue in sport is improving, it has much room to grow.  Initiatives like the Rooney Rule are showing effort, but more needs done.

Jason Collins

This week Jason Collins made history by being the first active player in an American professional sport to come out as gay to the public.  As an NBA player, it was both bold and inspiring that he came out while still playing in the league.  This story seemed even bigger to me after being in Diversity Issues and going to the Tackling Homophobia presentation by Esera Tuaolo.  I have seen via Twitter many people supporting and thanking Collins for what he did.  I hope this continues to be the reaction and that the public, NBA, and his teammates support him rather than discriminate again him.  I also hope to see more players comfortable enough to come out in the NBA and other leagues.  These athletes, being role models, have the opportunity to positively benefit our youth and culture, and it is my hope that they take this opportunity to do just that.

Marathon Participation

After the tragic Boston Marathon bombings, I am curious to see if participation in marathons will drop or rise.  I could honestly see it going either way.  Participation may drop out of fear of safety and another bombing/terrorist event.  However, I could also see it going up with people running in honor/memory of the Boston Marathon runners and to show support.  With the Pittsburgh Marathon coming up on May 5th, I'm interested to see who actually shows up.

--Jayme

Disappointing Braves

Overall, the Braves were a bust this weekend.  After such a hot streak and being labeled the "best team is baseball," it could almost be assumed they'd sweep the Pirates in their four game series this weekend.  Thursday night, which I didn't get to watch, was a win as expected.  But from there on nothing quite went as expected for the Braves.

I sat in Elephant and Castle on Friday as I watched them play a pitiful game against the Pirates.  The only highlight was BJ Upton cussing out the umpire on national tv (which later got blurred out when replayed).  But, hey, I found my new favorite player since Chipper retired.

Saturday, when actually going to the game, it was cold.  However, I figured, last night was a fluke, at least it'll be worth sitting in the cold for the win.  And what happens?  Another loss.  At least I got a McCutcheon bobble head, right?

Sunday was yet another loss, which I could hardly believe.  The best team in baseball just lost 3 of 4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates?  Impossible.

But let's look at the bright side - the Pirates just beat the best team in baseball 3 times in a row.  As my back up team, it is slightly exciting to see they're on the uprise and CAN play baseball.

Baseball Weekend

After a long week of exams, lesson plans, presentations, and teaching, I am estatic to attend my first MLB game of the season.  Even better, this game is on Saturday at PNC with the Braves vs. Pirates.  I'm also looking forward to Sunday's afternoon game, too.

After taking the Facility and Events in Sport course, I can't help but think what types of things this organization did to attract me to this Saturday night game.  The opposing team playing is my favorite so I go to at least 1 game everytime the Braves are in town.  It is also Andrew McCutcheon bobble head night, which is attracting many fans.  While I could care less about the bobble head, I do enjoy larger crowds and a better baseball atmosphere.  Another attraction is the nice weather coming up this weekend.  Last, the 7 p.m. game time leaves plenty of time to tailgate tomorrow before the game in the nice weather.

Enjoy your weekend!
--Jayme

Sport & PE

As a Physical Education major, I've recently had the opportunity to be introduced to some new sports and activities through coursework this semester and Mini Convention held on SRU's campus today.

In classes, I have been introduced to angleball, danish longball, gaelic football, and more.  With the right promotion of these sports, I could see them really taking off in youth sports and in the US.

Although I was only able to attend the Mini Convention this morning, I was introduced to SCUBA and Brain Gym activities through sessions.  Lifetime activities like SCUBA seem to be taking off more than team sports at this time.  Parents are pushing their kids to join lifetime sports like tennis, bowling, and more.

Could this be a danger for the popularity of team sports in our culture?  Personally, I think the viewing of sport will be safe for a long time in the US, but participation may drop.

--Jayme

Enough About Ware

Sports news always seem to beat a topic until it's dead.  The story on Kevin Ware is no different.  Yes, his leg break was terrible, one of the worst seen, and grusome.  However, it is being treated as if he suffered a major, life threatening injury on national TV.  From the way people are talking about it and tweeting/retweeting "#PrayForWare" you'd think he developed untreatable brain cancer and full body paralysis while on the court against Duke.  He broke his leg and was on crutches by the next day.  Now, ESPN, let's move on.