Apple Cup?

What does the future hold for the Apple Cup? A discussion about a potential move of the Apple Cup game to Qwest Field in Seattle has created quite a stir of controversy in the last two weeks. Follow this story by clicking on a the following links.

Jim Sterk

Economic Impact Part I.

Economic Impact Part II.

After reading the reports, what are your general thoughts regarding the move? In regards to a topic we discussed in this course, what is WSU's social responsibility to the city of Pullman in regards to athletic teams? Is their a social contract? Why or why not?

Moral Role Model - The Coach

In class we discussed the importance of the environment, moral role models, and moral reasoning in character education. View two short videos from ESPN Outside the Lines: Point Missed - Point Made and 100-0 Coach Speaks. To view the videos (click here).

What type of impact will the coaches actions and words have on their student-athletes when they are done playing. Were each of the coaches profiled moral role-models? Why or why not. Share your thoughts. From previous class discussion and your personal experience, what type of characteristics distinguish a coach or sport leader as a positive moral role model?

Servant Leadership

During a recent class, I discussed servant leadership and the qualities that make-up a servant leader. Remember that a servant leader has a desire to serve others and a servant leader considers the development of the individual first. In your experiences as an athlete, think of a coach you had that displayed and demonstrated some of the qualities of a servant leader. Describe this coach, why were they a servant leader? If you cannot think of a coach that role-modeled these qualities, then provide an example of a coach who did not possess any of these qualities and describe them for us. Finally, what style of leadership would you like to play for? Hint: look back at the notes on descriptions of leadership styles.

Ethical Treatment

Read a recent editorial in Sports Illustrated on Micheal Vick. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) would like Micheal Vick to prove he is a changed man before being reinstated to the NFL. What do you think of Micheal Vick's return to the NFL? Should he be banished for life or has he already served his punishment. Is Micheal Vick being treated fairly? Why or why not? To read the article click (here).

Competition in Sport

After spring break we will discuss various definitions of competition. For example: 1) Competition can be defined as an activity in which one gains at the expense of another (Keating, 1964), 2) Competition can be seen as a process through which excellence is sought (Gibson, 1993), or 3) Competition may be seen as a mutual quest for excellence (Simon, 1985). How would you define competition? Provide an example of your experience in sport involving a competitive situation. Watch the video on Pete Carroll (click here). How do you think Coach Carroll might define competition? Then watch the video on John Gagliardi (click here). How do you think Coach Gagliardi defines competition?

Responsibility of a Sport Leader Part II

In an earlier post we discussed the responsibility of a football coach in the death of a student-athlete. This past week a college basketball coach erupted over a reporters comments about his salary. Click on the following links to view the story (video and story). Beyond Coach Calhoun's tirade, think about his responsibility and obligation in representing the campus community and the state of Connecticut. If needed, go back to your notes. How important is it for Jim Calhoun to represent his University professionally? If he is a moral role-model, what are the implications of his actions? Try to capture previous class notes and discussion in your response.

A-Rod

The saga of performance enhancing drugs in baseball continues. The most recent example is Alex Rodriguez, for an interview and story links (click here). We have discussed in class the process of moral development and moral reasoning. We grow, mature, and develop or do not develop morally through our education and environment and we are highly affected by moral role models (Gwebu, Stoll, & Beller, 2007). Are professional athletes role-models? Should they be? What are your thoughts on professional athletes as role-models? Also, do you believe that professional athletes ability to reason on moral issues has decreased during their time in sports? Why? Hint: Think back to class discussion and notes.