No Fans Allowed At The 2021 Olympics!

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Sha’Carri RichardsonOn the TunneySide of Sports July 19, 2021 #857 Up next… No Fans Are Allowed At The 2021 Summer Olympics!

After further review… We are now sure that includes Sha’Carri Richardson, the 5’1” Texan sprinter who won the 100-meter United States Olympic Trials in Oregon earlier this month. Later she was disqualified. Did she “jump-the-gun”? Did she interfere with her competitor in the next lane?

Nope! This 21-year-old LSU freshman ran that 100-meters in 10.86 and is one of the 10-fastest women in the world. She says she is “only human.” Ha! it must be added that with that speed, she is more super-human. She said her role model was Florence Griffith Joyner, a former UCLA Bruin who died from suffocation in her sleep due to an epileptic seizure some 3 years ago. Flo-Jo is the current 100-meter world record holder at 10.49- just about one-half second faster than Richardson’s mark in Oregon.

Sha’Carri’s disqualification was the result of her use of marijuana prior to that race at the Olympic trials. The US Olympic Track and Field Committee, while under some scrutiny for its position on the use of marijuana, made it clear to all Olympic trials’ athletes that pot is against the rules. Richardson’s test following her outstanding achievement discovered the use of that banned substance.

Richardson is to be congratulated for her sportsmanlike response to such a personally devastating defeat. From all that has been printed/noted, she accepted the Olympic committee’s decision with the heart of a champion! Since she was aware of the ruling, why would she knowingly violate it? The short answer is that she was informed (prior to that race) that her biological mother had recently died. It had a huge emotional impact on her.

If you saw that race, you noticed when Sha’Carri crossed the finish line with her orange hair flowing behind her, she immediately climbed into the stand to give a hug and big thanks to her grandmother, who raised her and gave her such positive reinforcements that encouraged her toward success. Yes, she will be a fan who watches on TV, while her teammates carry on with her only in their hearts and minds.

The question many are asking is: Did that use of marijuana help her physically to achieve that 10.86 Olympic Trials victory? While it was a banned substance, experts report it did not provide her with any physical assistance. For Sha’Carri its use was for her emotional stability.

Will you offer your thoughts: Should Sha’Carri have been allowed on this 2020 US Olympic T*E*A*M?

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. A special July 4th offer (I know it’s over) Bobblehead for $30. (tax and shipping included) and one book of your choice.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

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What About Respect? Civility?

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Rude standing sports fansOn the TunneySide of Sports July 12, 2021 #856 Up next… What About Respect? Civility?

After further review… Can the words civility and sports fans be used in the same sentence? If the simple definition of civility is courtesy and the word fan is abbreviated from fanatic (excessively enthusiastic), can fans be courteous?

We recently observed that fans have thrown objects at NBA players as well as shouting vulgar and obscene names at them during and after games. We’ve also noticed that some fans, wanting to cheer on their T*E*A*M by standing up thereby blocking the view of other fans, who were cheering the same team, but seated. All of these fans were in seats near the playing floor. The seated fans asked those standing to please sit down since those seated couldn’t see. Those standing refused to sit. If you were one of those standing, what would you do?

It was observed that those standing were younger (20s-30s), while those seated were older (50s-60s). Older fans intend to sit more than stand, and at stadium events usually sit throughout the event. Attending a concert an older audience usually remains seated, except for an occasional standing ovation. During an athletic event, standing happens more often.

Younger fans tend to stand throughout – rock concerts and the like. You may have noticed that during college sporting events, students stand the entire game – football and basketball. During the recent NCAA Baseball World Series, most all attendees were seated except for the occasional home run.

During the aforementioned confrontation, the fans’ response to the request to sit down was, “We paid for these seats,  and we’ll stand if we want to.” Those sitting replied, “Well, if you paid for the seats, sit in them!” “NO!” came back from the other side. The banter continued.

Since today’s younger crowd wants to stand, the question is: Is it their right, even if they do block the view of others?” Those standing argue that standing creates more enthusiasm and support for their team. If you observe players closely you may notice that while the players welcome their fans’ attendance, they don’t care much if they stand or sit.

One caution: Please be careful in fan confrontation in today’s world since it may lead to violence.

Will you be considerate of others not only in arenas but in all parts of society?

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Jim’s books not only have personal stories about interesting sportspeople but also contain principles and philosophies about the value of sports. See website for details.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

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Searching for independence

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

name images likenessOn the TunneySide of Sports July 5, 2021 #855 Up next… Searching for independence

After further review… Seems to me that it was appropriate for SCOTUS to pass a ruling, effective July 1, granting NCAA college athletes the opportunity of accepting remuneration for their NIL (name, image, likeness) when they perform their physical skills as NCAA athletes. Or was it? It was the intent of Thomas Paine, author of “Common Sense,” which first popularized the idea of independence, followed by Ben Franklin (of the $100 bill fame) who was one of the principal authors of our Declaration of Independence, that became effective some 245 years ago yesterday.

Several issues need to be considered – for common-sense purposes (excuse me, Mr. Paine). College athletes have always been considered “amateur” athletes. They participate without pay unless you consider they get free college education including free room and board as well as a small stipend for expenses. However, many say in our 2021 world that is not enough.

The complaint is that NCAA colleges and universities are using the athletes’ NIL receiving billions (yes, billions) of dollars while their athletes receive (at least for the moment) nothing! “Unfair!” scream those athletes! Then continue “while coaches get paid millions, in some cases ‘several’ million, and we get ‘nothing.” (See above “education” re: nothing). May this remind them: Coaches are employees, athletes are not! If those colleges are going to employ their athletes, then they must provide them with all the benefits of other employees, which can be numerous and encumbering.

This SCOTUS decision, as it is written, does not include all colleges and universities as well as not including all those who participate in athletics. If “we the people” are now professing inclusion as our standard, it seems here we are reverting more to separation than inclusion. Further, where are we headed? As former modern management guru, Dr. Peter Drucker, said, “The trouble with the future is — the future isn’t what it used to be.”

Will you log-in where we are going with pay for the college athletes’ NIL?

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Jim’s books not only have personal stories about interesting sportspeople but also contain principles and philosophies about the value of sports. See website for details.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

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