How much of an impact do coaches have?

How big of a role do coaches really play in the success of professional teams?  I began thinking about this recently when I was analyzing the coaching situation with the Chargers.  I love the Chargers and I realize that I have fallen into the popular way of thinking and saying that they should fire Norv Turner. They have one disappointing season after another and it's a tough thing to live with being as big a fan as me.  So I, along with many others, think that he is the problem.  But is it him, or is it just the players?  He is the one calling the offensive plays so I guess you could say he isn't calling the right plays in the right situations and that's why he should be fired.  But just because a play is called from the sideline doesn't mean you have to go through with it.  Peyton Manning is a perfect example of this.  He reads the defense and calls audible's until he feels he has the perfect play in place, then runs it.  Maybe if Philip Rivers did that more then not as much blame would be placed on Norv.  After all these years though you have to wonder if it is just Norv that is the problem or if it's the players that he is coaching.  At the end of the day the players have to do what they are payed millions to do, play.  If the decision is to get rid of Norv then I'm okay with that.  If they decide to gut the roster I'm okay with that too.  Just make a decision quick because I don't think I can take another disappointing with the same roster.

Go Chargers!

David Fields
TTH 9:30

Not Enough Black men on a basketball team??

The Minnesota Timberwolves are being accused of not having enough African American players on their team. Local African American leaders in the Twin Cities area are accusing the owner of being racist, but who is the one bringing up the issue?

I heard about this through a friend and decided to look it up and found this article on Sports Grid, an internet site for sport media followers. The author, Jordan Rabinowitz examines why the African American leaders and few fans are raising their eyebrows about the Timberwolves' roster choices. Rabinowitz says the during the 2011-2012 season the Timberwolves, based on a 15 man roster have 33 percent Black players compared to the usual 78 percent of other teams in the NBA. Granted there is a big shift it does not mean the reason is racism. Racism is still clearly a problem is sports weather athletes are being discriminated against or not, everyone assumes that there is something sneaky going on. Will racism in sport ever subside? I think from a socio-cultural perspective, there will always be racism in sport because of the power heads of teams and companies. The majority of power houses are white men and this does not help the equality factor. In order to diminish racism, there needs to be a shift in power to more diverse leaders. I think we are a long way away from this becoming a reality but with the future comes possibilities and anything is possible.

http://www.sportsgrid.com/uncategorized/there-are-too-many-white-guys-on-the-timberwolves-say-local-black-leaders/

Robin Hinkle
Dr. Kauer
Kin 332i Tues-Thurs 12:30-1:45

Gun control? Political battle or football game?

You really would not expect to hear talk about gun control during a half- time show at a football game.

NFL Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend Kassandra Perkins 22, and then committed suicide in front of his coaches in Kansas City. A couple of days later during the Sunday Night Footbal game half time show Bob Costas made a plea/ rant about gun control. It sounded like Costas blamed  Americas' gun control for Belcher murdering his girlfriend and then killing himself. This scenario can be looked at in a couple of sociological sport perspectives. First this raises the question between politics and sports. Is Costas using his 'celebrity' effect to showcase his position on this nations gun control? Clearly after other news reports in the days following raised many biased opinions. Some applauded Costas for raising awareness to this issue, while others complained about how they only tuned into the game for a show. Politics in sports is not always widely accepted when some particular individual proclaims their political status. Yet politics in sports does exist, whether it right or wrong- I do not know. Who is qualified to be the judge of that?     

Second, this scenario can be explained through a cultural theory perspective of deviance. Cultural theorist perspective on deviance considers cultural influences such as demographics, geographical location, community, family, and yes even political influences. Cultural theorist will agree with Costas reasoning for Belcher's deviant behavior. Like Costas believes, cultural theorist will say that yes the nations gun control can be a reason for Belcher's deviant behavior in this murder- suicide. Belcher most likely under -conformed or over-conformed to expectations, but it is not Belcher as in individual who is at fault for his lack of moral character and poor decisions.

Amber M.

Kin 332I Sec 06 11144 

Struggling Cowboys...

Being a Cowboys fan my entire life, I have no problem saying that the Cowboys are definitely struggling hardcore this year. I have enjoyed their rise to great records the last several years under Tony Romo, but I am ready to get rid of him at this point. He had done very well in previous years only to choke at the end of the season or in the playoffs where it matters most. Last year was the first time I can say that I don't believe it was his fault, the defense was lacking horribly. He mounted a great comeback in one of their last games, only to have the defense allow more points against the Cowboys. I was ready to give him another chance this year, and now that he has a decent defense, he can't pull himself together. After the first two months this year, he had more interceptions than touchdowns and Jerry Jones was interviewed. He was asked if they would get rid of Romo, try and get a good trade for him, or if he was still the franchis quarterback. Jones replied saying he was going to be the franchise quarterback, this is going to most definitely lose him some fan base. Yes, Romo is pulling it together more on the second half of the season, but he needs to have it together for an ENTIRE season... I can't handle this anymore... Get rid of him!!

Cody Klimper

KIN 332i Tu/Th 12:30-1:45

Dr. Kauer

How far is too far?

The #1 ranked player out of high school basketball's 2013 class is 6'7 forward Andrew Wiggins. He is highly recruited but has narrowed his choices down to two: Kentucky and Florida State. There are many crazy recruiting stories surrounded around of a lot of highly talented athletes, but how much is too much? Wiggins recently went on a visit to Florida State, his father's alma mater, and watched the Seminoles get trampled by the Florida Gators, 72-47. The loss may have been ugly but what Wiggins experienced on his visit to campus may leave more of an impression than the lopsided loss. In the stand were seats filled women donning shirts that read "We Want Wiggins" and holding signs that read "FSU Girls are Hotter!". Wiggins was flattered by the gesture and we will see if the desperate attempt to land the recruit will pay off this spring when Wiggins has to decide.
I think this gesture could be on the borderline of harmless and offensive. To me, it is kind of funny and I believe it won't ultimately make his decision but the fact that a group actually organized this to be done is a little bit odd. Some girls may see it as offensive because it could be seen as almost advertising women but I think it is more shameful and embarrassing for those involved because it kind of makes the girls look dumb and the school look desperate. In the end, I have heard far worse recruiting stories that have gone on to break NCAA rules, so I don't think anyone should lose any sleep over this.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/florida-state-sales-pitch-andrew-wiggins-stands-more-022616483--ncaab.html


Jade Wilson
KIN332I-9:30am
Dr. Kauer

Soccer in the United States

The United States is a country that has reputation for its basketball, baseball, and football leagues. Where its reputation in the most popular sport in the world? Soccer in the United States is not given the emphasis that it needs to become popular like the other sports. In high school, students are in a way taught by society that if you want to be cool and fit in, you have to play football, basketball, or baseball. The media also has a big motivator for athletes to be involved in the three big sports. For example, almost everything that they talk about is about the three big sports and since this is what the audience see then they feel like that is the norm and it has to be followed. Recently NBC signed a contract with the English Premier League to have the rights to a big amount of the games that will be played during the season. This is good for the sports audience since they will be able to see top-level soccer and create some interest in the American audience. I hope soccer becomes an impact sport in the United States in the near future, that way there are more possibilities for kids to join soccer teams and also so the United States could host another World Cup which I would definitely attend. 

Jovanny Mata 

KIN 332i section 03 2455     

Good O'le Peyton Manning

The same man that missed the entire 2011 NFL Season.
Who had a damaged nerve that caused weakness in his right throwing arm.
Undergoing multiple surgeries, including a single-level fusion.
Having the Drive, no INSTINCT, to play the game of football.
Losing his cherished home of Indianapolis.
Traded due to concerns over his physical safety.
Found what seems to be the ultimate home.
Kicks out Tebow.
Is none other than PEYTON MANNING.
A man now playing for the Denver Broncos.
Who just so happens to be this weeks #1 fantasy QB pick.
And is in the lead for this year's MVP.
Currently on a 7 game winning streak.
With a QB rating of 84!
IS THIS REAL LIFE?
The man is sailing his team to playoffs.
With a gem of a season.
#18 you are being blessed by the FOOTBALL GODS.
The league, fans, and I all admire your contribution and legacy to this game.

David Klapmeier Kin 332I
Tues./Thurs. 12:30-1:45