Allen Iverson-Crossover

Allen Iverson is, arguably, the most explosively talented basketball player in the history of the NBA.  There were few aspects of his game that were not at the next level, but his lack of desire or occasional lack of interest was a major contributor to the occasionally negative references to his games.  

Growing up, he was revered as an athlete, yet his legacy in the Hampton, Virginia area may be the 1993 brawl that he was part of.  Race and racism played a major role on the peninsula he lived; however, there are some that argue that his being a superstar was a greater contributor to the resulting trial from the brawl.  

Answer these questions
1) It is fair to evaluate Iverson's legacy with that brawl/trial in mind?  Why or why not?
2) Look up Iverson's stats and highlights.  Do you think that Allen Iverson is as supremely talented of a player as he seemed to believe, as well as others?  Explain what you see in his game/stats.
3) Should we evaluate athletes based on their on-field/on-court accomplishments or on their behavior off?  Explain.
4) Considering your love or interest in sports, do you think that Allen Iverson wasted his place in his community and within sports by engaging and interacting within the society he was part of?

Worth 5 points per response for a total of 20 points. 
DUE MONDAY, JANUARY 27th. 

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE:
http://si.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1138609/index.htm

Ready, Get Set, Share

Welcome to the Spring 2014 version of Viking Yardbarkers.  As a sports literature class, we are going to explore the worth, value and importance of sports and competition to the shaping of our world.  Now, no one is silly enough to believe that sports have the same value as economic stability or general family value trends in society, but there is no question that sports help to shape a public mindset and regional personas.

We will use this blog as a way to give voice to the voiceless, and to further argue/debate things we talk about in class.

Each student will be responsible for offering 1 original blog, posted here, during the course of the semester. Whether you post it here today or three months from now, the grade will go on the fourth quarter.  EVERY STUDENT is responsible for responding to each of those blogs by their peers.  Blog entries must be 300-500 words and should include a supported opinion about sports.  If you are unclear what I am looking for, go to www.bleacherreport.com and check out their bloggers' posts.

Happy Blogging!
Teschner

PS-Yarbarkers.com was a website created by a former NFL player and has since been bought out by FoxSports. Feel free to check out the original Yardbarkers.