Sports

Cheerleading may uphold questionable views of women and gender roles. For some, it is also their life's passion.

Controversies in professional sports reveal the implicit social contract between athletes and their spectators.

Equating masculinity with participation in certain sports creates negative discourse around gender identity and sexuality of individual athletes.

"how many of those people spending hours on a line waiting to get a ticket for the World Series, are willing to wait more than half an hour on a line to vote?"

Colin Kaepernick's decision to not stand for the national anthem has raised moral questions about expressing personal views in uniform, flag symbolism, and military respect. Do free speech and symbolism change depending on one's position and the intended meaning?

The contradictions inherent in the Olympics make it difficult to reject or embrace completely.

With LGBTQ rights in the spotlight, the International Olympic Committee has reconsidered its gender guidelines for athletes.

Cultural appropriation does not simply apply to Halloween costumes and racial slurs. The world of sports is currently attempting to wade the waters of race.

The NFL has definitely taken some hard knocks lately.  One of these issues that the League has struggled with over the last decade is controversy over the brain damage that can be caused by repeated concussions. Studies tend to show that repeated concussions (and sometimes repeated sub-concussive blows to the head) can potentially result in … Continue reading "The NFL’s Concussion Controversy"

The motorcycle racing community was in uproar for months following the decision handed down by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme/International Motorcycle Federation) to ban pro Supercross/Motocross racer James Stewart for one year for an anti-doping violation. Stewart tested positive for amphetamines at the Seattle Supercross last June. It was later determined that these came … Continue reading "Adderall Aftermath: The Implications of James Stewart’s Supercross Ban"

The World Cup is a “global experience” filled with an overwhelming amount of passion felt by soccer fans worldwide. It is a unique experience, and one that unifies all corners of the globe around a shared passion for what some would call “the most beautiful game.” There is no doubt that hosting comes with benefits … Continue reading "Preparation for the 2022 World Cup is far from ethical play"

This post by Dr. Jeff McCall was originally published by The Indy Star. Let’s remember a key fact as we prepare snacks and grab the remote to watch the Super Bowl. The people playing in the game are important only because they happen to be good at football. They aren’t super heroes. They aren’t necessarily good at … Continue reading "Media Have Warped Our Perception Of Athletes"

Receiving employment after prison can be difficult for many who are released; in fact, unemployment can lead to multiple offenses in the long run. While rehabilitation is generally good for society, are there certain jobs that convicted felons should not be allowed to have? There are certainly restrictions on jobs, such as sex offenders cannot work … Continue reading "Convicted Felons in Professional Sports"

I have been a student athlete for as long as I can remember. From personal experience, it is not an easy task. Learning how to balance schoolwork with a regimented athletic schedule places a lot of pressure on a person. Not only must a student athlete excel in the classroom in order to keep grades … Continue reading "Student-Athletes: Expectations and Responsibilities"

We have all heard it before: the kid out on the baseball field shouts, “you hit like a girl.” Adults do it too. In fact, just last fall my sister’s soccer coach yelled to his son, “you’re running like a girl,” upsetting many parents in the crowd. To many, to be “like a girl” means … Continue reading "‘Like a Girl:’ A cultural context"

Originally appeared in The Indianapolis Star The Federal Communications Commission is supposed to ensure that the electronic media serve the public interest. A current FCC rule, however, works primarily to serve the interests of a few of America’s wealthiest individuals. That’s why the FCC appears poised to end its blackout rule for National Football League games. … Continue reading "Time to Give NFL’s Blackout Rule the Boot"

The NFL is not the only professional sporting league to be affected by the growing discussion of domestic violence. Hope Solo, the goal-keeper of the women’s professional soccer team, has been accused of two counts of domestic violence, according to Washington Post columnist Cindy Boren.  Solo continues to play without repercussions even while waiting for her November … Continue reading "Domestic Violence in Athletics: An Epidemic?"

On Monday, September 8, 2014, Atlanta Hawks owner, Bruce Levenson, announced that he would be giving up his team after an investigation uncovered a racially charged email he had written in August 2012. After being confronted about the email, and fully admitting to his hurtful and racist comments, CNN reports that Levenson decided it would … Continue reading "Racism Has No Business in Basketball"

Come out to the Prindle Institute on Wednesday, September 17 at 8 PM for an outdoor screening of the 2014 documentary The Trials of Muhammad Ali. Movie snacks will be provided including apple cider and DIY s’mores around Prindle’s fire pit. Bring blankets to enjoy this film on the Prindle Courtyard lawn as you get a closer look at the … Continue reading "Prindle and Conflict Studies to host ‘The Trials of Muhammad Ali’ outdoor screening on September 17"

At 1:00 AM on September 8 TMZ posted a disturbing security video showing Ray Rice, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, punching his then-fiancée, Janay Palmer, rendering her unconscious. At 11:18 AM the Ravens tweeted that Rice’s contract had been terminated. At 11:41 AM, the NFL tweeted that Rice had been suspended from the league indefinitely. … Continue reading "What the Ray Rice Video Suggests About Our Moral Thinking"