Sport vs. Story

At the end of June, NCAA football fans finally got what they've been clamouring to see for so many years. An end to the question, “Is this the best team in the nation this season?” as the NCAA has adapted to a 4 team playoff system and a move away from the BCS ranking system that aroused more questions than answers. Less politics and second guessing – more football. The season also sees the return of The USC Trojans back into Bowl Contention following a prolonged suspension. It’s another season for Alabama Coach Nick Saban to add to his already full trophy case as we begin to ask if he’s in the running for the greatest college football coach of all time. And of course another year to debate which player will rise to the top for the coveted Heisman Trophy. Yet in the lead-up to kickoff for the season, discussion about the aforementioned stories is muted. Hype and hope going into the season is on a back-burner, as we’re left to talk about the villainous actions of a university protecting their image and protecting a predator.

More details emerged over Penn State’s handling of Jerry Sandusky, specifically “legendary” coach Joe Paterno, after last Thursday’s report by former FBI director Louis Freeh. The eight month inquiry into the child sex abuse unveiled more grim details in an already gruesome case.  Sandusky was convicted on eight counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, seven counts of indecent assault, one count of criminal intent to commit indecent assault, nine counts of unlawful contact with minors, 10 counts of corruption of minors and 10 counts of endangering the welfare of children. The Freeh Report details have rocked the college football world, changed the image of a once highly regarded coach, and marred a university. This isn’t a college football scandal in which one university is gaining a competitive edge by bribing a potential recruit. This is a crime and a complete disregard for moral ethics and the welfare of children. As far back as 1998 Paterno was aware of the actions former defensive co-ordinator Jerry Sandusky. Instead of reporting the crimes to the proper authorities, Paterno channelled the information into a web of concealment to protect himself. Not the victims, but himself. His program, his recruitment dollars, his funding, his legacy... his image. The investigation’s findings have launched the sports world into yet another battle of sport versus scandal. When the NCAA is celebrating a movement towards what the fans want and prepare for another season, our thoughts are shifted towards the victims of the heinous case. We’re left to wonder how Penn State was able to employ such devious monsters. Not just Sandusky, but Paterno too. The university and anybody with knowledge on the situation acted with such cowardice in not coming forward to put an end to the crimes that continued inside their walls. After resolving it’s biggest on field question "is this the best team in the nation this season?", the landscape of college football now has to walk a precarious tightrope as to not turn its fan base off while an off-field question crops up.... Will Sport beat Story?

The NHL wrapped up another storied Stanley Cup Playoffs with the LA Kings crowned champions. In what is described as the toughest championship to win in all of sports given the heightened intensity and the lengths players push themselves to in the hopes of hoisting hockey’s Holy Grail, it was a great culmination of another great hockey season. It’s another piece to steady progress and process the league has undertaken now 8 years removed from a major black eye, “The Lockout.” Two words that make every hockey fan shudder. That was followed up by the draft and free agency that saw some major trades made, future stars drafted, a free agent frenzy and springing hope and promise onto fans that eagerly wait another season. But into mid-July we’re entrenched into off-ice news that is equally as damaging as it was 8 years ago. The NHL Board of Governors has forwarded the Players Association its initial proposal for the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement and calling the offer “insulting” would be putting it nice. A massive salary-cap rollback, a five year contract limit, an elimination of all signing bonuses, and a flat salary figure for every year of every contract are just some of the highlights that the NHLPA are laughing at. So here we are. Mid-July, with optimism upon us as we get set for another season in the hopes our favourite team is going to win the Stanley Cup, once again embroiled in CBA talk.s We’ll hear terms like salary rollback, split in hockey-related revenue and work stoppage instead of Great Save, he shoots he scores and 110% percent. There will come a time when the CBA is resolved and action returns to the ice. But if it happens, how many fans will stick around after 2 work stoppages in an 8 year span.... Will Sport beat Story?

We've trained ourselves to accept unfortunate events that athletes/role models put themselves in, move on from it and revere them for their sporting greatness, despite the fact their acts they have done never change. Kobe Bryant isn’t referred to as an alleged sexual assaulter. He’s called a 5-time NBA champion, a 14-time NBA All-Star and one of the greatest players ever to play the game. It seems like a short time ago Michael Vick was the poster-boy for how to make a fall from grace. He’s rebounded and been thrust into fan super-stardom again nearly winning the EA Sports Madden 12 Cover and earning himself a 6 year $100 million contract of which $40 million is guaranteed to him.

In the pinnacle of athletic competition, the sports world is set to embark onto London for Games of the 30th Olympiad. As many Olympic athletes have said before, it’s an honour to just compete at the Games. But the Games have a history of being blemished by athletes who disregard that privilege. The Olympics has seen its fair share of scrutiny with doping from Ben Johnson and Marion Jones returning their gold medals. Along with controversial judging decisions amidst bribery allegations with Park Si-Hun winning over Roy Jones Jr in boxing in what remains as 1 of the most egregious decisions ever in sport. It’s a tremendous accomplishment to win a Gold Medal. It’s a black eye to have to give it back or win it undeservedly.

Fans across the globe prepare themselves. Not just for spectacular achievements or feats of physical excellence... but to fear the worst. We’re days away from 2 weeks of premier athletics and I implore the sporting world to give us 2 weeks of just sports & no scandal...... But what will win – The Sport or The Story?