Tag Archives: NCAA

Kevin Ware injury: To show or not to show?

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoo3EFYNuk8

The above video is the gruesome leg injury Kevin Ware of Louisville suffered against Duke. Before watching it, I must warn that it is very graphic.

Personally, I hate watching any type of stomach-churning injury. I’ve seen the Ware replay no more than twice. The last time I saw the cringe inducing hit on Willis McGahee‘s knee was more than eight years ago. Haven’t watched it since.

But, does that singular opinion mean it shouldn’t be shown at all?

Kevin Ware

CBS decided to pull the replay of Ware’s injury during the airing of the game. Similarly, the clip couldn’t be found on that night’s airing of Sports Center. I’m not complaining, but I think it is time that we as a culture decide what we are willing to have on television.

There seems to be a severe disconnect between content we mind and don’t mind. It’s truly shocking that the Ware injury was censored so swiftly and without any real opposition. At the same time, the Saigon Execution has been shown on the History Channel for years. The first time I saw it, I was only 13-years-old.

Saigon Execution

What is more disturbing: a compound fracture suffered during a basketball game or a nonchalant public murder? I don’t know about all of you, but the latter stays with me much much more. If we are willing to show that to any demographic on educational channels, then why are we so afraid to show a basketball injury? Yes, it’s certainly not pleasant to watch. But no more difficult to take in than a real life killing.

Ultimately, we need to draw a line regarding the graphic content we will and will not release. There needs to be a clear consistency when it comes to censorship. No more tip-toeing around what might or might not upset the audience. If the media believe we are capable of maturely handling a real life murder, then they shouldn’t limit other controversial subject matter for the sake of viewer comfort.

It’s time to pay College Athletes

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College Athletes should be paidDoes the loch ness monster exist?

What is in the Mariana’s Trench?

Should college athletes be paid?

All questions for the ages that have no definitive answer. Many speculate and offer their own thoughts. But, few can come to a common ground.

College PiadFrom an extremely outside perspective, I believe players should be compensated in some form. After all, football and basketball programs generate millions in revenue for top tier schools. However, University signed paychecks fall into an extremely gray area, even if legalized by the NCAA.

My proposal: why not let student athletes make their own money? An athlete should be compensated for use of their likeness by outside sources. If some memorabilia store right down the street from school is plastering Geno Smith’s face on their shirts, why shouldn’t he see any money for that?

Players should be allowed to copyright and profit from certain saying or images while still in school. “Fear the Brow,” “Tebowing,” any of those forays into pop culture should be met with monetary reward for the player.

As long as it doesn’t interfere with university activities, student athletes should be permitted to appear at events for money. Why shouldn’t a sports bar be allowed to pay Johnny Manziel for an all day signing event?

College paidI understand that schools want to protect their players. They are young people with little experience in a professional business world. Many will try and take advantage of them.

But, if the NCAA is unwilling to pay college athletes, than the players should be permitted to seek out a profit from sources unaffiliated and unrelated to the universities they attend. It seems simpler to compensate athletes in a manner not involved with the NCAA. This would remove the burden of regulation from the NCAA’s shoulders, allowing the free market to dictate what a student athlete can possibly make.

I don’t believe the system as currently constructed can continue for much longer. As revenues grow and player’s brands expand, it will be nearly impossible to get through a season without an illogical rule infraction. So, why not dissolve the problem completely and allow college athletes to try and make their own money?