LeGarrette Blount and the Politics of the Punch

I chose the Blount article from the Edge of Sports because I saw the punch on live television and had a little more background information on it. That being said, I think that both sites were very interesting, and I liked how the Sports on My Mind sight had just about any sport. However, I also liked how simple the Edge of Sports site was and found it to be much less intimidating. I also like how the Edge of Sports gave you the article right away on the home page. So although they were both thought provoking sites, I would give the advantage to Dave Zirin.

I thought the Blount article was an excellent article. It highlighted alot of great points about today's sporting world, especially when it comes to the college level of sports. I agree with him when he says that college football is unpaid labor. I understand that most of the players are getting a full-ride scholarship, but that's nothing when you think about how much money the NCAA, conferences and the institutions make off of those players. I don't know how to "rectify" the situation, but I do think something should be done to make things more equal.

I also agree with Zirin when he said that professional athletes have much more control, as well as freedom, than college athletes. Granted, I don't believe this is such a bad thing, but I do believe they should have more say in what happens to them.

Finally I also agree with Zirin that Blount's punishment was too severe. It was very obvious that the Boise State player provoke him, which doesn't make it right at all, but should be taken in to consideration. I know that professional athletes aren't always the best role models, but this type of thing does happen alot in the pros, as well as in sport (especially aggressive sports) quite often. Sometimes people just lose control. I think Blount should be given a second chance, as long as he is remorseful for what he did and works diligently to correct the situation as well as his anger issues. I know he has had behavioral problems in the past, but I think he needs to be given a lesser suspension, yet still a suspension. Zirin was also right when he said that the only way he will be forgiven is by doing well, but he won't have the opportunity to do well if they keep the suspension. So Blount really does not have a shot at redemption or to save his football career because he let his emotions get the best of him, but I guess he could try ultimate fighting.