Let's talk about sport ! - Page 3

littlemissattitude · 08-07-2005, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexa

Do you think there are many students who pass with the help of their coach ?

I don't think it happens as often as it used to, but it certainly still does go on, more on the high school than the university level. The NCAA, which governs college and university athletics in the US, has pretty strict guidelines now and can - and has been known to - come down pretty hard on schools who violate the rules. In the high schools, however, a lot of mischeif goes on that never gets caught.

Alexa · 08-07-2005, 11:18 PM

If it's only on high school level, I'm not worried. That is the minimum level to get a job, at least in Canada.

littlemissattitude · 08-07-2005, 11:31 PM

I do worry about it going on at the high school level, because it creates a culture that says athletes should be privileged above others, which I don't beleive for a minute. I mean, how else can you explain the fact that at the community college I atteded, the athletes got to register for their classes before everyone else? That at one four-year university that I know of, the athletes get first pick of the tutors, with other students having trouble in classes having to take whatever help is left over? It just isn't right, IMHO.

Alexa · 08-08-2005, 12:14 AM

I agree with you. It isn't right for someone to get a special treatment only because he's able to hit a stupid ball and too lazy to learn his lessons. But you know, those who expect that special treatement, they prepare themselves for an uncertain future. If they have an accident on the field, sports is over for them. Besides sports, what chances they have to get a good job ?

littlemissattitude · 08-08-2005, 03:58 AM

I think it is unfortunate that the whole "free-ride" thing for athletes just promotes the stereotype that athletes are stupid and can't do anything else but hit a ball or run or whatever.* Which is a completely false stereotype.* Most of the athletes I've run across are far from stupid.* But a lot of them, because they are given that free ride that athletes are afforded, at least here in the States, are lazy, and they think that they shouldn't have to do anything once their careers are over.* The smart ones are prepared for when they can't play or compete any more, and they have something else planned to do.

More in a bit.* I've got to go tend to the laundry now.

Okay, since no one else has posted, I'll just continue here, now that the laundry is all in and put away.

The example that comes to mind, because it is so recent, is Shaquille O'Neal. Big basketball star, and not just in terms of height. He could probably skip along for the rest of his life on his reputation as an athlete. But, here a couple of months ago he got a Master's Degree in Criminology (or Criminal Science, I can't recall the exact name of the degree), and he is already talking about how he would like to go into law enforcement in some capacity when his playing career is over. And he is far from the only one to do this kind of thing.

So, when athletes cry about how short their careers are, I don't really have that much sympathy. There are lots of things they can do, in and out of their games, after they can't play any more.

Alexa · 08-09-2005, 12:06 AM

Those who look forward into their future are the smart one. They can always play for pleasure their favorit sport and have another career when they are not able to participate into a competition.

Maybe all resumes in: you are a survivor or a loser.

08-17-2005, 08:25 AM

A big rugby fan meself! Five Nations, Wales and TriNations, S.A.! But football(NFL) movies are really awesome! Remember the Titans was Off the chain!
As for what the lady is saying below, HERE HERE! :biggrin:

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemissattitude

I think it is unfortunate that the whole "free-ride" thing for athletes just promotes the stereotype that athletes are stupid and can't do anything else but hit a ball or run or whatever. Which is a completely false stereotype. Most of the athletes I've run across are far from stupid. But a lot of them, because they are given that free ride that athletes are afforded, at least here in the States, are lazy, and they think that they shouldn't have to do anything once their careers are over. The smart ones are prepared for when they can't play or compete any more, and they have something else planned to do.

More in a bit. I've got to go tend to the laundry now.

Okay, since no one else has posted, I'll just continue here, now that the laundry is all in and put away.

The example that comes to mind, because it is so recent, is Shaquille O'Neal. Big basketball star, and not just in terms of height. He could probably skip along for the rest of his life on his reputation as an athlete. But, here a couple of months ago he got a Master's Degree in Criminology (or Criminal Science, I can't recall the exact name of the degree), and he is already talking about how he would like to go into law enforcement in some capacity when his playing career is over. And he is far from the only one to do this kind of thing.

So, when athletes cry about how short their careers are, I don't really have that much sympathy. There are lots of things they can do, in and out of their games, after they can't play any more.

08-17-2005, 08:58 AM

There's got to be some kind of balance. Professional athletes do put in years of work and sacrifices to even get a shot at the top level, plus the stress, work and travel if they do make it. The long term affects of their sport can lead to alot of difficulties and pain in later years as well, add injuries to the list and they may only have a few years (or less) to make a living that supports their families. Plus in most sports theres no retirement/ superannuation benefits as part of their salary. But to have people earning hundreds of millions in sport or corporate positions is just obscene.

In the AFL (Australian rules football) There's strict salary caps for each team, meaning a starting wage is about even with a decent full time job, with the best 'stars' earning around the million mark a year. The added benefit of this is there's still alot of players that choose to play for a team they grew up with or have other ties with. Most players as rookies still have jobs, albeit ones arranged through the clubs, are fairly easy and forgiving of travel and training duties. Theres also alot of players doing degree's or other studies during their playing career. I know lot of other sports follow similar lines, and bottom line is if the sport is generating millions of dollars I'd rather see it go to players than managers/agents/ etc though lower ticket prices and junior programs wouldn't go astray :biggrin:

like i said just needs to be a bit of a balance

08-21-2005, 11:54 PM

My favorite sport is horse racing. To be more specific Thoroughbred racing. I am in the process of becoming involved in a partnership to breed and sell a Thoroughbred within the next few years. Eventually, I would love to be involved in owning as well.

I also follow the Baltimore Ravens football (NFL), my favorite player there is Jamal Lewis. As well as the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. I prefer to watch football on TV (it's extremely expensive and good seats are way out of my price range). For one you can see more on TV than in a stadium. Baseball I prefer to see live. It's not all that expensive and it's more exciting to me live. There is just something about being in a stadium cheering for your team. I don't currently have a favorite player. It used to be Mike Mussina but he was traded to the New York Yankees.

As far as racing, I love to see it live. I'm a freelance artist (I specialize in horses) and I also like to take photos which help me in my work. But because racing is so spread out here in the USA, I do have to watch a lot of it on TV. I can't tell you how many VCR tapes I have with hours of races from all over the world. Currently, I'm trying to follow racing in Australia and hope to someday go there for the Melbourne Cup. It's always been a dream. I wasn't able to see any racing in Ireland when I went due to foot and mouth, but one day I would love to return or to go to Royal Ascot in England. My favorites in racing are Alysheba and Prairie Bayou. As far as jockeys, I love Mike Smith and Frankie Dettori.

kill3r · 12-01-2008, 10:57 PM

What is your favorite sport ?
breakdance should be classed as a sport... and gymnastics. those are my favourites

Do you play one ? Which one ?
the above and i do a bit of parkour too

Do you have a favorite player or team ? Which one ? Why ?
i have a favourite bboy, that would be bboy cloud campos. hes my god!