Alarms are going off in my head
Ok, so I posted multiple times on Mike Vick and the saga that is his life.
I've also posted numerous times on Barry Bonds and the steroids issues in MLB (is there any last hope he will retire before breaking Hank's record?)
Yesterday, news came out that one NBA referee is under investigation of betting on NBA games including games he was a referee for.
A few days ago Gary Player, a highly respected elder statesman in the world of golf, said there is at least one pro golfer on steroids.
Yesterday NASCAR has sound bites flying all over the place regarding their testing, or lack of, for steroids and recreational drugs.
Each of these by themselves represent a story, some are horrific (Vick), some are distasteful (Bonds)and they all leave the average fan disappointed and angry on some level.
Together it suggests to me that the sports world is fast approaching armaggedon. Drug use, gambling, weapons charges and this dogfighting subculture all are on top of distaste and anger of the money these athletes make.
Consider this - if Mike Vick was a third string QB making $400k per year and did not have the famous $130M contract in his pocket, how would the coverage and reactions differ to his legal troubles?
There still would be the outrage regarding the abuse and treatment of the dogs. There still might be an indictment (might). There is no doubt PETA would be all over it. Would it dominate the sports news though?
At what point will a sports fan hesitate (further) at buying a ticket for $40 or $80 or more for a sporting event that has cheaters (steroids)or thugs (weapons/dogs) as the participants? Now we have possibilities of games being altered to hit betting lines by referees.
The average fan 50 years ago was not vested in the same way they are today. A ticket buyer, whether for single games or season tickets has to weigh what they will see as a product with the cost, not unlike any purchase in life. Does the recent stories and troubles of athletes make a difference to the middle class worker that needs to fork over $200 for tickets, parking and concessions for him, his wife and 1.8 kids?
It seemed easier to me a year ago, or three years ago (doesn't matter). I bought season tickets for the Atlanta Thrashers 4 years ago. Then there was the lock-out/strike year. Many fans waved goodbye after that. The product wasn't worth the heartache for them which goes back to the salaries etc. and how that relates to the cost the fan has to pay to see the product.
At some point do the dollars of the fans start going towards other leisure pleasures? Instead of going to the ballgame with your family do you spend it on something else? Does attendance drop in major sports in cities that have successful teams?
When is the line crossed with player behaviour and the growing legal issues that keep being brought to the public's attention?
One retort is that the legal issues are no different than a cross section of any portion of the public, that it might be proportional in severity. Perhaps, but I am not paying $6,000 per year for season tickets to watch criminals play hockey, I am paying for the pleasure to watch a skilled athlete that has a dream life and riches beyond my imagination to play that game.
I don't think I am an idealist by any stretch. I do want some of the innocence back in sports though.
I am tired of the negative crap.
In response to: Alarms are going off in my head
ReplyDeleteComment from: Danya [Visitor]
I agree...these guys are playing a game and they should remember that if not for the fans they would not be playing.