A little fun for Thursday...

If you could switch bodies with an athlete for one week, who would you choose? How do you think you would do in their body for that week? Would you ruin their career or help it?

Make this response at least 500 words.  Type it in Microsoft Word and do a word count check.  Then, post below.  Have some fun with this one.  

LA Clippers, John Carlos, Tommie Smith, and Race in Sports

Donald Sterling has opened wounds long hidden from the American public when it comes to race relations in major American Sports.  The unfortunate element of this is that Sterling had been protected by the NBA and the American media for decades.  Sterling has a long history of bigotry and hateful speech, so why is it that we are only finding out about this now?  With that said, it is important to look back, also, at the Civil Rights movement and the equality that has been long fought for throughout the American landscape and sports.

TASK 1
Using the link directly below, read up on the history of Donald Sterling and the hateful acts that he reportedly engaged in.  After reading the articles, write a half page response to be turned in on Friday, May 2nd in which you define what Sterling's biggest mistakes were and whether or not you believe he should be BANNED from the NBA for LIFE and fined 2.5 MILLION dollars.

                                                                                    STERLING LINK: http://readlists.com/da80d7df/


TASK 2
In response to the documentary Salute and what you know about the Civil Rights movement throughout American, construct a response to this post where you address what impact you believe Tommie Smith and John Carlos had on the integration of sports throughout America's major sports leagues (this may require you look up a bit more information).  Also, bring in other examples of Civil Rights actions or sport integration in your response.  This is due Monday, May 5th.  

Billy Beane, Saber metrics and Moneyball

After reading Chapter 1 of Moneyball, watch the interview below with Billy Beane.  Beane's desire to turn his team from a perennial doormat in the 90s to a year-in year-out contender pushed him to look into the teachings of Bill James and Saber metrics.  

Task 1
Go to the following link and select the Click Here article in the middle of the page about Dan Okrent and Bill James "Doing It By the Numbers".  Dan Okrent and Bill James: http://sabr.org/about/bill-james

Task 2
Watch the Billy Beane Interview.  Billy Beane Interview: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000152865

Task 3 (Graded Task)
Then, respond to this question on the blog.

In what way has Billy Beane created legitimacy around the more cost efficient approach that he has employed with the Oakland Athletics?

Hoosiers, Bleachers and Alden Hebron

Step 1: READ THIS ARTICLE
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-25/news/ct-met-hebron-basketball-anniversary-20120325_1_phil-judson-paul-judson-alden-hebron-high-school

Step 2: RESEARCH ALDEN-HEBRON as a town and high school.

Step 3: Write a response to the novel Bleachers, the movie Hoosiers, and the story of the Alden-Hebron Green Giants.  Compare the three stories and explain their value to the sporting landscape.  How do small towns drive the sports world?  Find an example and include it in your response. Explain what they represent within sports.

IS HOOSIERS REAL?  http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/hoosiers.php

Pizza Yahoo Bracket!

It's bracket time! Join my Yahoo Sports Tourney Pick'em Pool, "Sports Lit 2014" http://y.ahoo.it/o8Dwo6wz


GET ON AND JOIN!!!!!

Bullying, Sports, and the Locker Room Mentality

Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin have brought bullying to the fore of Sports Literature, Culture and Society.  We are left trying to piece together our individual feelings regarding the treatment of teammates, friends, colleagues, classmates, etc.  Did Martin and Incognito actually have a friendship?  What are your thoughts on this?  Using the link above, read the articles provided for Tuesday. You may have to access through a smartphone or tablet.  If you have problems, please email me and ask for the list.  

http://readlists.com/3e1e86f3

Run, Ricky, Run

Do you respect the life that Ricky Williams choose to lead?  Did he give up the chance of a lifetime?  Explain your answers on these first two.  Then, answer the following: In what way/ways does Ricky Williams represent all that is right or wrong with athletics?  And, what do you believe to be the intent of this 30-for-30?  Explain.