Facilitation: Was It Really Worth It?

Today I am here to present the simple question: should athletes have their awards and endorsements taken away after being caught with performance enhancing drugs?

During my facilitation I will present the story of an Olympic sprinter who came under the scrutiny of the press and fans for being caught taking such illegal substances. This athlete is Olympic gold medalist Kelli White. She was stripped of prize money and her medals, after she held a press conference stating her side of the story?

Human Error

Tim Donaghy has apparently claimed to have information implicating 20 other NBA referees in gambling-related activity. He's not exactly a reliable source, but what if it turns out that this epidemic is widespread? What can fix this problem??

Answer: Robot refs. We have the technology. We can build them.

Glanville is a goldmine

With the hiring of former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville, Portland State has hit the football jackpot. They've already sold three times as many season tickets, compared to last year, and they are getting consistent national media coverage.

You can't pay enough for the kind of attention Jerry brings to the program, as it raises money for the program and makes PSU more competitive in the recruiting war with behemoths Oregon and Oregon State.

But that's not the most important part, because the guy happens to also be a brilliant coach. His 3-4 defense will make the Vikings a force to be reckoned with, possibly taking them to their first National Championship.

I think I'm going to go buy some tickets now before they sell out their September 8 home opener against UC Davis.

The SEC is practically the NFL

Each year, the SEC seems to become more and more dominant. No other conference in college football can hold a candle to the SEC, and this year it will be even more evident than in the past.

The SEC West boasts consistent powerhouses Auburn & LSU, complemented by Arkansas, whose tailback Darren McFadden is the favorite to win the Heisman trophy, and Alabama, who welcomes National Champion coach Nick Saban to the fold this year. This half of the conference alone has as much depth as any other full conference, and it's not even the stronger side.

The SEC East has defending National Champion Florida, who routed an Ohio State team that rode massive hype through the season until they were thoroughly embarassed by the Gators. Florida is just the beginning though, with Georgia, Tennessee, and blossoming programs at South Carolina and Kentucky filling out the East.

No conference has half the depth of the SEC, but this actually hurts the teams in the conference. Playing such difficult competition every week, it is rare that an SEC team can run the gauntlet and finish undefeated. Auburn did it in 2004, and Alabama in 1992, but most years SEC teams get snubbed in favor of teams with cake schedules who go undefeated.

In my opinion, the SEC Championship might as well be the National Championship. As Florida showed last year, when they were tested by Arkansas in the SEC Championship then rolled over Ohio State, the SEC Championship is more difficult to get to and more difficult to win than the National Championship game, simply because 2 SEC teams won't play in the National Championship.

Should women be allowed to play on the PGA tour?

This debate has been going on for some time now. Should women EVER be allowed to play on the PGA tour? My answer to this question surprises even me... yes! Before going in to my reasoning I have to make a few clarifying statements. Firstly, I don't think that a female golfer should be allowed to play on the PGA tour simply because it would make good headlines. I believe this was the single determining factor in Michele Wie being allowed to play. People were interested to see a 14-year-old girl compete against grown men, and mission accomplished, the ratings were good. But what was the result? Missing cuts and possibly destroying a very promising career. Secondly, I am asking if they should ever be allowed to play, basically asking if a rule should be established to ban female competitors on the PGA tour.

My reasoning for believing that no such rule should be made is simple. What if one day a woman truly dominates the LPGA tour? And I mean true domination. If a woman comes along and wins nine straight majors, 50% of tournaments she play in, etc. who are we to prevent her from showcasing her skills against the best players in the world? I compare this situation to the Annika Sorenstam era. She was truly impressive on the LPGA tour and in my opinion earned the right to try the PGA. But even she failed to be successful, thus I think she forced the bar even higher for future woman competitors; they have to dominate considerably more than even she did. I look forward to seeing if a woman will ever be skilled enough to compete with the boys, and I think to ban the effort would be a pathetic attempt for the ‘good-ole-boys’ to secure their manhood.

Is NBA gambling that much worse than dog fighting?

Donaghy faces 25 years in prison for a gambling scheme that lasted six months. Michael Vick is negotiating with authorities for a term of 18 months in the penitentiary in a dog fighting scheme that lasted for six years. Is NBA gambling that much worse than dog fighting?

Okay Donaghy was a trusted referee, and disgraced the NBA, but what did he really do, he participated in illegal gambling. I mean is that really worse then funding an illegal dog fighting operation, in my mind clearly no!

With the popularity of gambling these days, it just doesn’t seem like such a severe crime. I believe that Donaghy should be obviously kicked out of the NBA, not allowed to legally bet on sports ever again, pay a huge fine, and maybe up to 18 months in prison, but 25 years is just ridiculous.

Tim Donaghy: The best thing to happen to the NBA in years?

Tim Donaghy plead guilty today for getting paid to influence the outcomes of some of the NBA games which he officiated. He could serve up to 25 years in prison, if he is not drowned in a Suns fan's spackled jail-cell latrine first.

I know, this guy is a Class-A scumbag. However, I would be shocked if he were the only crooked ref. In my opinion, the quality of refs in just about every officiated sport is below average. Refs have been given such substantial protection from criticism, it has often made me ill. Ludicrous fines are routinely handed down for even hinting that officiating affected the outcome of a game. I think, just like most professionals, they should have to answer for their actions. If they screw up, they should have to publicly apologize, explain why, and receive a demotion.

Increasing referee scrutiny is long overdue, and Tim Donaghy has ushered-in this new era. Sure, it is terrible that he tainted the playoffs for 7 years or so. He has tarnished the game. In my opinion, though, this game I love was already tarnished. I can't count the times I've seen terrible calls change the course of an NBA game.

That will still happen, of course, but hopefully less and less as a result of corruption being brought to the light of day, rather than casually dismissed as conspiracy theory. Eventually, I think the NBA will be better as a result.

So thanks Tim, you sick depraved bastard.

Bobby Cox, the Grumpy Old Man

Let's play a little game of pick 'em:

Which of Bobby Cox's feats should we really be celebrating and glorifying?

His establishing the all-time ejection record after being told to hit the showers for the 132nd time on Tuesday night

OR

His guiding the Braves to an unprecedented 14 consecutive NL East titles

Well, let's see here, I think I'll select the latter. It's most definitely the greater accomplishment and provides a better indication of his managerial skills. However, on the "World Wide Leader in Sports" and several top-notch publications, Cox's newly established record is being treated like it is a bona fide achievement. And, to be honest, I simply don't understand it.

I can't fathom how the media can glorify the juvenile acts of a grown man. What did Cox really do to deserve the publicity for breaking John McGraw's record? The guy charged onto the field, screaming and spitting on umpires because he disagrees with the call. On many occasions, Cox has thrown an unmerited, unprovoked tirade. I mean, records are for intended to be bestowed upon athletes and coaches for honorable acts, not for throwing a fit and carrying oneself more like a bratty five year old than a professional Major League manager.

And, I hate to play the role model card, but, how what kind of precedent does this set for America's youth. Baseball is often depicted as the beautiful game. It's supposed to be the prefect game, essentially acting as a child's safe haven from violence and the World's gravest realities. A place where a youngster can learn how to conduct himself or herself through observing how the athletes, umpires and coaches conduct themselves.

Although, I'm beginning to think Cox is sending the message that if a child doesn't agree with something, he or she should simply show their frustration by kicking dirt, screaming and using profanity. Then, eventually, others will begin to take notice and that disobedient, unrelenting child earns recognition for the insubordinate behavior.

Call it a slippery slope, or an exaggerated claim. But ask yourself, isn't that exactly what Cox is promoting?

Guilty Pleas

Two more of Michael Vick’s co-defendants plead guilty in the dog fighting allegations per ESPN.com. Vick now has 7 witnesses testifying against him. Things are not looking good for him, especially since his co-conspirators are now going to testify against him. Oh how sad his friends are going to testify against him, I feel for him. Not really. What does he expect? These people are being made deals for lesser punishments to testify against him; of course they are going to take the deal when they must all know how guilty they are. How can it get worse? Well, it just might. In Virginia there are charges they may be coming against him any day and one of those possible charges is racketeering. Yes all you Sopranos fans remember the term “RICO?” Well Vick may be prosecuted for that. (RICO is the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act). Vick is getting what he deserves. People are too easy on celebrities and entertainers and they start to think they are above the law. Vick is going to be a prime example of how just because you are famous does not mean you are above the law. ESPN.com feels Vick may enter a plea of guilty in the next few days.

The Search Continues

U of O is currently looking for a head coach to take over the new men’s baseball team. The job was supposedly offered to Pat Casey, the head coach of the Oregon State team. Many people seem to be upset about this move by Oregon, saying they are trying to steal the Beaver’s coach. Everyone who lives in Oregon, and even most who do not know that the two schools are rivals. The decision to offer the job to Casey was based on his past performance as a head coach. People are taking the offer as some under-handed decision by Pat Kilkenny, Oregon’s athletic director. Beaver fans should take the job offer as a compliment to their program and coach. Kilkenny’s job is to bring the best coaches, players and staff to the school. College sports are a competition that gross enormous amounts of money for universities, and trying to bring in a coach that has lead his team to two consecutive championships is a smart move. The only downfall is that Casey has decided to stay with Oregon State. Baseball is now one more thing for Duck and Beaver fans to argue about, and a new way for Duck’s to support their school, the better school.

Go Raiders!

This past Saturday the Oakland Raiders opened their 2007 season at home when they hosted and beat The Arizona Cardinals 27-23. While there is an entire season to play, it will be interesting to watch Lane Kiffin, they youngest head coach in Raider history, and his team attempt to turn things around in Oakland this year. Since I'm a Raider fan I obviously have biases, however it sure was good to see the boys in black and silver get the "W" again, especially after last season.

It should be noted that Arizona played Matt Leinart only one quarter and running back Edgerin James in just two series in the game. Although, The Raiders were without No. 1 overall draft pick JaMarcus Russel and that Dante Culpepper did not enter until there was 9:38 left in the third quarter.

Best non baseball Moment of the MLB season

Earlier this season I saw a video of one of the funniest things I have seen occur during a baseball game. I know there are plenty of Red Sox fans in this class but I don't know if you all have seen this video or not yet.

*Click the question mark where there should be a pic for the video.*

I will post the link to the video and just be sure to watch the entire thing. Listen to how the guys calling the game forget about the game for an entire inning and break down what has just happened in the stands. This is just great stuff. The announcers cannot keep themselves from laughing during the broadcast, enjoy.

If you didn't enjoy this video you quite possibly may have no soul.

Golf isn't a sport... and the Earth is flat!

A couple of times in class the topic of whether or not golf is a sport has been brought up, but not discussed in detail. I’m interested it seeing what people’s opinions are on this subject.

Personally I’ve been playing golf my whole life. I have always had immense respect for the game but will admit that I haven’t always considered it a sport. The way most amateurs and I play the game would probably be more accurately described as a recreation. But in the last 10+ years a shift has occurred. Now athleticism is a major factor in whether or not a player is successful on tour. Is it a coincidence that the best player on tour is the one in best shape? I don’t believe it is. Many key characteristics that make a football or basketball players skilled in their discipline are comparable to what make golfers good in theirs. Examples are such characteristics as mental strength, flexibility, determination, and of course physical condition/athleticism.

Tiger has been rumored to bench over 300 lbs, squat 500+ lbs, and run sprints that are comparable to NFL athletes (and I assume not lineman!). Some people question this since it’s difficult to find hard data, but one look at his physique and it would be hard to doubt. Many of his nearest competitors are in great shape as well, and even Jon Daly is unbelievably strong and is considered to have the ‘softest hands’ (playing soft shots, not hand texture) on tour, even though he’s a little out of shape.

Basically my argument for why golf is a sport is simple. Take a doubter out to walk 36 holes of golf on a hot summer day and see if he is as tired as playing some pick-up basketball. If athletes are playing a game, competing for money, and entertaining millions of people, how could it not be a sport?

NASCAR Fun

Today’s NASCAR race was heated. Kevin Harvick and Juan Pablo Montoya were compared to WWE wrestlers, per ESPN.com, after they collided with 15 laps to go in the race at Watkins Glen, New York. A fan was also escorted off the track when he tried to get racer Matt Kenseth’s autograph during the delay of the race. Tony Stewart also won for the third time in four weeks. NASCAR’s ratings have been on decline and they are hoping that this day of excitement way bring some viewers back. This brings me to wonder if some of this stuff is staged to increase the poor ratings. NASCAR fans are some of the most passionate of fans but they want to see excitement while watching cars go around and around a track for hours upon end. They love the drama between the racers because it can make them hate certain drivers for reasons. Tony Stewart has a solid fan base but he is disliked by many for his “aggressive” driving towards others on the track that can cause others to wreck and be out of that day’s race. His wins leave some ecstatic and others annoyed.

I don’t think the drama should be staged at all but it sure makes things more fun to watch doesn’t it? I can’t sit there and watch cars go in circles for hours without something happening. Today’s race was full of excitement and if NASCAR could have more races like these. It was great seeing Harvick and Montoya argue on the track especially since they both were misunderstanding what led to the crash taking place. I think they confronted each other out on the track to make things more interesting. They could have waited until later to go at each other but they didn’t. They fought in front of the crowd and on national television. Maybe they will start being like hockey soon and take off their helmets and start beating each other up on the track. I know that would be bad but it would make things more fun to watch.

When Will it Stop?

Scandals in professional sports are becoming as common as the cold it seems. Recently, professional tennis has been abuzz with a possible scandal brewing. Number 5 in the world, Nicolay Davydenko has been under the microscope since a suspicious betting incident on August 2nd. Davydenko, seeded 4th in the tournament, played the 73rd ranked player in the world, Martin Vassallo Arguello. Most bets placed on tennis matches go unnoticed, but what made this one odd, was most of the $7 million in bets were placed on Arguello, after Davydenko had already won the first set. Davydenko eventually retired from the match citing a nagging toe injury. Since the investigation has begun, the bets have been canceled, and the money has been returned. It's too early to say whether or not Davydenko was aware of the betting and if he fixed the match. Time will tell if he fixed it or not, but here are reasons why he may or may not have.


Davydenko possibly fixed the match:
• the disparities in their world rankings (#5 vs. #73)
• most of the $7 million in bets came after he was already winning the match
• despite the injury, he is continuing to play tournaments without resting
• the amount of ATP players being asked to fix matches
• other Russian tennis players were photographed with a suspected Russian mobster

Davydenko unlikely fixed the match:
• he is #4 in the world, and has too much to lose if caught fixing matches
• he has been having foot problems, which were noticeable during the match
• despite the foot problem, he was noticeably trying to win the match
• he has been struggling in the early rounds of tournaments lately
• he truly seemed stunned when word got out regarding the investigation
• Davydenko was not one of those photographed with the suspected mobster

Only time will tell, but I truly hope he isn't involved, and I don't think he is. I am not however stunned by the fact that many players and judges are asked to fix the games.

B-12 Injection

Vitamin B-12 has the primary use of treating a rare form of anemia. However, according to an Oregonian story, “it is also often implicated in steroids-related cases.” The intended use of injection for people with anemia is to build fresh cells and protect nerves. Justin Gatlin, a world record-sharing sprinter was recently suspended from the sport for eight years after testing positive for steroid use. Gatlin said this came two weeks after he thought he was injecting a shot of B-12 given to him by an assistant coach, not a banned substance. Gatlin stated his suspension was too severe, considering he did not know he was taking a banned substance. I cannot imagine any athlete who would voluntarily confess to taking illegal drugs. It would be in his or her best interest to place the blame on someone else. The steroid use among sports figures these past few months alone have been covering the sports sections of newspapers. It is getting old, and I don’t want to read about it anymore. Eight years is a long time, and this could potentially mark the end of Justin Gatlin’s sprinting career, but he made the ultimate decision to inject himself with a substance that he wasn’t entirely sure what it was. The punishment is harsh yes, but it is also fair. When you put yourself in the public eye your job in not only as an athlete, but also as a role model. Gatlin failed in both those aspects, and he deserves to be punished.