Native American Mascots in Sport

One of the biggest ethical issues in all of sports is whether or not its appropriate to have mascots that represent Native Americans. Honestly I am getting tired of this debate myself because we have discusses this topic in numerous classes since I have been to Bowling Green State University. My personal opinion is that Native Americans should just get over it and worry about more important things in their lives. If my race or culture were represented by a sports team as a mascot or logo I would be honored. I believe that it is a form of respect and representation. The one special case I do agree with the critics on is the Washington Redskins. I believe this logo is derogatory but at the same time don't believe it should be changed. The fact of the matter is the logo will not be changed because it represents one of the most powerful and historical franchises in all of the NFL. As a fan of the Cleveland Indians, I know of the debate over our team name as well. I believe the Cleveland Indians is a positive representation especially in the mid to late 90's when the team was successful. The Atlanta Braves face criticism over the tomahawk chop but they won 14 consecutive division titles. Many college teams have gone away from Native American mascots including Illinois and Miami of Ohio. In the SI article 81% of the Native Americans interviewed believed they should continue using mascots in High School and 83% said the same thing for professional teams. Over half the population interviewed on reservations said that it was fine to keep using the mascots. I believe Native American mascots convey courage, leadership, and dignity and this debate should be forgotten.

The Cheaters Hall of Fame?

Last week in class we had an interesting conversation about ethics in sports. In this case we were talking about Major League Baseball and Pete Rose. Dr. Spencer asked the class whether Pete Rose should be allowed into the Baseball Hall of Fame or not. Most of the class raised their hand and I think I may have been the only person to keep my hand down in favor of keeping Pete Rose out of the Hall of Fame. When I was younger I agreed with most of the class. I always believed Pete Rose should be honored by being accepted into the Hall of Fame. Pete Rose's statistics and accomplishments certainly cannot be ignored. Usually when a player hits for over 3,000 hits in their professional career they're usually guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame. Pete Rose shattered the 3,000 hit mark and is baseball's all time hit leader with over 4,200 hits. Rose also is the all time leader in games played and at bats. Some other historic accomplishments Rose achieved throughout his career are three world series rings, three batting titles, one MVP award, two gold gloves, Rookie of The Year, and an impressive 17 all star game appearances at 5 different positions. So I do agree with most of the class, sure Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame. Those statistics and accomplishments are incredible and we may never see a player have success like Rose ever again. The issue with Rose is he embarrassed and disrespected the game of baseball. Rose gambled on baseball both as a player and manager for the Cincinnati Reds. Even though Rose denies betting against the Reds, he did bet on the Reds and we never will truly know if he bet against his own team which wouldn't surprise me. Rose denied these claims for 15 years. I believe Rose shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame because he gambled on baseball and denied it for years. A major issue with baseball today is steroids. Prominent MLB players such as Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmero, Rogers Clemens, and Barry Bonds are surrounded by the black cloud of steroids. Steroids along with gambling on baseball can tarnish a sport and has definitely giving Americas greatest past-time a huge black eye. If some of the best players ever to play the game such as Barry Bonds and Rogers Clemens can't be elected into the Hall of Fame because questions over steroids then why should Pete Rose be elected into the Hall of Fame when he to disrespected the game of baseball. Pete Rose should be in the Hall because of his statitsics but what example do you show to baseball fans, players, and young kids when you lets cheaters and gamblers into the Hall of Fame of a sport that they disrecpeted and broke the rules of. This topic of debate is one that can go on all day long. The fact of the matter is it doesn't even matter until Pete Rose is even reinstated which may never happen. Even if Rose is reinstated his Hall of Fame eligibility is nearly up. It is sad to say but one of the all time greats will most likely never be accepted into the Hall of Fame.

Sports fact of the week: The 2009/10 NFL season kicks off this week on Thursday with the defending Super Bowl Champion Steelers taking on the Titans.