Sports and The Greed Factor

Bonds should be enjoying one of most special moments in the history of sports. Instead he is experiencing an isolated and miserable existence. Brother Barry is on the verge of breaking one of the hallowed records in sports, Hank Aaron’s HR record. Aaron went through a similar experience when he broke Babe Ruth’s mark over 30 years ago when he could not enjoy the ride. But, it was for different reasons.

Aaron had to deal with fact that he was a black man, in the South no less, who was about to break the record of one of the most popular figures in sports history. Bonds can not enjoy the ride because it is alleged that he used performance enhancing drugs that helped him hit all of those HRs.

Although he has never tested positive for using these drugs, the circumstantial evidence is somewhat overwhelming. Now Bonds was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career before the word “steroids” was associated with his name. According to some he has been jealous of the accolades that Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa were receiving for just hitting homeruns. Being the best all around player in the game was not enough for him. Therefore, he started using steroids and human growth hormones to help produce more power, according to allegations. Those same accusers have not considered the fact that most of the newer ball parks are considerably smaller than the ones Bonds played in when he first broke into the “Bigs” and that the pitching today is nothing compared to what it was back in the ‘80’s. Guys who were 3rd and 4th starters in ’86, would be the ace of their respective staffs today.

When the story broke regarding the situation at the house that Vick owned in Virginia, the first thing that came to my mind was that I hope he was not involved. When the indictment was handed down on Thursday, the first thing that came to my mind was that I hope that he is not remotely involved with any of the allegations. Now let’s keep in mind, that he has only been accused and not convicted at this time. And he should not be convicted in the court of public opinion. If he is convicted, it should be only in the court of law.

With that being said, the alleged charges make me sick to my stomach and I’m not even an animal lover. They definitely held dogfights within the confines of that property and the mounting evidence of how those dogs were treated can only be described as medieval. Many well off individuals own property that they have never seen. They also could have bought it for a family member or long-time friend. They may use it as a tax write-off or just want to increase their real estate portfolio. Therefore, it is possible that Vick owned the property but did not know what was going on. Now I doubt it. But it is possible.

What was even more troubling was that some of Vick’s colleagues, including Washington Redskins’ RB Clinton Portis, could not understand what all the fuss was about over a few dogs fighting for sport. I hope that they understand now. If the charges are found to be true, then the responsible individuals should be treated worse than the dogs behind those gates in question.

Animal right activists led by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have picketed the NFL Head Quarters and the Falcon’s training facilities since the news broke. They have marched around with signs stating “Sack Vick” and “Tackle Cruelty”. And trust me it is only going to get worse. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has directed Vick not to report to training camp until after his preliminary court date and the star QB knows what he is up against. For the most part, he has been suspended with pay.

This may be the best action to take. If Vick shows up for training camp next week, it would be a media circus of biblical proportions. PETA is planning to turn up the heat once Vick comes out of the bunker. They are all planning to sell anti Vick tee shirts and hats with “Sack Vick” or “No. 7″ crossed out. There is no way that Vick or his teammates, who for the most part still support him, will be able to concentrate during camp if the QB is there. The media ambush and potential protests will be impossible to manage.

With the Vick story still hot in the press, the NY Post broke the story that NBA ref Tim Donaghy was being investigated by the Feds for betting on games when he was one of the referees and that he did this in cohoots with the Mob no less. It is one thing if he is the only ref, then the League can survive this blow. But if more refs or players are involved as subsequent reports have indicated and that Donaghy will testify to investigators, then this could be one more nail in the coffin. Several members of media and fans have indicated over the years that the NBA has fixed their games to improve ratings. I don’t think that is the case because I’m sure the League would prefer to have LA or Phoenix in the Finals instead of the Spurs every other year. But, I digress.

This is not wrestling were the outcomes are predetermined. One would think that all games are determined by the players and not the refs and/or the League. If this is widespread instead of an insolated innocent, this can have major implications regarding the future of the NBA. In the ‘90’s, the League was the envy of all sports. Michael Jordan took the baton from Bird and Magic and revenue and the League’s popularity soared as high as Jordan could jump.

Now with the players getting arrested for fights on and off the court, the gap between the players and their fan base is widening by the day. A wide-spread gambling scandal could be a death blow to the League.

At a time when I should be enjoying the fact that A-Rod is having a season for the ages and Shelly Duncan has come up from the minors and energized the Yankees sluggish offense, my spirits should be lifted by what is taking place on the field. Add in the fact that NFL camps are opening all across the country this week and this should be a joyous time of the year. But, with all of these headlines dominating the media lately, it is sad to see how the world of sports has merged with the world of today.

WORDS: Marc Rasbury