Sports journalists walk a fine line. On the one hand, they are sports fans. On the other, they are required to remain objective in their reporting for the sake of journalistic integrity. But what happens when writers cross that line?
Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Morrissey suggests that the media hype of athletes is often out of line with reality. He cites several examples of how sports announcers have been guilty of “excessive gushing” over athletes they are covering. The media’s hero worship has resulted in an overly positive view of athletes to the point that fans are willing to forgive their flaws and indiscretions when common sense says they probably should exercise more caution.
As fans, we tend to believe the images we see on TV because we assume that if the media is presenting it, then it must be the truth. But how many times have we seen TV announcers and analysts forget their place and become “cheerleaders” for a particular sport or athlete? (My frustration with ESPN’s coverage of figure skating is that their broadcast team does not provide balanced coverage and often act cheerleaders.)
Both the media and fans need to take care not to get caught up in hyping athletes. I know that’s much easier said than done, and I know I'm as guilty of that as anyone. The media can certainly do a better job of presenting a more balanced view of athletes. But fans also need to be more discerning and not take what they see or hear about athletes at face value.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Great Moments in Women’s Sports
Wimbledon’s ground-breaking announcement last week for equal prize money for its men’s and women’s champions is one of Sports Illustrated’s landmark moments in women’s sports history. On its Web site, SI takes a photographic look at other milestones in women’s sports. Other top events include the U.S. women’s soccer team winning the World Cup, the launch of the WNBA, the famous “Battle of the Sexes” between Billie Jean King and Bobbie Riggs, and the ruling allowing women reporters in the locker room.
161 Weeks and Counting….
For those who are keeping track, you can add one more accomplishment to Roger Federer’s resume. This week marks the 161st consecutive week that Federer is the world’s number one ranked tennis player, surpassing Jimmy Connors’ 30-year mark. There doesn’t seem to be any end in sight for the Swiss player either. With each week at number one, Federer will break his own record. You wonder how long he will remain at number one, and if anyone can catch him. This could be one of those records that no one else will ever break.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
U.S. Figure Skating No Match for ESPN
When the U.S. Figure Skating Association’s contract with ABC television expires after this season, I would hope that its officials would think twice before signing on the dotted line. In fact, it might not be a bad idea to walk away from a deal altogether.
ESPN’s programming targets young males, not the older female audiences that generally tune in to figure skating events. There’s an obvious mismatch in demographics, which may be one of the reasons why TV ratings for skating events have declined. Figure skating simply doesn’t fit in with the male-dominated market niche that ESPN goes after. You get the feeling sometimes that figure skating has became the adopted child that ESPN no longer wants.
If U.S. Figure Skating does renew its deal with ESPN/ABC, I expect that the network will continue to give the sport secondary billing as it has in recent years. That means more tape delayed broadcasts, more events broadcast at off-peak hours, more broadcasts (or rebroadcasts) bumped in favor of other sporting events that appeal to their young male audience. (For example, a rebroadcast of the 2006 World Championships last July got bumped in favor of the replay of the World Cup Soccer final between Italy and France). That kind of programming decisions will hurt the sport even more.
The quality of the broadcasts has also suffered in recent years. Perhaps it’s because the same broadcast team has been in place for so long that the broadcasts often look tired. And the new faces they’ve brought on board, such as Kurt Browning and Terry Gannon, infuse a false enthusiasm for the sport. The broadcasts also have resorted to sensationalism, gimmicks and over-hyped dramas to create more fan interest. The result is programming that looks like a contrived three-ring entertainment circus. The competition gets overlooked.
I’m not convinced that a deal with ESPN will work favorably for the sport. So what should U.S. Figure Skating do? It has several options.
1) Negotiate a short-term deal with ABC/ESPN for no more than three years with the understanding that the major events be carried by ABC. If events cannot be broadcast on ABC, request that ABC Family, not ESPN, be used as a backup channel. ABC Family may be a better fit for skating’s demographic (women and families) than the male-dominated world of ESPN. The shorter-term deal will force both parties to not become so complacent.
2) Be proactive about pursuing other networks. To hear sports writers and experts talk, you would think that ESPN is the ONLY broadcast option for U.S. Figure Skating. That’s narrow thinking in my view. If the sport can be promoted as family sports entertainment, it expands your broadcasting options to networks that aren’t necessarily sports-oriented. Invite other networks to bid. NBC, USA, TNT, TBS are possible alternatives. A change in network will also force a long overdue change in broadcast team.
3) Walk away. Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make. If U.S. Figure Skating can’t work out a network deal that works best for the sport, then perhaps the best thing to do is step away from the negotiating table and say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Walking away without a deal may seem risky to some, but it sends the message that the organization will not settle for a contract that does not meet their needs and interests.
In the absence of any deal, U.S. Figure Skating could expand its IceNetwork.com, which shows regional skating competitions, or form an alliance with the U.S. Olympic Committee, which is looking into launching a 24-hour Olympic sports network. Despite declining TV viewership for the Olympics, figure skating still remains one of the most watched winter sports on TV. If the USOC does launch its own sports network, you can bet figure skating will be one of the sports receiving top billing.
With some smart maneuvering, figure skating can get out of the ESPN doghouse.
ESPN’s programming targets young males, not the older female audiences that generally tune in to figure skating events. There’s an obvious mismatch in demographics, which may be one of the reasons why TV ratings for skating events have declined. Figure skating simply doesn’t fit in with the male-dominated market niche that ESPN goes after. You get the feeling sometimes that figure skating has became the adopted child that ESPN no longer wants.
If U.S. Figure Skating does renew its deal with ESPN/ABC, I expect that the network will continue to give the sport secondary billing as it has in recent years. That means more tape delayed broadcasts, more events broadcast at off-peak hours, more broadcasts (or rebroadcasts) bumped in favor of other sporting events that appeal to their young male audience. (For example, a rebroadcast of the 2006 World Championships last July got bumped in favor of the replay of the World Cup Soccer final between Italy and France). That kind of programming decisions will hurt the sport even more.
The quality of the broadcasts has also suffered in recent years. Perhaps it’s because the same broadcast team has been in place for so long that the broadcasts often look tired. And the new faces they’ve brought on board, such as Kurt Browning and Terry Gannon, infuse a false enthusiasm for the sport. The broadcasts also have resorted to sensationalism, gimmicks and over-hyped dramas to create more fan interest. The result is programming that looks like a contrived three-ring entertainment circus. The competition gets overlooked.
I’m not convinced that a deal with ESPN will work favorably for the sport. So what should U.S. Figure Skating do? It has several options.
1) Negotiate a short-term deal with ABC/ESPN for no more than three years with the understanding that the major events be carried by ABC. If events cannot be broadcast on ABC, request that ABC Family, not ESPN, be used as a backup channel. ABC Family may be a better fit for skating’s demographic (women and families) than the male-dominated world of ESPN. The shorter-term deal will force both parties to not become so complacent.
2) Be proactive about pursuing other networks. To hear sports writers and experts talk, you would think that ESPN is the ONLY broadcast option for U.S. Figure Skating. That’s narrow thinking in my view. If the sport can be promoted as family sports entertainment, it expands your broadcasting options to networks that aren’t necessarily sports-oriented. Invite other networks to bid. NBC, USA, TNT, TBS are possible alternatives. A change in network will also force a long overdue change in broadcast team.
3) Walk away. Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make. If U.S. Figure Skating can’t work out a network deal that works best for the sport, then perhaps the best thing to do is step away from the negotiating table and say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Walking away without a deal may seem risky to some, but it sends the message that the organization will not settle for a contract that does not meet their needs and interests.
In the absence of any deal, U.S. Figure Skating could expand its IceNetwork.com, which shows regional skating competitions, or form an alliance with the U.S. Olympic Committee, which is looking into launching a 24-hour Olympic sports network. Despite declining TV viewership for the Olympics, figure skating still remains one of the most watched winter sports on TV. If the USOC does launch its own sports network, you can bet figure skating will be one of the sports receiving top billing.
With some smart maneuvering, figure skating can get out of the ESPN doghouse.
Save the Last Dance for Me
Wimbledon isn’t the only institution that has changed tradition this week. At the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill., an 80-year tradition also ended as the university’s mascot, Chief Illiniwek, made his final dance in front of a packed emotionally-charged home crowd Wednesday night. Since 1969, critics have argued that the Chief was “hostile and abusive” to Native Americans, and should be banned.Most mascots in professional and collegiate sports are representations of animals, birds or foul. They are symbols whose characteristics best represented the characteristics of the team. The qualities that Chief Illini exhibited – courage, strength and determination -- were qualities that the Fighting Illini also presented. The Chief, however, had a human face. I think many found it difficult to see past the face to the symbolic meaning attached to it.
So what’s next? Will animal rights groups begin to protest the use of certain other mascots because they are “hostile and abusive” to animals?
Equal Pay for Wimbledon Champions
Wimbledon is finally entering the 21st Century. Starting this year, the men’s and ladies’ champions will receive equal prize money. In addition, equal prize money will be offered for all events and in all stages of competition. Wimbledon joins the Australian and U.S. Opens in their equal pay policy. The French Open remains as the only Grand Slam tournament that does not offer equal pay throughout all stages of competition, although the winners do receive pay equity.
The debate over pay equity has been going on for years. Tournament officials argued that the men play a best-of-five set while the women play the best-of-three therefore the men provide better value in terms of competition. Naturally, the news was well received by top players such as Venus Williams. “I applaud today’s decision by Wimbledon, which recognizes the value of women’s tennis,” she told Reuters.
This is yet another old-age Wimbledon policy that has been eliminated. Four years ago, players were excused from having to bow or curtsy to the Royal Family at Center Court.
The debate over pay equity has been going on for years. Tournament officials argued that the men play a best-of-five set while the women play the best-of-three therefore the men provide better value in terms of competition. Naturally, the news was well received by top players such as Venus Williams. “I applaud today’s decision by Wimbledon, which recognizes the value of women’s tennis,” she told Reuters.
This is yet another old-age Wimbledon policy that has been eliminated. Four years ago, players were excused from having to bow or curtsy to the Royal Family at Center Court.
Bears Need Lovie
For a team that just appeared in Super Bowl XLI in Miami earlier this month, the Bears have had quite a few coaching changes. That’s highly unusual. QB coach Wade Wilson left to be QB coach in Dallas. Ron Rivera is gone after the team decided not to renew his contract, and linebacker coach Bob Babich replaced Rivera.
Now everyone’s attention is turning to coach Lovie Smith, who will enter the 2007 season in the last year of his contract. He is the lowest-paid head coach in the NFL. With all the other coaching changes, it’s even more critical that the Bears retain Smith as head coach to provide the vision and continuity that the team needs to return to the Super Bowl.
Smith has said he would like to remain the Bears’ head coach for the rest of his career, and the Bears claim they want him too. The fact is, the Bears need Smith more than Smith needs the Bears.
After four seasons under Smith’s leadership, the Bears seem to finally be getting into a groove. I’d like to see that continue if possible. But if the Bears and Smith cannot agree on a deal, it would force the Bears to get used to an entirely new coaching regime all over again.
Now everyone’s attention is turning to coach Lovie Smith, who will enter the 2007 season in the last year of his contract. He is the lowest-paid head coach in the NFL. With all the other coaching changes, it’s even more critical that the Bears retain Smith as head coach to provide the vision and continuity that the team needs to return to the Super Bowl.
Smith has said he would like to remain the Bears’ head coach for the rest of his career, and the Bears claim they want him too. The fact is, the Bears need Smith more than Smith needs the Bears.
After four seasons under Smith’s leadership, the Bears seem to finally be getting into a groove. I’d like to see that continue if possible. But if the Bears and Smith cannot agree on a deal, it would force the Bears to get used to an entirely new coaching regime all over again.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Will a Trade Make a Difference for the Bulls?
As the Chicago Bulls enter the stretch run, fans and basketball experts are debating whether the team should make a trade before the trading deadline on Feb. 22. Especially after losing five of the last six games, you have to wonder if the Bulls are ready to make a move. Certainly it could be a shot in the arm.
As much as I'd like to see them make a trade, I'm not sure who they would trade away. Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are not going anywhere. Ben Gordon is a popular player and his name has cropped up in trade discussions. Chris Duhon is another possible option for trade bait, but what would the Bulls get back in return?
My prediction is that the Bulls will not make a move. I think the team will wait until the off season to address their needs. In the meantime, the team would love to get Andres Nocioni back in the lineup. They miss his presence on the court terribly. If he is able to come back, it may provide the very spark that the Bulls need during this stretch run, more than any trade could do.
As much as I'd like to see them make a trade, I'm not sure who they would trade away. Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are not going anywhere. Ben Gordon is a popular player and his name has cropped up in trade discussions. Chris Duhon is another possible option for trade bait, but what would the Bulls get back in return?
My prediction is that the Bulls will not make a move. I think the team will wait until the off season to address their needs. In the meantime, the team would love to get Andres Nocioni back in the lineup. They miss his presence on the court terribly. If he is able to come back, it may provide the very spark that the Bulls need during this stretch run, more than any trade could do.
Bears Say Farewell to Rivera
In a surprising move, the Chicago Bears announced today that they will not renew defensive coordinator Ron Rivera's contract, which expires later this month. It comes as a shock because Rivera has been so successful in creating one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. From all appearances, it did not seem that there were any personality conflicts between Rivera and the Bears' brass.
According to reports, the departure is due to both financial and philosophical reasons. If the Bears renew Coach Lovie Smith's contract at the market rate of nearly $5 million per year, the team could not afford to keep Rivera, who reportedly earns $500,000. If he stayed, the Bears would have to pay signficantly more as defensive coordinators in the NFL are earning $1 million or more. That was probably far more than the Bears were willing to pay.
The feeling is that Coach Smith and Rivera were not on the same page. Smith wants to take the Bears in a different direction defensively, and Rivera did not fit into Smith's big picture. But what is more surprising is the timing of the announcement. Why wait until now to announce your intentions to your defensive coordinator after he has interviewed for several head coaching jobs this winter?
The answer is simple. The Bears were hoping Rivera would be offered a head coaching job, so they would not have to give him the pink slip themselves. So when no job offer came, the Bears had no choice but to let Rivera go. Even if they renewed his contract, it would likely be a short-term deal. Some team somewhere would eventually hire him as a head coach, and the Bears did not want to be left holding the bag, so to speak.
I hate to see Rivera go because he has contributed so much to the Bears. But Lovie has his own ideas of what he wants to accomplish, and all signs point to the Bears promoting linebackers coach, Bob Babich to take over. Somehow I think the Bears will be fine
According to reports, the departure is due to both financial and philosophical reasons. If the Bears renew Coach Lovie Smith's contract at the market rate of nearly $5 million per year, the team could not afford to keep Rivera, who reportedly earns $500,000. If he stayed, the Bears would have to pay signficantly more as defensive coordinators in the NFL are earning $1 million or more. That was probably far more than the Bears were willing to pay.
The feeling is that Coach Smith and Rivera were not on the same page. Smith wants to take the Bears in a different direction defensively, and Rivera did not fit into Smith's big picture. But what is more surprising is the timing of the announcement. Why wait until now to announce your intentions to your defensive coordinator after he has interviewed for several head coaching jobs this winter?
The answer is simple. The Bears were hoping Rivera would be offered a head coaching job, so they would not have to give him the pink slip themselves. So when no job offer came, the Bears had no choice but to let Rivera go. Even if they renewed his contract, it would likely be a short-term deal. Some team somewhere would eventually hire him as a head coach, and the Bears did not want to be left holding the bag, so to speak.
I hate to see Rivera go because he has contributed so much to the Bears. But Lovie has his own ideas of what he wants to accomplish, and all signs point to the Bears promoting linebackers coach, Bob Babich to take over. Somehow I think the Bears will be fine
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Cubs Dragging Their Feet on Zambrano
I'm baffled by the Chicago Cubs. After committing so many millions of dollars on players like Alfonso Soriano, they have failed to extend the contract for pitcher Carlos Zambrano, clearly the ace of their staff. One would think that getting Zambrano settled with a long-term deal would be a bigger priority this offseason. Zambrano has said he will walk if he and the Cubs cannot agree on a deal, and he will not negotiate when the season begins. He is also asking for a Barry Zito-type salary, somewhere around $15-18 million per year. The Cubs have already set a precedent by breaking the bank on Soriano and company, and waiting may only jack up Zambrano's price further. Zambrano is key to the Cubs' pitching staff this season. He is the only starter that can be counted on; everyone else is a question mark until proven otherwise. It seems to me that the Cubs are taking a big risk by not signing Zambrano as soon as they can.
Do Women Choke Under Pressure?
There's nothing that raises my ire more quickly than seeing a headline that appears to put down women. But that's exactly what happened when I read the headline "Women are chokers" on Slate.com. The site looks at recent studies that concluded that women are more likely to choke under pressure than men, and provides several theories why it happens.
One of those studies was conducted at Hebrew University where Professor Daniele Paserman reviewed Grand Slam tennis tournaments in 2005 and 2006 and noted that women committed a higher number of unforced errors when playing for the most important points in the match. His conclusion was that women caved in under pressure.
I question the validity of the study for two reasons. First the research was too narrowly focused on one one small aspect of one particular sport. I would think it is difficult to make any kind of generalization about women's performance in compeititon using such narrowly-defined research or focusing only on tennis. Second, Paserman overlooked the bigger picture of how women overcame those unforced errors. How many of these players went on to win their match? The ability to overcome mistakes and still win says a lot about an athlete's character.
Sports psychologist Mike Stadler provides more reasonable explanations on his site about why women might falter under pressure. He suggests that women "may be more sensitive to the emotional aspects of a high-pressure situation." When they focus too much on themselves, it interferes with the skills they've learned that should be done automatically under those circumstances.
I'm inclined to agree with Stadler, but I'll take it a step further. It all comes down to preparation and mental toughness. How well prepared are you for the competition, both mentally and physically? I don't know that emotion has as much to do with it as Stadler suggests. I just think the desire to compete and win is so strong in athletes that they think too much and consequently, try to do to much to win that they commit errors that hurts their chances to win.
I'm still not convinced that women are more susceptible to "choking" than men. I've seen plenty of evidence in recent weeks of men choking big-time on the national stage -- the Bears during Super Bowl XLI is one example -- and women performing very well when they need to, such as Serena Williams at the Australian Open.
The mindset of an athlete is as individual as their fingerprints. Whether an athlete chokes under pressure has a lot to do with what goes on between the ears. It has nothing to do with gender.
One of those studies was conducted at Hebrew University where Professor Daniele Paserman reviewed Grand Slam tennis tournaments in 2005 and 2006 and noted that women committed a higher number of unforced errors when playing for the most important points in the match. His conclusion was that women caved in under pressure.
I question the validity of the study for two reasons. First the research was too narrowly focused on one one small aspect of one particular sport. I would think it is difficult to make any kind of generalization about women's performance in compeititon using such narrowly-defined research or focusing only on tennis. Second, Paserman overlooked the bigger picture of how women overcame those unforced errors. How many of these players went on to win their match? The ability to overcome mistakes and still win says a lot about an athlete's character.
Sports psychologist Mike Stadler provides more reasonable explanations on his site about why women might falter under pressure. He suggests that women "may be more sensitive to the emotional aspects of a high-pressure situation." When they focus too much on themselves, it interferes with the skills they've learned that should be done automatically under those circumstances.
I'm inclined to agree with Stadler, but I'll take it a step further. It all comes down to preparation and mental toughness. How well prepared are you for the competition, both mentally and physically? I don't know that emotion has as much to do with it as Stadler suggests. I just think the desire to compete and win is so strong in athletes that they think too much and consequently, try to do to much to win that they commit errors that hurts their chances to win.
I'm still not convinced that women are more susceptible to "choking" than men. I've seen plenty of evidence in recent weeks of men choking big-time on the national stage -- the Bears during Super Bowl XLI is one example -- and women performing very well when they need to, such as Serena Williams at the Australian Open.
The mindset of an athlete is as individual as their fingerprints. Whether an athlete chokes under pressure has a lot to do with what goes on between the ears. It has nothing to do with gender.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Who is the Most Dominant Athlete in Sports?
In a recent issue of Sports Illustrated, writers Alan Shipnuck and S.L. Price debated who is the more dominant athlete in his respective sport: Tiger Woods or Roger Federer.
I had a few golf lessons while in college, but I've played tennis more frequently in my adult life. Tennis is by far the more demanding sport, physically and mentally. ESPN.com recently rated all sports based on eight different criteria that were judged by a panel of physiologists, journalists, and sports experts. Tennis was ranked seventh overall, while golf was 51.
I know what it's like to be on a court facing an opponent with a strong serve. You have to be quick and agile, you have to think on your feet, and you have to be aware of what your opponent is doing on the other side of the net. You have to be in tremendous shape to participate in this sport, and Federer does not break down. Federer is by far the better athlete in my book.
I had a few golf lessons while in college, but I've played tennis more frequently in my adult life. Tennis is by far the more demanding sport, physically and mentally. ESPN.com recently rated all sports based on eight different criteria that were judged by a panel of physiologists, journalists, and sports experts. Tennis was ranked seventh overall, while golf was 51.
I know what it's like to be on a court facing an opponent with a strong serve. You have to be quick and agile, you have to think on your feet, and you have to be aware of what your opponent is doing on the other side of the net. You have to be in tremendous shape to participate in this sport, and Federer does not break down. Federer is by far the better athlete in my book.
Signs of Tolerance?
Former NBA player John Amaechi announced earlier this week that he is gay. The announcement coincides with the release of Amaechi's book "The Man in the Middle" on Feb. 14 and his appearance on ESPN's "Outside the Lines" today.
While the announcement produced some discussion about its impact on the NBA and on team sports in general, most sports writers and basketball experts agreed that it really didn't matter. What really matters is that a player brings his "A" game. Few people, in fact, criticized the announcement. Maybe that's a sign that we, as a society, are becoming more accepting of gay athletes.
Amaechi isn't exactly a household name and spent only five seasons in the NBA with three different teams. I wonder how the league and fans would react if this announcement came from a more high-profile player currently playing in the league? Would people be as tolerant?
While the announcement produced some discussion about its impact on the NBA and on team sports in general, most sports writers and basketball experts agreed that it really didn't matter. What really matters is that a player brings his "A" game. Few people, in fact, criticized the announcement. Maybe that's a sign that we, as a society, are becoming more accepting of gay athletes.
Amaechi isn't exactly a household name and spent only five seasons in the NBA with three different teams. I wonder how the league and fans would react if this announcement came from a more high-profile player currently playing in the league? Would people be as tolerant?
The "Who Cares?" Bowl
Maybe the NFL Pro Bowl should be renamed to the "Who Cares?" Bowl. Honestly, after last week's Super Bowl hype, who really watches the Pro Bowl? As much as I love football, I usually skip watching the Pro Bowl. I'm ready to move on to other sports.
Is it any wonder that some players decide to skip the game altogether? Bears' linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs did so, citing injuries they re-aggravated in the Super Bowl last weekend. By February, these players just want to get home to their families and prepare for next season.
Why is the Pro Bowl played at the end of the season anyway? To generate more interest in the Pro Bowl, why not give all the teams a bye week in early or mid November rather than staggered bye weeks throughout the season. While most of the teams rest, the all-stars play in athe Pro Bowl, just like the players participate in the NHL, NBA and MLB All-Star Games. Why wait til the end of the season when most people don't care about it?
To make things more interesting, why not do as MLB did, make the game mean something. Play for home field advantage in the Super Bowl. With something at stake, more players may be inclined to play, and more fans may decide to watch.
Is it any wonder that some players decide to skip the game altogether? Bears' linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs did so, citing injuries they re-aggravated in the Super Bowl last weekend. By February, these players just want to get home to their families and prepare for next season.
Why is the Pro Bowl played at the end of the season anyway? To generate more interest in the Pro Bowl, why not give all the teams a bye week in early or mid November rather than staggered bye weeks throughout the season. While most of the teams rest, the all-stars play in athe Pro Bowl, just like the players participate in the NHL, NBA and MLB All-Star Games. Why wait til the end of the season when most people don't care about it?
To make things more interesting, why not do as MLB did, make the game mean something. Play for home field advantage in the Super Bowl. With something at stake, more players may be inclined to play, and more fans may decide to watch.
Sox, Cubs Raise Ticket Prices
Proof that there is life after football, pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training this week. Thank goodness! Baseball can't get here fast enough in my book.
Fans, however, will need to dig deeper in their pockets to pay for tickets. Both the Cubs and White Sox are raising ticket prices for individual games this season by $2 to $3 dollars per ticket, depending on the seating section.
For the White Sox, it's the price you pay for winning the World Series, drawing larger crowds and breaking attendance records at home. For the Cubs, they just have to pay the salaries of newly acquired players like Alfonso Soriano and Ted Lilly.
Tickets for the Sox home games go on sale to the public this Friday, Feb. 16; Cub tickets go on sale the following Friday, Feb. 23.
Fans, however, will need to dig deeper in their pockets to pay for tickets. Both the Cubs and White Sox are raising ticket prices for individual games this season by $2 to $3 dollars per ticket, depending on the seating section.
For the White Sox, it's the price you pay for winning the World Series, drawing larger crowds and breaking attendance records at home. For the Cubs, they just have to pay the salaries of newly acquired players like Alfonso Soriano and Ted Lilly.
Tickets for the Sox home games go on sale to the public this Friday, Feb. 16; Cub tickets go on sale the following Friday, Feb. 23.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
A Bold Offer from O’Hare Airport
Despite heightened security at our country’s airports, it’s nice to know that the friendly staff at our largest and second-busiest airport found time to poke fun at Colts fans. Passengers traveling through O’Hare Airport last Saturday morning must have thought they were hearing things when the following announcement came over the intercom.
“Attention passengers traveling to or from Indianapolis. We are offering complimentary boxes of tissues for your use during the Super Bowl tomorrow. You’re going to need them.”
I wonder if anyone took them up on their offer?
(My thanks to a co-worker for sharing this story.)
“Attention passengers traveling to or from Indianapolis. We are offering complimentary boxes of tissues for your use during the Super Bowl tomorrow. You’re going to need them.”
I wonder if anyone took them up on their offer?
(My thanks to a co-worker for sharing this story.)
Golf Fans Love to Wine
Most fans are likely to down a beer or two while watching their favorite sport. But wine is quickly gaining in popularity, especially among golf fans, according to a recent Nielson study. In 2006, wine spending among U.S. sports fans climbed to $81.40 from $66.80 in 2005, which parallels with wine consumption overall in the U.S. Retail spending on wine overall rose 7 percent to $8.4 billion in 2006.
Fans of ladies golf spent the most for wine in 2006, but the biggest increase was among pro football fans. Go figure.
LPGA (ladies golf) : $125.00, an increase of 17 percent over 2005
Tennis: $111.90, an increase of 20 percent over 2005
PGA: $109.40, 30-percent increase over 2005
NFL: $ 94.30, a 63-percent increase over 2005
Fans of ladies golf spent the most for wine in 2006, but the biggest increase was among pro football fans. Go figure.
LPGA (ladies golf) : $125.00, an increase of 17 percent over 2005
Tennis: $111.90, an increase of 20 percent over 2005
PGA: $109.40, 30-percent increase over 2005
NFL: $ 94.30, a 63-percent increase over 2005
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Mannings Defend Bears' QB
"He can't win the Big Game."
"He always chokes when the game matters."
"He's great during the regular season, but can't win in the playoffs."
No, these comments aren't about Bears' QB Rex Grossman, although they could be. They're actually referring to Colts' QB Peyton Manning, who until this postseason, had received his own share of criticism about his (in)ability to lead his team to the Super Bowl. It's no wonder that both he and his father Archie have defended the much-maligned Grossman these past few days. Manning has been in his shoes.
Manning finally beat his nemesis, the New England Patriots, several weeks ago to reach the promised land in Miami. It only took him nine years in the NFL. Manning is 30 years old.
Grossman has a long way to go, but at age 26, he has already achieved something that Manning could only dream of at the same age -- playing in the Super Bowl. Contrary to many naysayers, Grossman has won a Big Game -- the NFC title game over the Saints two weeks ago, which the Bears won 39-14.
Yes, the Bears QB played horribly in front of 93 million TV viewers. But being the eternal optimist that I am, my guess is that he will learn from this experience and become a better quarterback in the long run, even if it means meeting with a sports psychologist to get there.
"He always chokes when the game matters."
"He's great during the regular season, but can't win in the playoffs."
No, these comments aren't about Bears' QB Rex Grossman, although they could be. They're actually referring to Colts' QB Peyton Manning, who until this postseason, had received his own share of criticism about his (in)ability to lead his team to the Super Bowl. It's no wonder that both he and his father Archie have defended the much-maligned Grossman these past few days. Manning has been in his shoes.
Manning finally beat his nemesis, the New England Patriots, several weeks ago to reach the promised land in Miami. It only took him nine years in the NFL. Manning is 30 years old.
Grossman has a long way to go, but at age 26, he has already achieved something that Manning could only dream of at the same age -- playing in the Super Bowl. Contrary to many naysayers, Grossman has won a Big Game -- the NFC title game over the Saints two weeks ago, which the Bears won 39-14.
Yes, the Bears QB played horribly in front of 93 million TV viewers. But being the eternal optimist that I am, my guess is that he will learn from this experience and become a better quarterback in the long run, even if it means meeting with a sports psychologist to get there.
Skating for Dollars
While in Las Vegas last week watching all the sports betting action at the MGM Grand Hotel, I was inspired to create my own sports betting game -- for figure skating. Since skating events have three top winners in each discipline, the sport lends itself perfectly to a betting arrangement similar to horse racing.
You could place a bet on one skater to win (finish first), place (finish first or second) or show (finish in the top three). Or you could bet an exacta, where you choose the top two skaters to finish one-two in the exact order, or a trifecta, where you choose the top three skaters to finish in the exact order of first, second and third. There's also a quinella, where you choose the top two skaters, regardless who finishes first or second. You can place wagers for total points earned in each phase of the competition, the short program and the free skate, and whether or not someone will complete a quad jump or a triple axel. Betting on figure skating offers some intriguing possibilities.
Granted, figure skating is a wholesome sport that appeals primarily to older women and younger fans involved in the sports itself, so neither are exactly the type of audience that would place wagers on competitions. On the other hand, the U.S. Figure Skating Association sponsored fantasy skating last fall during the Grand Prix series. Fans selected skaters for their team and monitored their performance throughout the events. So perhaps betting on competitions isn't so farfetched afterall. It would help engage fan interest, and perhaps attract new fans to the sport. It can also create more excitement for the events, just as wagers encourage debate and discussion for the Super Bowl and the World Series.
Who knows? Maybe more men would begin to tune in to figure skating competitions if they knew they had something riding on the outcome.
You could place a bet on one skater to win (finish first), place (finish first or second) or show (finish in the top three). Or you could bet an exacta, where you choose the top two skaters to finish one-two in the exact order, or a trifecta, where you choose the top three skaters to finish in the exact order of first, second and third. There's also a quinella, where you choose the top two skaters, regardless who finishes first or second. You can place wagers for total points earned in each phase of the competition, the short program and the free skate, and whether or not someone will complete a quad jump or a triple axel. Betting on figure skating offers some intriguing possibilities.
Granted, figure skating is a wholesome sport that appeals primarily to older women and younger fans involved in the sports itself, so neither are exactly the type of audience that would place wagers on competitions. On the other hand, the U.S. Figure Skating Association sponsored fantasy skating last fall during the Grand Prix series. Fans selected skaters for their team and monitored their performance throughout the events. So perhaps betting on competitions isn't so farfetched afterall. It would help engage fan interest, and perhaps attract new fans to the sport. It can also create more excitement for the events, just as wagers encourage debate and discussion for the Super Bowl and the World Series.
Who knows? Maybe more men would begin to tune in to figure skating competitions if they knew they had something riding on the outcome.
Betting on the Bears
Despite the disappointing outcome of Super Bowl XLI, it was a kick to be in Las Vegas last week with all the excitment leading up to the Big Game. Naturally, I placed a few bets, including the Bears to win/beat the spread (which I lost), the margin of victory (I also lost), and the total points scored in the game. I won the last wager -- a whopping $24.00.
I kept the betting simple. But you should have seen the list of possible bets I could have made, all 10 pages worth! You could wager on everything from how many field goals each place kicker would kick, who would score first and how many tackles Brian Urlacher would have. It was mind boggling. Thank goodness I managed to escape town with my sanity and most of my money in my pocket.
I kept the betting simple. But you should have seen the list of possible bets I could have made, all 10 pages worth! You could wager on everything from how many field goals each place kicker would kick, who would score first and how many tackles Brian Urlacher would have. It was mind boggling. Thank goodness I managed to escape town with my sanity and most of my money in my pocket.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Colts' Experience Wins Over Bears' Toughness
If there is one key to the Bears' Super Bowl loss to the Indianapolis Colts yesterday, it would be "experience." The Colts won because they had more experienced players, a more experienced quarterback and a more experienced head coach.
The Bears were outplayed and outmaneuvered in every phase of the game. In fact, at times, it looked as if the Colts had borrowed the Bears' playbook, with its running game, ball-control offense and stingy defense. The Bears team that took the field in Miami looked nothing at all like the team I was used to seeing all season long.
Football is a team sport. Quarterbacks do not win or lose games. Teams do.
More than 93 million people tuned in to watch Super Bowl XLI, and they saw a miserable effort from our NFC Champions. I know a lot of fans would like to run QB Rex Grossman out of town. Am I disappointed with the way Grossman played? You bet I am. But do I want to see him lynched by a bunch of crazed fans? Absolutely not. I feel sorry for the guy. On the world's largest stage, he was sloppy, awkward and unsure of himself. He and the rest of the Bears have the entire off season to think about what might have been.
Congratulations to Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning and the Colts. As much as I wanted the Bears to win Super Bowl XLI, the better team won.
The Bears were outplayed and outmaneuvered in every phase of the game. In fact, at times, it looked as if the Colts had borrowed the Bears' playbook, with its running game, ball-control offense and stingy defense. The Bears team that took the field in Miami looked nothing at all like the team I was used to seeing all season long.
Football is a team sport. Quarterbacks do not win or lose games. Teams do.
More than 93 million people tuned in to watch Super Bowl XLI, and they saw a miserable effort from our NFC Champions. I know a lot of fans would like to run QB Rex Grossman out of town. Am I disappointed with the way Grossman played? You bet I am. But do I want to see him lynched by a bunch of crazed fans? Absolutely not. I feel sorry for the guy. On the world's largest stage, he was sloppy, awkward and unsure of himself. He and the rest of the Bears have the entire off season to think about what might have been.
Congratulations to Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning and the Colts. As much as I wanted the Bears to win Super Bowl XLI, the better team won.
Were the Bears Jinxed?
The majority of fans in Chicago are blaming the Bears' Super Bowl loss to the Colts yesterday to poor play by Rex Grossman. Those who are more superstitious are pointing their fingers at the Sports Illustrated cover jinx.
When any team or person has graced the cover page, they have been known to suffer adversity, which could be anything from not playing up to expectations to suffering injury or illness, ususually within days or weeks of the issue's publication. Even SI editors cannot explain the phenomenon.
As soon as I saw the Bears' Brian Urlacher on the cover of the pre-Superbowl issue, I knew the Bears were doomed. They not only lost the Big Game, but as of this writing, Brian Urlacher injured his right toe and will not be playing in the Pro Bowl next weekend.
It begs the question -- did the Bears play poorly, or were they jinxed?
When any team or person has graced the cover page, they have been known to suffer adversity, which could be anything from not playing up to expectations to suffering injury or illness, ususually within days or weeks of the issue's publication. Even SI editors cannot explain the phenomenon.
As soon as I saw the Bears' Brian Urlacher on the cover of the pre-Superbowl issue, I knew the Bears were doomed. They not only lost the Big Game, but as of this writing, Brian Urlacher injured his right toe and will not be playing in the Pro Bowl next weekend.
It begs the question -- did the Bears play poorly, or were they jinxed?
Serena's "Bootylicious" Body
Despite her surprising victory in the Australian Open last weekend, Serena Williams still had to respond to criticism about her weight and physical appearance. Her comments in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated showed that she's not afraid of telling it like it is.
"[It's] just because I have large bosoms and a big ass," she told SI. "I think if I were not to eat for two years, I still wouldn't be a size two. We're living in the Mary-Kate Olsen world. I'm just not built that way. I'm bootylicious, and that's how it's always going to be."
Bootylicious? Is that what they call full-figured women these days?
"[It's] just because I have large bosoms and a big ass," she told SI. "I think if I were not to eat for two years, I still wouldn't be a size two. We're living in the Mary-Kate Olsen world. I'm just not built that way. I'm bootylicious, and that's how it's always going to be."
Bootylicious? Is that what they call full-figured women these days?
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