Monday, December 12, 2011
Fleury's Confession
Hockey star Theo Fleury's story of sexual abuse, drug abuse, and suicide attempt are ridiculously crazy. Not crazy because it doesn't happen, but because you would never expect it to affect a established athlete. It is inspiring to see athletes tell their stories so people like me can relate and feel not so alone. I personally don't understand any of Fleury''s emotions except for feeling helpless. It is the worst feeling in the world and it eats away at you. I for one appreciate celebrities and athletes relating to their fans. To be honest, when the celebrities and athletes demonstrate feelings and incidents that relate to their fans, you just don't seem "weird" anymore. For example, I am always getting in arguments with my sister and when we fight I am usually the one that yells and screams. At the end of the fights, I just feel so bad and feel as if I am too sensitive and begin to over analyze the situation. I then watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians and she their sisterly fights and deem myself normal. ;) Athletes make a difference, in more ways than one. We gain hope, fun, loyalty, and commitment when rooting for our fans. Something athletes should always remember. Fleury openly told his story, giving victims something to hang on too, and not to feel along. Being idolized is a huge responsibility and athletes should always understand that.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Speaking for Victim One
As we have all heard of the Penn State scandal, the stories have not stopped yet. Allegations against Sandusky are under investigation by a grand jury; however, this story of the first victim is heart breaking. It amazes me that the legendary role in sports can blind someone’s capabilities from right and wrong. Penn State is a football college; Having a record and reputation that all college football fans are aware of. However, is there reputation in the college football league, a golden ticket to scandalous conduct, ignorant behavior, and mishandling of power and position? This scandal seems to tell that story. Victim one went through an ordeal in order to bring this forward and still the controversy lies with the result of the coaches, rather than the effect brought on to the victims. Community members and school officials of Victim One’s neglected all appropriate measures to understand what was really happening. First, my concerns go to the leading psychologist that considered Victim One’s rash change in behavior to be puberty based. I understand that children change when they hit puberty, but a psychologist should have seen the warning signs of other underlining issues. My next concern is the school who neglected to handle this case properly. This is a child’s safety and potentially another student' if proper action is not taken. Lastly, I would like to voice my concern for the victim harassed at school. Being sexual abused is not an easy struggle. No one can relate to this victim and instead of being sympathetic, some are more concerned with their devotion to the love of college football. I love sports but never to put them before the well-being of a person. It hard to believe that someone would. I just want people to place themselves in the shoes of the victim. Now the shoes of the parents of the victim. Now place yourself in the place of Sandusky. In all the scenarios, which person had the most control? Who was hurt the most? Lastly, who was wrong?
Monday, November 21, 2011
Penn State Sex Scandal
The Penn State scandal has sparked a light inside me. After reading this story I couldn't help but feel disgusted and some what betrayed. I kept thinking about the poor victims involved in such a scandalous story.
The alleged story accuses former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky of sexual assault. Sandusky was reported to be sexual abusing and misusing his position as head coach. Coach Joe Paterno, reported such rumors and never followed up, which in result ended his football coaching career. Victims reported abuse, bullying and animosity that lead them to leave school . This was horrific to think. To know that a person of such stature would do such a thing. A school coach has an obligation to its students and its community. I feel both Sandusky and Paterno validated this obligation. Paterno may have not participated in the crime, but not following up and allowing it to continue is just the same.
The board of trustees removed both Sandusky and Paterno from their positions at the university. I believe this was the best decision for the school and for the students. With this decision the board showed unity and strength against wrong doings. This story is one that will be talked about for years to come and a tragedy those victims will remember for forever.
Google Chrome and Obama saying IT GETS BETTER
I am a marketing major and it is inspiring to see companies using cause marketing to advertise some of their products. Google uses the It Gets Better Project to advertise Google Chrome. I just wish every person feeling alone and desperate could hear these messages. Lil Jon didn't realize how many people loved him and how many people were devastated by his loss. If he did maybe he would still be with us.
It such a great thing that companies are socially responding to a raising concerns. Athletes, celebrities, politicians, and public figures are all making a statement for the It Gets Better Project. Obama even did a you tube video. These messages make a difference. I can not say I know the feeling of hatred and despair, but I do know the feeling of helplessness. These messages enforce empowerment and change. Something a helpless person needs. I hope this project is a forever lasting one and more and more people realize how power a message can be.
It such a great thing that companies are socially responding to a raising concerns. Athletes, celebrities, politicians, and public figures are all making a statement for the It Gets Better Project. Obama even did a you tube video. These messages make a difference. I can not say I know the feeling of hatred and despair, but I do know the feeling of helplessness. These messages enforce empowerment and change. Something a helpless person needs. I hope this project is a forever lasting one and more and more people realize how power a message can be.
Remembering Someone
This topic is not directly related to sports and their effect on community, but a reflection on some of the leading problems that some of us face. This story is a reflection of social issues and some of the consequences that follow.
I used to live in Modesto, Ca. A small city is about 70 miles south of here. One of the reasons I moved away from Modesto, was because of the closed mindedness of its community members. I remember seeing some of my class mates teased and ridiculed because they were different. It was so hard to be “different” and accepted. Living in San Francisco, I have seen a much more open community. People are much more open to lifestyles and change compared to Modesto, Ca. This of course in my own opinion, but I know many would agree. What makes me reflect on my times in Modesto, are some moments that have changed my life forever. I want to share a story that has changed my life and that has changed me.
This story is about my old neighbor Jonathan. Jonathan was the nephew of the neighbors that lived next door. He was from New York and was sent to Modesto to get away from his parents’ divorce. Lil Jon, as I used to call him, had the most interesting style. He was always dressed in black, with accessories such as bullets, chains, and studs. His first few weeks at school were hard. I remember him bummed out on the front porch multiple times. I always told him to act tough and not to let it get to him.
Months had gone by. I did my thing and so have all the people in my life and community. I go to school, as always, come home, do my homework, eat dinner, and go to bed. I am woken by the loud sounds of sirens. My family rushes out to see what is going on as the red lights seep in through our blinds. I see a stretcher coming out of my next doors neighbor’s house. I had no clue what was going on. What had happened? Who was on the stretcher? Those questions just kept consuming my mind.
Few days passed and we knew nothing. No one had been seen at my neighbor’s home. Finally, after 4 days, my neighbor came to sit on the porch. My mother went to ask her if everything was okay and she broke down and cried in my arms. Later on, I found out Lil Jon has passed away. I was in shock and cried. He was younger than I was; only in the 7th grade. How did this happen? My mom would not tell friends, but the family and me who constantly came to visit next door, filled in the gaps. Lil Jon had committed suicide. He used his belt to hang himself on the backdoor of his bedroom.
The news spread throughout the community. It was a tragic story and stunned many. Why would Lil Jon do this? It was speculated that the constant verbal abuse and bullying at school drove Lil Jon to depression. His sexuality was speculated and constantly made fun of. I remember Lil Jon as being someone who was still exploring what life had to give. I could not believe people made him feel so bad that he felt no need to live. How could people be this cruel? The questions bottled my mind, and to be quite honest, some of the same questions bottle my mind today.
This story is about my old neighbor Jonathan. Jonathan was the nephew of the neighbors that lived next door. He was from New York and was sent to Modesto to get away from his parents’ divorce. Lil Jon, as I used to call him, had the most interesting style. He was always dressed in black, with accessories such as bullets, chains, and studs. His first few weeks at school were hard. I remember him bummed out on the front porch multiple times. I always told him to act tough and not to let it get to him.
Months had gone by. I did my thing and so have all the people in my life and community. I go to school, as always, come home, do my homework, eat dinner, and go to bed. I am woken by the loud sounds of sirens. My family rushes out to see what is going on as the red lights seep in through our blinds. I see a stretcher coming out of my next doors neighbor’s house. I had no clue what was going on. What had happened? Who was on the stretcher? Those questions just kept consuming my mind.
Few days passed and we knew nothing. No one had been seen at my neighbor’s home. Finally, after 4 days, my neighbor came to sit on the porch. My mother went to ask her if everything was okay and she broke down and cried in my arms. Later on, I found out Lil Jon has passed away. I was in shock and cried. He was younger than I was; only in the 7th grade. How did this happen? My mom would not tell friends, but the family and me who constantly came to visit next door, filled in the gaps. Lil Jon had committed suicide. He used his belt to hang himself on the backdoor of his bedroom.
The news spread throughout the community. It was a tragic story and stunned many. Why would Lil Jon do this? It was speculated that the constant verbal abuse and bullying at school drove Lil Jon to depression. His sexuality was speculated and constantly made fun of. I remember Lil Jon as being someone who was still exploring what life had to give. I could not believe people made him feel so bad that he felt no need to live. How could people be this cruel? The questions bottled my mind, and to be quite honest, some of the same questions bottle my mind today.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
I mentioned before on how my grandmother and close uncle both were affected by cancer. My uncle lost his life and my grandmother is one that can be label as a survivor. Someone people don't know the toll cancer has on not only the person suffering, but the families around them. My uncle suffered day after day. I remember him saying things like " I just want to wake up and breathe without my body aching," or "I just want to see my son's get married." A few phrases such as those were constant reminders of his suffering. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had to remove her left breast and has never been the same since. " I used to be a woman, and now I don't even know," is what she would say to me as I would help her up. It is so hard to see your loved ones suffer. But it's even more hard to see them helpless.
The American Cancer Society researchers estimate that there will be 1,529,560 new cancer cases and 569,490 deaths from cancer in 2011. That is a high amount of people affected. Now times that number by at least 4. That should give you an estimate of how many people suffer due to cancer or a loved one affected by cancer. This Mastercard commercial used its' "Stand Up To/ Thank You campaign to pass on cancer awareness. Athlete and World Series champion Brian Wilson of the Giants, joined that campaign. I was proud to see him apart of commercial since he was a representative of California and better yet San Francisco. I hope athletes understand there power and how they can really make a difference in the world. I only hope to see more sports and sports athletes promoting good causes and teaming up to present positive attitudes.
NOT ONLY A LOSS FOR THE TEAM BUT A LOSS FOR THE FANS
This was hard for Phillies fans to stomach. The only team that is safe to cheer for in Philly now is the 76ers. Last year, everybody figured the Sixers would be awful. Instead, they made the playoffs. Then, before they could disappoint people, they started canceling games. And now with this NBA lockout who knows what is expected from the basketball industry.
Rosenberg in the article link above goes to say how fans basically let their emotions get the best of them. He states that we can watch lousy teams and enjoy the loss because we don’t expect it.
“We dramatize losing a lot in the sports world. When a team goes through a championship drought, a city is "tortured" and filled with "heartache" at all the lost "clichés" that plague their "writers."
Rosenberg in the article link above goes to say how fans basically let their emotions get the best of them. He states that we can watch lousy teams and enjoy the loss because we don’t expect it.
“We dramatize losing a lot in the sports world. When a team goes through a championship drought, a city is "tortured" and filled with "heartache" at all the lost "clichés" that plague their "writers."
“But losing isn't the worst thing for a sports fan. Cubs fans usually have a blast. Clippers fans rarely get truly angry at their team, because if winning mattered that much to them they would be Lakers fans.(I wasn’t a fan of this comment) Cleveland fans suffer, of course, but the suffering is a badge of honor. They can say it makes them the best fans, the truest fans, the only fans who have stood by their teams for a half-century of lousy winters without winning a title.
Watching lousy teams can be fun, in a twisted sort of way. Watching teams that are supposed to win and flop instead is painful. The problem, again, is not that Philly's teams stink. It's that Philly fans allowed themselves to believe. They are supposed to be the toughest fans in America, inured to failure, hardened by years of losing. They finally thought this was their time.
Now they are left answering one of life's biggest questions: "What the ----?"”
Monday, October 10, 2011
ESCAPISM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/michael_rosenberg/09/07/importance.of.games.after.september.11/index.html
I read this article about how sports have now become routes of escape in our world today. The author Michael Rosenberg, goes on about the tragedy of 9/11 and the events of that day have led to an explosiveness in sports.
"After 9/11, it was easy to wonder if sports would ever matter as much. With terrorists killing thousands of innocent Americans, who could possibly hate the Lakers?"
"We're used to arguing about everything now. We are used to screaming without listening. And I think when it comes to sports, we now take comfort in the bickering, knowing that in this artificial world we can argue and nobody will die because of it. With so much at stake everywhere else, we have elevated the importance of games where we have so little to lose."
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WEEK!!!!!!!
I was stuck watching football all day yesterday (Sunday 09, 2011) as my boyfriend guzzled down his beer and grubbed on some chips. I wasn't trying to watch the Packers beat the Falcons but had no choice since the remote control was dominated by my boyfriend. As I watched the game I saw many of the players on both teams wearing various pieces of PINK. Pink flags, pink headbands, pink cleats, and even pink water bottles flashed on the t.v. screen. I wondered by and then the announcer mention Breast Cancer Awareness Week and my heart felt a little tug. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and had to have her breast removed. It was a scary experience in my life and something I never expected. I also had my uncle past away for cancer as well. The cause was very important to me and when I saw the players wearing pink, I couldn't help but feel proud. These players don't have to support the cause nor do they have to represent the colors, but they did, and they did with pride. I felt more of a connection and pride watching this game, than I did watching any other. I felt like my Grandmother was being commended for her bravery and those that are fighting were being told that they weren't alone. It was a thought provoking experience because the cause was something that has affected my life tremendously. I wanted to say thanks for the support to all those athletes and tell them how their actions have not only given strength to many but made so many aware of this disease. In light of all the pink on my t.v. screen I told my boyfriend about my grandmother and uncle for the first time. He never knew cancer had affected my family and family members. It gave me a chance to tell him my story and make him aware of the cause. At the end of the day, I passed the message along, the only difference, I told one person, while those amazing athletes told the world.
Sports Play a Pivotal Role Against Anti- Bullying
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/michael_rosenberg/10/06/bullying/index.html
We always here about athletes contributing to charities and donating to foundations, but sometimes athletes take an active role on the problems that affect our every day lives. Bullying is one of those problems. I was a kid who was constantly bullied in elementary and in junior high, and to know that Eagles, DeSean Jackson, is fighting against bullying in school really touches a soft spot.
"athletes are uniquely suited to fight bullying. From elementary school to pick-up games at the Y, they command respect from their peers. They epitomize cool. And if they say bullying is not cool, that resonates."
Thursday, September 29, 2011
I felt a fuzzy feeling!!!!
I finally found a website that has made my bookmark list. Athletes for Hope is now my favorite place to see the lastest contribution from our popular athletes today. As I explored this site, I saw short descriptions of athletes visiting hospitals,pictures of their experiences and most importantly dates of when these events happened. Sometimes it is hard to recognize professional athletes as communtiy contributors. I think this is because we automatically associate fame and fortune with this athletes and forget they are humans like you and I. I was so impressed to see how many professional athlete contribute. I wish more sites were created to see how this is really changing the world and changing lives. I only hope for this is site is to elaborate. Sometimes a picture and short descripition is not enough to know of such a compassionate story. I want to know the background, the meeting, and the post meeting. What happened after these athletes contributed to these charities? What happened to those lives that they have touched? I just can't get enough! I definitely felt a fuzzy feeling inside. The pictures couldn't tell a happier story.
http://www.athletesforhope.org/matches.html?gclid=CIaC58H9w6sCFRdlgwod_n0T4Q
http://www.athletesforhope.org/matches.html?gclid=CIaC58H9w6sCFRdlgwod_n0T4Q
Monday, September 19, 2011
LET THE CHEERING BEGIN!
I recently have found this new love for sports. I think it was because my boyfriend would hog the remote and never let sports center leave the TV screen. In a desperate attempt to save myself for suicidal boredom, I decided to join in on the cheering, booing, beer drinking, high-fiving, and festivities that went along with those riving games. Only to come to love it! I never understood baseball, hockey, or football. I still can't say I am an expert, but I can definitely say I am a fan. Being newly introduce I find myself cheering for the Giants and the Niners as if I have followed them for years. I vouch for them and feel a connection with my hometown teams. I don’t know if it’s the atmosphere and people that make me love the game or rivalries that make the crowd roar, but I do know that sports have given me a sense of connection with my city and the beautiful people in it.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
MY 5 controversies
This website allowed me to view the top 25 controversies chosen by sports nation users and the sports panel on ESPN. This helped me find a list of topics to search from. I could see industry controversies along with individual player controversies.
I found this presentation on sports and its connection to society. It also mentions how sports empower those involved and how it will change our lives. During the power point presentation I connected a deeper meaning with sports that I was expecting. Sports are not just a way to bring a community together, but also give you personal gratification. Whether it be watching sports or playing in the game, there is always a connection and pride that goes along with it.
I found through a massive google search. It led me to particular articles but once you hit the home page all you see are after game highlights. I found latest controversies, links to sports blogs, voices that professionally give their opinion and much more. I expect this site to help me find the latest controversies while having a professional opinion guide me through this new profound love for sports.
I am into local sports teams, so I decided to search my local cable network channel website. The sports section allowed me to follow the latest controversies. It doesn’t limit its topics to just industry controversies, but also player controversies, fan controversies, and also gives me a chance to get insider facts that a gossip site might embellish. I really liked having so many articles to chose from.
I went on CNN because it gives me the latest most accurate information on sports. It is updated daily and is great when I need the latest sports news .I found so many articles and read of speculations of some of my favorite teams.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sports
Sports
http://www.cbssports.com/
CBS news is a highly reliable source for anyone who wants to write about sports. CBS Sports highlight games, scores, and current conterversies related to the sports industry. CBS Sports is a great sourse for current sports news.
http://espn.go.com/
ESPN is the go to for sports news. It is a very reliable source for sports writers. Not only does it give you the most recent sports information in the United States, but internationally as well. ESPN also has great broadcasters that contribute to the site with their highly professional opinions. A sports writer can take the information on ESPN to give updates, current news, and make possible predictions. ESPN is also a great master link to other sports pages.
http://www.athlete.com/
Athlete.com provides the lastest news in every aspect of sports. It covers the major sports to the minor sports. It varies from college to professional sports, and also caters to women sports. Any type of athelete can use this site to gain information on latest news, gain resources to other sports websites, and current news about players and sports teams.
http://msn.foxsports.com/
Fox provides the most current sports information. With Fox you can find the latest update on team scores and team players. I think FOX is a better source for finding the dirt about sports teams and team members. You can find the lastest game score and the name of the girl the player scored on last night.
http://www.nba.com/home/index.html\
NBA is some peoples favorite sport. If basketball is your thing and nothing else then NBA.com is your favorite page. It gives you the latest information on everything and everyone related to basketball. It gives you information on contracts, players, teams, and compares teams in the same league side by side. You can also be linked to you favorite basketball team website for more in depth information and ticket purchases.
http://www.nhl.com/
Like hockey? Stanley Cup interest you? Then this site is for you. If your passion is following hockey then the site is bookmarked for you. Latest scores, traveling info, schedules, and rankings are all on this site for viewing, To get information on athletes and their current standings this site would be your best bet.
http://www.nfl.com/
It's football season, so its all football all the time. If thats your motto then you can not stay about for the official NFL page. It provides current schedules, latest rivalrys, controversies and scores for all the teams in the NFL. You can purchase tickets, read articles about players, team performance, and gain insight from past professionals with their opinions.
http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp
Giants won last year and hope they win this year too! MLB.com provides fans, and writers information on all baseball teams in the league. Comparing rankings, comparing players, viewing schedules, and buying tickets are all apart of the MLB.com site. Resources to other baseball pages for individual teams is also on this site. Player information and statistics is also a perk for the site.
http://www.rivals.com/
Rivals is a site for all college sports. Everyone follows professional sports, however college sports are quite amusing as well. If you need to find the latest college rivalry, most dominant players, sports rankings, and schedules then rivals.com is the number one source. It allows you to search any type of college sport. You can search baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and college tennis.
http://www.womenssportsnet.com/DesktopDefault.aspx
If you are following womens sports and need to know schedules, match ups, and controversies then this site is the best. It provides latest sports coverage in womens sports. You can learn about health and wellness and be linked to inspirational stories. You can also learn about women sports and the struggle to get where we are today.
http://www.cbssports.com/
CBS news is a highly reliable source for anyone who wants to write about sports. CBS Sports highlight games, scores, and current conterversies related to the sports industry. CBS Sports is a great sourse for current sports news.
http://espn.go.com/
ESPN is the go to for sports news. It is a very reliable source for sports writers. Not only does it give you the most recent sports information in the United States, but internationally as well. ESPN also has great broadcasters that contribute to the site with their highly professional opinions. A sports writer can take the information on ESPN to give updates, current news, and make possible predictions. ESPN is also a great master link to other sports pages.
http://www.athlete.com/
Athlete.com provides the lastest news in every aspect of sports. It covers the major sports to the minor sports. It varies from college to professional sports, and also caters to women sports. Any type of athelete can use this site to gain information on latest news, gain resources to other sports websites, and current news about players and sports teams.
http://msn.foxsports.com/
Fox provides the most current sports information. With Fox you can find the latest update on team scores and team players. I think FOX is a better source for finding the dirt about sports teams and team members. You can find the lastest game score and the name of the girl the player scored on last night.
http://www.nba.com/home/index.html\
NBA is some peoples favorite sport. If basketball is your thing and nothing else then NBA.com is your favorite page. It gives you the latest information on everything and everyone related to basketball. It gives you information on contracts, players, teams, and compares teams in the same league side by side. You can also be linked to you favorite basketball team website for more in depth information and ticket purchases.
http://www.nhl.com/
Like hockey? Stanley Cup interest you? Then this site is for you. If your passion is following hockey then the site is bookmarked for you. Latest scores, traveling info, schedules, and rankings are all on this site for viewing, To get information on athletes and their current standings this site would be your best bet.
http://www.nfl.com/
It's football season, so its all football all the time. If thats your motto then you can not stay about for the official NFL page. It provides current schedules, latest rivalrys, controversies and scores for all the teams in the NFL. You can purchase tickets, read articles about players, team performance, and gain insight from past professionals with their opinions.
http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp
Giants won last year and hope they win this year too! MLB.com provides fans, and writers information on all baseball teams in the league. Comparing rankings, comparing players, viewing schedules, and buying tickets are all apart of the MLB.com site. Resources to other baseball pages for individual teams is also on this site. Player information and statistics is also a perk for the site.
http://www.rivals.com/
Rivals is a site for all college sports. Everyone follows professional sports, however college sports are quite amusing as well. If you need to find the latest college rivalry, most dominant players, sports rankings, and schedules then rivals.com is the number one source. It allows you to search any type of college sport. You can search baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and college tennis.
http://www.womenssportsnet.com/DesktopDefault.aspx
If you are following womens sports and need to know schedules, match ups, and controversies then this site is the best. It provides latest sports coverage in womens sports. You can learn about health and wellness and be linked to inspirational stories. You can also learn about women sports and the struggle to get where we are today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)