By Ken Reed
As 2016 approaches, way too many athletes, at all levels — from youth leagues, to high school, to college, to the pro ranks — will go to practices today dreading the fact that they’ll once again have to deal with an abusive coach.
Too many coaches still resort to swearing and verbal […]
By Ken Reed
The Huffington Post
September 25, 2015
It has been said that the only thing that really matters in life is who you become and the effect you have on other people.
Based on that philosophy, I’d say Yogi Berra had an A+ life.
The former New York Yankees great, […]
Continue Reading →: Yogi Berra’s Distinctively Well-Lived Life
By Ken Reed
My stomach turns every time I see mixed martial arts (MMA) on so-called sports television networks. It’s so spurious and barbaric … and a long ways from true sport.
Now there’s this: Adult-organized children’s MMA.
Kids — boys and girls — as young as 8 years old, with nicknames like Black […]
By Ken Reed
For years, major college athletic departments have cried poor. Most of them say they’re actually losing money on their football and men’s basketball programs. Supposedly, according to NCAA execs, athletic directors and their apologists, only about 20 NCAA FBS Division athletic departments make money. Most people, including sports columnists and writers […]
Continue Reading →: Funny Accounting Drives Big-Time College Sports
By Ken Reed
“Best Decision I Have Ever Made”
Mason Darrow was terrified. He wasn’t afraid of failing a class, losing a parent, or what a doctor’s diagnosis might be. He was afraid to be himself.
Darrow is a 6’5″, 285 lb. offensive lineman for NCAA Division I member Princeton University. He’s also gay. But […]
A League of Fans Special Feature
David Light Shields
David Light Shields is co-author of the book True Competition: A Guide to Pursuing Excellence in Sport and Society. He is an Associate Professor and Teacher Education Program Coordinator at St. Louis Community College.
Previously, Shields was co-director of the Mendelsen Center for Sport, Character, and […]
By Ken Reed
On the same day, in two different small community newspapers, I read two articles talking about a new football headwear device designed to “keep players safe” from head injuries. Here are the headlines: “Guardian Caps Keep Players Safe” and “New Safety for Player Noggins.”
Wow, from reading those two headlines […]
Continue Reading →: Misleading Marketing and Reporting Endangering Young Football Players
A League of Fans Special Feature
Barb Lazarus
Barb Lazarus is the owner and co-founder of Game On! Sports Camps 4 Girls. Game On! is a unique sports-based experience for young girls ages 4-14. The camp focuses on building campers’ character, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle, while fostering a love of sport. The overarching goal […]
By Ken Reed
The Huffington Post
September 2, 2015
Last week it was revealed that the University of Cincinnati and Virginia Tech football programs were fining players for disciplinary reasons, including missing a team breakfast, or a tutoring session, skipping a class, drawing a personal foul penalty, etc.
The gist of the […]
Continue Reading →: Hey NLRB, Do You Think College Football Players Are Employees Now?
By Ken Reed
For some reason, most Americans seem to believe that coaches have to be from the ‘kick ’em in the butt” authoritarian school of coaching in order to be successful. You know, the Vince Lombardi and Bobby Knight types. This despite a ton of evidence that says that simply isn’t the case. Think […]
Continue Reading →: Maddon, Solomon Proving You Don’t Need to Be a Drill Sergeant to Win