The best game of THIS weekend happens when #4 Southern Cal visits #10 Oregon in Eugene this Saturday night.
In the modern era of college football, where large scale stadium expansions are happening with increasing frequency, it is a combination of refreshing and surprising that Oregon’s Autzen Stadium is such a feared place to play. It is difficult to comprehend how a crowd of just 54,000 (small by today’s standards) – a crowd that includes some fans who actually valet park their bicycles – was listed as one of ESPN’s Top 10 Intimidating Stadiums.
The small but spirited stadium “welcomes” Southern Cal Saturday night with, hopefully, something less than a punch in the face.
Oregon, at times this season, appears to have as many personalities as it does jersey combinations. The team has improved after the opening season loss to Boise State on the road. The losing team’s personality appears to have been exchanged for a renewed, confident bunch led by a dynamic and talented Jeremiah Masoli under center. Masoli’s passing numbers are understated thus far in 2009 having thrown just five touchdowns against two interceptions. Fortunately Oregon is now a run first team with running back LaMichael James taking over for the displaced and suspended LaGarrette Blount. James has six touchdowns on the season and averages nearly seven yards per carry. Masoli does a healthy share of damage on the ground, too, with seven touchdowns.
Another strange personality trait Oregon has adopted this season is an uncharacteristically stout defense. Most of the prognosticators and predictors pay a great deal of attention to the offense of Oregon. But, it is the team’s defense this season that sets it apart from the other contenders in the PAC-10. While USC is usually atop the league in team defense, and the team is again this season, Oregon is a rarified second. And, Oregon actually leads the PAC-10 in pass defense thanks in large part to ten team interceptions – including two that were returned for scores.
But, that Southern Cal team is always tough. The team is well-coached and is fighting for a potential shot at the BCS national title game. Alabama and Florida will eliminate each other from contention, and Texas could lose this weekend to Oklahoma State. If USC wins, the team has a legitimate hold on a potential championship spot.
But, it is easy to get carried away when it comes to USC. Remember Mark Sanchez? Before he was an underwear model (and I think he is also the New York Jets quarterback), he was a wide-eyed sophomore quarterback at Southern Cal about to make his third start at Oregon. He threw two passes to the ugly green shirts and the Trojans lost the game 24-17.
A different year but similar circumstance exists now. Matt Barkley, the young but improving true freshman quarterback for the Trojans, has the opportunity to do what his very talented predecessors could not at his age and stage – beat Oregon on the road.
Southern Cal is capable of winning this game, but Oregon needs it. Oregon is a team still desperate to prove it belongs in the national conversation after a disappointing start to the season. USC is a team desperate to show it deserves an opportunity to play for the national title game. The matched talent and desperation makes USC-Oregon the best game of THIS weekend.
No matter the sport, some of the most entertaining games to watch are “shootouts” where offense dominates and it becomes a race to see which team can score the most points. If you love offense, then I have the game for you!
This Saturday, the BCS 14th ranked Cowboys of Oklahoma State play host to the BCS third ranked Texas Longhorns in a matchup that features two very explosive offenses. Texas, currently leading the nation in scoring with 41.9 points per game, has scored AT LEAST 34 points in every game of the season except one – the matchup against Oklahoma two weeks ago. On the other side of the field, Oklahoma State has been equally impressive with the sixth best points per game average in the country with 37.
High-powered offense is not the only reason to follow this game, though. This could very well be the last remaining game of the year with National Championship implications for BOTH teams until we get into the Conference Championship games at the end of the season.
Currently, both Texas and Oklahoma State are undefeated in the Big XII Conference, with this game serving as a potential tiebreaker to determine which team will ultimately play in the Big XII Championship game.
For Oklahoma State, a team that has only loss to this point in the season to 18th ranked Houston (a team that also has only one loss on its record), defeating third ranked Texas would launch the Cowboys right back into the national spotlight. It would most likely propel the ‘Boys into the top ten in the BCS rankings and would set the team up for a chance to play in the Big XII Championship game. Although teams like Boise State, TCU – and even Cincinnati or Iowa – are currently undefeated, Oklahoma State certainly warrants consideration for the National Championship if the team goes on to defeat Texas, then Oklahoma, and ultimately win the Big XII Conference.
Texas, on the other hand, controls its own destiny right now. Ranked third in the nation, Texas currently follows Alabama and Florida, both of whom are in the SEC in opposing divisions. If both of those teams win out the rest of the season, a meeting in the SEC Championship game is inevitable, clearing the way for Texas to take that final step up into one of the top two spots in the BCS. Oklahoma State presents Texas with its final “legitimate” hurdle of the season. With Central Florida, Baylor, Kansas, and Texas A&M remaining on Texas’ schedule, the team should be able to coast into the Big XII Championship with a victory over Oklahoma State.
The only missing element from this game is the presence of standout Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant, who was at one time considered a Heisman Trophy hopeful. Although the Cowboys have not missed a beat to this point offensively since losing Bryant to a season-ending suspension, his absence will certainly be felt in Stillwater this weekend. Even without Bryant, though, this should be a very entertaining matchup between two potent offenses.
Look for high-scoring, fast-paced, action-packed excitement from start to finish in this shootout at the O-K (State) Corral!
This Sunday promises to be a great sports day, and one that bachelors like me absolutely love. The two best games of the day are on FOX at separate times. Luckily, FOX has a doubleheader this week. Since my home market team, the Atlanta Falcons, do not play until Monday night against the New Orleans Saints I am in the very fortunate position to be able to get both the Giants-Eagles at 1p and the Vikings-Packers at 4:15p on Sunday. Also taking place Sunday is the Sprint Cup race at my favorite track in (Talladega)and Game four of what is setting up to be one classic World Series between the Phillies and Yankees. So, yeah, I need to make sure I have extra batteries for my remote! However, after looking at all four of those events and the other events throughout the weekend, it is quite apparent that the best and most intriguing game is the “Brett Favre Shootout” Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field.
Even if the game did not involve Favre making his first trip to Lambeau as a visitor it would still be a big game. But, it is hard not to look at the Favre factor. One element I am very curious to evaluate is the reaction Packer fans give their former hero. Will they boo him? Will they give him a standing ovation? What do you think? I am thinking it is going to be a strongly negative reaction. Bitter divorces tend to end up that way.
Setting aside the emotional aspect of it, it is still a HUGE game. Minnesota is coming off a tough loss in the Steel City at Heinz Field, a place where Sports Geek and I have peeked through outside the gates. Still, they sit on top of the division with a record of 6-1. Favre has had a tremendous season to this point, throwing for almost 1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns. Even though he was held in check by the Steelers’ defense, Adrian Peterson is still one of, if not THE, best running back in the league. If the Vikings can run the ball effectively in this game it becomes easier for Favre and his group of receivers, led by Loyal Homer fantasy favorite Sidney Rice.
Green Bay, quietly, is having a strong season, coming into the match up with a 4-2 record. As expected, Aaron Rodgers has developed into an elite quarterback. He has thrown for over 1,700 yards and 11 touchdowns. The running game has struggled at times, but Ryan Grant is coming off a strong game.
This game is more important to the Packers. The Packers have already lost to the Vikings once this season and with a loss in this upcoming game the team falls two games back in the loss column. Not only does a loss put the Packers behind the eight ball in the division, it sets the team back in the wild card chase as well. I know it is early, but it is not too early to start looking at records. The Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants, the Packers, and the Falcons all come into this weekend with just two losses. Obviously, not all of these teams will make the playoffs. Each game takes on added significance when the goal of making the playoffs is still realistic. Plus, the Green Bay nation wants to show Favre that they are doing just fine without him!
Court is in session… the verdict is in… no appeal on the docket today… just my verdict!
As I stated in my intro, the debate sides were represented by two native Ohio residents who both happen to be Michigan Wolverine… er… I mean Ohio State Buckeye fans! They follow the program closely and are somewhat frustrated by this season’s squad, especially the lack of progress shown by quarterback Terrell Pryor. For all of the hoopla surrounding Pryor’s recruitment, it is safe to say that for whatever reason, he has not – to this point – lived up to the hype. Thus, a really compelling debate topic!
It is important to note that Jim Tressel has not suddenly forgotten how to coach and teach a young man how to play the quarterback position. He has won a national championship and been to two other championship games at the Division I level. His credentials speak for volumes. Sports Geek believes the “only person to blame for the struggles of Terrelle Pryor in Columbus is Terrelle Pryor.” Sports Geek breaks down Pryor’s rushing numbers in the first eight games of the season, calling into question Pryor’s confidence and his decision making.
Bleacher Fan, on the other hand, breaks down the comparison between Pryor and former Texas quarterback Vince Young, detailing how Pryor does not have as much talent to work with when considering the players that surrounded Young and former Buckeye quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith. Bleacher Fan writes that the coaches must find a successful way to fully maximize Pryor’s talents and that the onus is on the running backs and receivers to take pressure off of Mr. Pryor.
I do not believe there is a simple solution to winning games with Pryor under center. Perhaps the critics will soften on Tressel and Pryor both if tOSU finishes the season strongly. In the meantime, I am awarding the victory of this debate to Sports Geek.
As I have stated, both of the debaters are closer to the situation than I am. But, from what his Honor has seen on TV and read in these arguments it is apparent to me that Terrelle Pryor is trying too hard to become a drop back passer. He is trying so hard that he is hurting his team. The fact that Pryor has been sacked 13 times for over 100 yards is a little disturbing. Rarely do guys with Pryor’s enormous athleticism take that big of a loss. I get the impression that Sports Geek believes Pryor does not study film as much as he should. It is almost as if Sports Geek is implying that Pryor is thinking “I need to prove I can be a drop back passer to make it at the next level.” Is Pryor putting himself above the team?
It is also important to note, as Bleacher Fan did, that Pryor is still very young and it his potential is not maxed out. He still has loads of potential and a chance to live up to the expectations. But, as of October 30, 2009, he has not. It is up to him to reverse the trend.
Have you ever tried running with a left shoe on your right foot? Sure, you can still accomplish the basic goal of getting from here to there, and the shoe will protect your foot from sharp steps along the road. The problem, though, is that it prevents you from maximizing your true potential. Ideally, you would like to find a shoe that fits properly, which enables you to truly perform at the highest possible levels.
When you do find that shoe that fits comfortably magic starts to happen. The right fit brings comfort, and with comfort comes reliability and consistency of performance. Instead of pain, tension, and stress you are able to move more naturally, and focus on improving the finer points of performance.
Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor must know exactly how that feels.
After being very heavily recruited out of high school, Pryor came into Ohio State amidst very high expectations. At 6 feet 6 inches, weighing 227 pounds, Pryor was compared to Vince Young. Like Young, Pryor has the raw athletic ability of a “dual-threat” quarterback who can run for 20 yards just as easily as he could can throw for it.
For a player who has been compared to one of the most exciting and successful college quarterbacks of this decade, Pryor’s career has not started out so great for Pryor at Ohio State. Pryor, who has shown glimpses of the superstar that he can be, has been responsible for several very costly errors, most of which appeared to be the result of poor decision making. And if you play football in Ohio, errors are very quickly followed by criticism.
Critics seem to forget that Vince Young was not always the quarterback pictured in a cloud of confetti after having just upset the favored Southern Cal Trojans in the BCS National Championship. In fact, during Young’s first season at the helm for the Texas Longhorns he threw almost as many interceptions (11) as he did touchdowns (12), and only accounted for 1,848 passing yards. It took time for Young, who was 21-years-old when he took his first snaps as a starter in Texas, to develop with his team into a quarterback capable of national success.
Now compare Young to Pryor, who was thrust into the limelight at age 18 and asked to lead a national contender into the BCS before he had even finished his first semester of college! Yes, Pryor made mistakes, but many of those mistakes were the result of poor strategy on the field.
What makes Pryor most dangerous is his running ability. Like Young, or former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, Pryor has an amazing ability to extend plays because he is elusive and possesses amazing speed (despite his larger frame). The difference for Pryor is that he does not have the same supporting cast around him as Young and Smith had. Consider Young’s offensive teammates. Names like Selvin Young, Bo Scaife, Cedric Benson, and Limas Sweed come to mind. For Smith, names like Chris “Beanie” Wells, Teddy Ginn Jr., and Anthony Gonzalez come to mind. Both rosters were LOADED with NFL caliber talent, and both rosters required opposing defenses to split their focus, freeing up Young and Smith respectively to take advantage of their natural play-making abilities.
Who does Terrelle Pryor have? Beanie Wells was injured for some of the 2008 season with Pryor, so his play cannot be weighted very heavily. Instead, Pryor has a supporting cast of Daniel Herron, Dane Sanzenbacher, Brandon Saine, and Brian Hartline – all of whom are good players, but not quite the same caliber of his predecessor’s supporting cast. Opposing defenses are now able to use one of Pryor’s biggest strengths against him. The primary reason that Pryor was so highly recruited out of high school was because of his improvisational style and ability to make plays under pressure. That style can be very easy when the opponent is a bunch of 15 and 16 year-olds from Anywhere-Pennsylvania High. When an 18-year-old boy is being pressured by the defenses of USC, Penn State, or Texas… improvisation is a little more difficult to pull off.
Pryor’s mistakes have all come at times where he has tried to improvise or extend a play – every single one of them. The problem is that he cannot be expected to do it all by himself. I am not criticizing the rest of the Buckeye’s, but the offense around Pryor is not designed to support a quarterback with his unique talents. It is that simple. Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel coaches in a style that prizes special teams and field position play. Tressel’s coaching style would have him classified as a game manager, taking few chances and relying heavily on solid defense and consistent play to dominate the game by the clock (something the Buckeyes have not been able to do lately). What Pryor needs is an explosive running back that draws all of the attention up front, combined with speedy wide receivers to help him stretch the field. Most importantly, he needs the time to let plays develop. If his wide receivers are unable to get open downfield, it does not matter how long he extends the play, success will never come.
There has to be allowance for a learning curve, not only for Terrelle Pryor but for the whole Ohio State Buckeyes program. The aforementioned Troy Smith (who won the Heisman Trophy his senior year) was actually BENCHED in 2004 because he was unable to succeed under the Buckeye’s game plan. Once the team (and the coach) was able to develop an offense that complemented Smith’s style the coaches could finally maximize Smith’s talents, and saw wild success. If Pryor is going to have that same success then Tressel and the Buckeyes are going to have to figure out a way to truly maximize his talents.
College football recruiting has become a popular topic in the sports world. It is almost a sport within a sport. National Signing Day is an exciting day for many fans that gives them hope for the future. For those who are at the top of the college football landscape NSD offers an opportunity to reload. For those programs that are not on top it is a chance to rebuild. There is always general excitement for fans no matter which situation a program falls into.
Flash back to March 19, 2008, over a month past the official 2008 signing day for college football. Highly touted high school quarterback Terrelle Pryor had yet to announce where he would attend college and play football in the fall of 2008. But, on that day in March Pryor announced his intention to attend Ohio State, despite the fact that his skills, on the surface, seemed like a better fit for Rich Rodriguez’s offense at Michigan. Stop the presses!! Now Ohio State is a national title contender for the foreseeable future, right?
As always, there is more to the story.
Pryor began his freshman year last season with much fanfare. He received increased playing time in a blowout loss to Southern Cal, and finally was named the starter in the Buckeyes fourth game of the season against Troy. In the Troy game he threw for four touchdowns. Throughout the season, he steadily improved, and he even ran for 110 yards against Illinois. The Buckeyes finished the season with a 10-3 record, which included a close 24-21 loss to Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. Pryor had a decent year. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, an award that preceded being named the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year for the 2009 season.
Things have not gone as smoothly this season, though. He has not necessarily taken the next step that some expected, and fans and others associated with the program are frustrated. The Buckeyes are currently 6-2, including an ugly loss to Purdue a couple of weeks ago. Pryor already has nine interceptions on the season. Jim Tressel is feeling a little heat for the first time in Columbus. Sports Geek expressed concerns about Pryor in a debate right after the Southern Cal game last month. Pryor’s high school coach, Ray Reitz, voiced his displeasure recently with how Pryor was being used in the Ohio State offense. Some have called for Pryor to be moved to wide receiver to better utilize his athleticism.
What is the answer? What is the main cause for Terrelle Pryor’s struggles? Cue The Sports Debates!
I am asking two Ohio citizens and passionate Buckeye fans to debate this topic. Both Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan have followed Pryor’s career closely.
Today’s question: Is Terrelle Pryor struggling because Ohio State is using him in the wrong way or are his struggles self-inflicted?
Sports Geek will argue that Pryor’s struggles are due to his underperformance and that he has no one to blame but himself. Bleacher Fan will argue that the improper utilization of Pryor’s talents has led to his struggles.
As always, we welcome your feedback. In the meantime, the floor is yours debaters!
Craig Krenzel and Troy Smith. What do these two former Ohio State quarterbacks have in common? Well, the common trait is NOT finesse, grace, smarts, or speed. The common trait is that the coaching staff – led by head coach/chief play caller/chief vest wearer Jim Tressel – squeezed every last droplet of ability out of both players. Are fans and observers really supposed to believe the Tressel simply forgot how to coach, misdiagnosed a player’s ability, or benefited from existing talent in Krenzel and Smith?
Loyal Homer asks Bleacher Fan and I to ponder why supposed phenom quarterback Terrelle Pryor is struggling so visibly as quarterback of the Buckeyes. It is easy to blame the coaches, the schemes, the strategies, the opposing defenses, and any number of excuses. However, excuses do not excuse, as my Dad used to say. The only person to blame for the struggles of Terrelle Pryor in Columbus is Terrelle Pryor.
Terrelle Pryor’s game, for all of the preseason/pre-career accolades the youngster received, is not dynamic. The promised dual threat QB has been decidedly solitary in his game plan execution. Pryor so believes in being a drop back passer – knowing that his greatest potential upside in the NFL comes from being a good pocket quarterback – that he refuses to tuck the ball and run when that is the best outcome for his current team, The Ohio State Buckeyes. The statistics belie Pryor’s focus:
See the trend? As the season wears on Tressel has called more quarterback running and option plays because Pryor has chosen to stand in the pocket rather than use his legs to pick up yards and important first downs. The called running plays are also much less effective and more predictable than Pryor simply taking what the defense gives him. See the 3.5 yards per carry against Wisconsin and the 1.6 yards per carry against Purdue.
Pryor should be running the ball whenever he has an easy opportunity to pick up yards. That easy opportunity comes more than six or even 16 times a game when considering the increasing number of called runs from Tressel. Somehow a player with Pryor’s running ability and strength has been sacked 13 times this season with a total loss of yards exceeding 100! Too often Pryor is trying to out maneuver defenders in the backfield in a futile attempt to create time when the better play is to step up in the pocket and take the few yards available.
The irony to Pryor’s talent dichotomy is the more he runs when the defense gives him space, the more open receivers will open up downfield. The current approach has yielded just over seven yards per throw and a whopping nine interceptions. Better recognition of the defense and situations combined with improved decision making is can reverse the trend. The problem is that for Pryor a major disconnect exists between his perception of a situation and reality.
In a recent interview with Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Doug Lesmerises Pryor said,”Some offensive teams, they don’t get to their peak until midseason. Sometimes you get down, but you’ve got to jump back up and get confident again. I feel real comfortable this week. I think we can light up the scoreboard.”
Confidence is good. Misplaced confidence is dangerous. Terrelle Pryor needs a dose of reality – he is underperforming.
Perhaps his personally dismal performance against Purdue – 17-31 for 221 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs and 21 rushes for 34 yards – was the wakeup call Pryor needed. He played much better in the next game against Minnesota, and even delivered an uncharacteristically vulnerable – and therefore inspiring – speech to his team. During a meeting for the offense prior to the Minnesota game Pryor took the floor and said, “I’m sorry for not approaching things the way I should.” A dose of reality?
Now, back to the list of Pryor’s rushing stats, since the team’s most recent game against Minnesota is not yet listed:
The Minnesota game featured fewer called running plays for Pryor and more comfort in taking advantage of the gaps in the defensive coverage to pick up easy yards with his feet.
One of the big lessons from Pryor’s struggles is that confidence is earned… or it is empty. Empty confidence is how American Idol stays in business with those terrible, delusional singers at the beginning of each season. Earned confidence results from studying and making smart decisions. If Pryor simply studies and makes smart decisions he will never have to worry about performing up to expectations and “being” a leader. He will showcase his immense physical gifts and the team will simply follow.
For any quarterback, everything boils down to choices. Does Pryor choose to be Ohio State’s quarterback and use the fullness of his gifts? Or does Pryor choose to be an NFL prospect at the expense of his teammates and the fans? Time will tell if Pryor has actually turned an important attitude corner. One fact is certain – the only thing holding back Terrelle Pryor is Terrelle Pryor.
In theory, this debate should be black and white. Congress versus no Congress. But, like many of our other debate topics, the involvement of Congress in sports issues is as complex as it is relevant. Sports leaders are interacting with members of Congress in some capacity every day. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has worn a path from the NFL offices in New York to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., including an appearance yesterday.
Loyal Homer called Congressional involvement in sports issues “wrong and unnecessary.” I do not go that far with my assessment. Loyal Homer also misdiagnosed some classic Sports Geek sarcasm in the debate intro when he wrote that sports are, “purely a form of entertainment.” Sports are not purely a form of entertainment. Sports are business… BIG business. Congress likes to stick its nose where the big money is. But, is Congress taking on a noble endeavor to rid sports of illegal activity and unfairness? Probably not, but the debate verdict is still awarded to Bleacher Fan.
Bleacher Fan is right to point out the double standard held by some that sports must all be fair, but that the government – in the case of this debate, Congress – has no right to become involved. Bleacher Fan is also correct to point out that sports organizations are no different than any other business.
Congress is not in the fairness business. Congress is in the law making business. But, characterizing Congress as simply a “law making body” is like saying a Ferrari is just another car. The responsibilities of a Congressperson are extended to other areas of our lives. Congress routinely extends its power to create dialogue about particular injustices in various segments of the population. Examples include an issue involving a cluster of dangerous pollution spewing smoke stacks near a neighborhood or a business arrangement that is entirely unfair to a majority (read: the BCS). Congress does not have nice, neat lines hemming in its power and responsibility. Those elements are fluid because society needs them to be. Extending that power to an issue in sports – BIG issues in sports – is a positive thing for society.
Like government, sports are a highly visible element of society (there are as many sports channels as news channels). When injustice or cheating occurs, sometimes the sport’s governing entity is slow to clean it up… or even acknowledge it. Sports organizations have shown over time that a certain level of accountability is necessary, and Congress is positioned to provide that accountability.
Congress can and should be involved in sports to the extent that fairness must have a voice. Often in sports, as in “real” life, old decisions shape current realities. For example, American schools go dark in the summer because the summer used to be the planting time for our formerly agrarian economy. In sports, it is college football’s resistance to abandoning the seemingly antiquated bowl system in favor of a more modern approach to determining a champion. Oh, and that antiquated system substantially benefits the finances of the top 65 university’s in the country, arguably to the detriment of the lesser funded schools. Life happens, and old injustices remain untouched. It is a good thing for society that representatives are charged with the responsibility of preserving some level of fairness. It helps when the aforementioned representatives are elected, too.
With the verdict rendered, I also believe it is fair to write that Congress does prioritize. While Utah Senator Orrin Hatch’s letter is ten pages and addressed the President (and he probably had an aide write it), the BCS issue has not found its way onto the Congressional docket. Sometimes only the perception of action is necessary to drive results. In other words, when Congress tables the Health Care Bill to tackle this BCS issue a massive problem exists. However, that situation is unlikely. For right now, the degree Congress involves itself in sports – a hearing on occasion, a ten page letter to the President, grandstanding behind the mic at a local fundraising event, even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell being forced to answer some serious questions about concussions in the NFL – is fine.
I agree with Loyal Homer that Congress would never make a law that directly intervenes in sports activities. It is likely Congress never will write sweeping legislation designed to institute a playoff system into college sports. If it does, then Congress will have overstepped… and The Sports Debates will not be the only website or news outlet voicing concern.
The 111th United States Congress is currently in session and there are myriad topics on the agenda. The most talked and written about topic currently up for debate in committees and coming soon to the respective floors of the House and Senate is the Health Care Bill, a bill designed to overhaul the way the United States approaches health care. Other items on the Congressional Agenda? The Unemployment Compensation Act, the EMERGENCY Unemployment Compensation Act, the Assistance for Unemployed Workers Extension Act, the Agent Orange Equity Act, the Wireless Prepaid Access Device Enforcement Act, the Federal Prison Work Incentive Act, etc. Those few items on the Congressional docket do not even come close to scratching the surface. However, what common trait does each of those potential pieces of legislation share? Relevance! It makes sense that Congress is spending time discussing these issues, and each is a contemporary issue of importance to some constituency or to the Federal government.
It turns out, however, that the litany of issues and topics Congress is addressing includes a sports issue. We know from time to time that Congress has inserted itself into sports conversations. We all remember the shaky finger pointing and denials from Rafael Palmiero and the oddity of the de facto trial of Roger Clemens. President George W. Bush even used the highly visible platform of the 2004 State of the Union Address to call for a ban on steroids in baseball. In short, precedent exists for government involvement in sports. But, why does the government care so much?
Perhaps it is a question of confused jurisdiction. Many fans are perplexed by the government involving itself in sports matters. After all, sports are just entertainment, no diplomacy required. To create further confusion the U.S. government does not involve itself in sports in traditional areas that make logical sense. The reason for government involvement is not about millionaire tax evasion or green card issues or visas and international travel. Instead the government is concerned with baseball performance enhancement and, now, its latest muse and a favorite topic of President Barack Obama, the Bowl Championship Series.
In the bizarre tradition of American politics, Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch wrote a 10-page letter to President Obama encouraging him to call for an investigation into the BCS and potential violations of the Sherman-Antitrust Act. It seems like an email would have been quicker. Nevertheless, storm clouds may be gathering over the BCS, despite the BCS chairman’s public refusal of President Obama’s playoff idea.
It is not the job of The Sports Debates to diagnose WHY Congress is involved in what appear to be issues exclusive to an “entertainment holding company” (e.g. the NFL, NBA, etc.). This website exists to determine the big picture issues… like if Congress should be involved in sports in the first place.
Today’s debate question: Should the U.S. Congress get involved with issues specific to sports?
Bleacher Fan will argue that Congress has every right to become involved in sports issues, even though they are a legislative body not an enforcement body. Loyal Homer will argue that Congress should butt out and let the various sports entities govern their own issues like a business does.
Approach the debate as if I am a key swing vote in a swing state in a swing election. I can give the power to one debater or the other. Debaters – the polls are open!
Do you think that athletes deserve special treatment, just because they play a game? If Plaxico Burress was given a pass for carrying an unregistered firearm into an establishment that serves liquor – all because he plays wide receiver in the NFL – would that be okay? I know I would not think it is okay.
There is an ongoing outcry among the general public to make sure that athletes are treated just like everyone else. Ironically, though, many of those same people will argue that Congress should not get involved in sports because sports are “special.” There is a double-standard at work here, where on one hand we are saying that athletes and high-profile people are no different from you or me, then on the other hand we will cry foul at the first indication that something may threaten those sacred and revered sports organizations and players. Something must give!
Within each of our workplaces there are certain rules that must be followed and a hierarchy on how those rules are enforced. If, for example, a person decides to skip work for a day, that person’s boss has the authority to address the situation as they see fit. In an issue where the scope exceeds the capacity of the boss, however, it becomes the discretion of the CEO or company owner to address the issue. There will also be times where the responsibility of addressing an issue falls outside the internal hierarchy altogether. If, for example, someone assaults a co-worker, criminal implications result and the involvement of the judicial system is required. Even though the incident took place at work, a judge from OUTSIDE the company must intervene.
Sports organizations are no different than any other organization. As an example, think back to when Boston Bruins “enforcer” Marty McSorley struck Vancouver Canucks forward Donald Brashear in the head with his hockey stick. The degree of his attack far exceeded that which was deemed appropriate by the league, and instead became an incident of criminal assault with a weapon. As such, the Canadian courts (which held jurisdiction over the property where the assault took place) had the authority to intervene and exact their own influence by charging McSorley with a crime. Although the incident took place within the confines of the game, the situation was still criminal in nature, and therefore required criminal proceedings.
In much the same manner, Congress should be EXPECTED to intervene in a sports-related incident that falls within its circle of influence. As a governmental organization Congress is required to address any issues involving commerce, legislation, or foreign affairs. Guess what – sports organizations fall under the umbrella of commerce.
If there are concerns that the BCS may be a monopoly, the government is expected to get involved. Congress’ role is to ensure fair trade and commerce within the United States, REGARDLESS of the “type” of business in question. The anti-trust legislation does not specify that businesses are prohibited from participating in monopolizing practices UNLESS those businesses are related to sports. Sports in America are a $410 BILLION dollar industry. If the United States is truly a free-market economy, and any organization has the right to attempt to compete within a marketplace, then the government MUST exist to regulate an industry that contributes to generating that much revenue.
That is enough American Government 101 for today, though. The real issue at hand is why the public should WANT Congress to get involved in sports when appropriate.
Elected officials are considered appointed representatives of the constituency. Basically, they are supposed to make decisions on behalf of the public at-large. For example, if there is a need for a traffic light at an intersection, contact the local government representative. In much the same manner, if there is a public outcry regarding something on a national scale, notify the proper Senator or Congressman. Elected officials exist to act on the behalf of the citizens.
Why, then, does the public get so upset when the government actually attempts to act on their behalf?! I just do not get it. If the public feels that the BCS is a poorly implemented program that does not allow for “true” and fair competition in order to determine a national champion, and the government agrees and tries to investigate, that is a GOOD thing, right?! The government is listening to the concerns of its citizens and attempting to act upon them. It is an issue that falls within the scope of influence, the issue involves a business that generates billions of dollars, and the public wants to see the issue resolved. That is precisely why the government exists!
The next time Congress becomes involved in the affairs of a sports organization do not think of it as meddlesome interference – and do not think of it as a waste of time because the government should have more important items to focus on. If it is a topic that is truly important to us (and be honest, sports are a VITAL part of our daily lives), then it should be truly important to Congress. Besides, it is obvious that the sports organizations are not going to listen to the general public, so we sometimes need to call in the big guns to keep them all honest!
And we're back... Should college coaches look into criminal and juvenile records when recruiting? The verdict says YES! http://bit.ly/dZ5LF310 months ago
Posted by Sports Geek 
