As you enjoy Sunday’s NFL and MLB games, I have a small task for you:
Pay attention to how often the leagues’ broadcast partners showcase players behaving like self-absorbed show-offs — replaying moments of posing, preening, trash-talking, and unprofessional conduct instead of highlighting players demonstrating skill in ways that contribute to team victories.
While you’re observing this, think about the growing problem that has caused the resignations of trained and qualified officials in high school, Little League, and recreational leagues. Many have chosen to step away due to the verbal and physical abuse they endure from players, coaches, parents, and spectators who have been influenced by the standards promoted by television and professional sports as the core of organized athletics.
An excerpt from a recent message addressed to parents within a Long Island area regarding youth sports reads:
“Dear Parents/Guardians of Bellmore-Merrick Student-Athletes:
Dallas Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel argues with line judge Julian Mapp (10) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“As we commence the fall sports seasons for high school and middle school, the availability of game officials remains a significant challenge.
“Unfortunately, due to the severe shortage of officials across all sports, Section VIII currently faces a restricted pool of officials, impacting not only middle school sports but all levels across the county.
“For instance, we have learned that several JV soccer games at the high school level have yet to be assigned officials, forcing many of these games to be treated as scrimmages.
“Moreover, at the high school level, an increasing number of football games will be scheduled as early as 11 a.m. to allow the same officiating crew to cover multiple games later in the day throughout Nassau County.
“Additionally, most, if not all, JV football games will now take place on Mondays to address the shortage of qualified officials for football.
“That said, there are currently scheduled games that will not have officials assigned. In such situations, our coaches strive to both instruct and ensure the safest possible playing conditions for our student-athletes.
In some areas across the country, there has been a referee shortage. Daniel DeLoach/Utica Observer-Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
“Please keep in mind … this situation is not limited to just [this district]; it is happening throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. Furthermore, this has escalated into a nationwide issue.”
Signed, “Eric Caballero, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics.”
I have traversed this troubling path before, having penned multiple columns over the last 25 years regarding assaults on referees and umpires in both youth and adult leagues. What was once a rare occurrence has now become a weekly event, often recorded on cell phones.
And it is only getting worse. A shortsighted leader like Rob Manfred, who claims that kids are MLB’s “top priority,” has foolishly endorsed promotional campaigns that celebrate MLB players bat-flipping, dancing, and engaging in various forms of unsportsmanlike behavior to attract impressionable youth to baseball.
Julio Rodriguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners flips his bat after hitting a three-run home run during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park on September 13, 2024. Getty Images
And the executives at MLB Network, along with parents, can’t seem to get enough of it.
So, take a moment to reflect as you watch on Sunday how television and its business partnerships with the NFL and MLB continue to shape our sports.
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MLB finishes with slap to Mets fans
In light of Rob Manfred’s so-called commitment to children, we’ve received numerous emails expressing frustration over MLB’s relentless pursuit of television revenue, particularly for its marquee matchups. This has impacted next Sunday’s Phillies vs. Mets game, the final Mets home game of the season.
The game has now been shifted to Sunday night, courtesy of MLB’s lucrative agreement with ESPN.
Here’s what former Post colleague Joe LoVerde had to say:
The Mets and Phillies will now play a Sunday night game. Getty Images
“My family—14 of us, ranging from teens to toddlers—purchased tickets for this game. Two of my adult children are participating in the 7 Line road race that morning at Citi Field, and we intended to attend the Mets game at 1:40 after some tailgating.
“However, ESPN took the game and moved it to 7:15 PM — far past the kids’ bedtimes, especially with the teenagers needing to prepare for school the next day in New Jersey.
“Our family outing is ruined. Thanks, Manfred!”
Undoubtedly, this will be met with the usual MLB-friendly media silence, just like the last 15 years of consistently available, good seats at the new Yankee Stadium without any accountability, pressure, or shame being directed toward the league.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks at the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Cooperstown, N.Y. AP
If Manfred and team owners aimed to restrict access to the most exciting games for short-term monetary gain, they have undoubtedly succeeded. Should MLB train fans to accept the absence of such games, they deserve the fallout that comes with it.
Tyreek has traffic stop tantrum
For a police officer, nothing is more daunting than pulling over a fast-moving vehicle with tinted windows. Officers can’t determine whether the driver is reaching for his registration or something more dangerous.
Recently, Tyreek Hill, who settled a case with a charter boat worker he assaulted last July, reportedly did not cooperate with the officer who stopped him, resulting in a routine yet necessary forceful restraint.
When the officer learned that Hill is a star receiver for the Dolphins, it became clear through body camera footage that he was unfamiliar with Hill’s identity or destination—and hopefully indifferent.
Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill is restrained and placed on the sidewalk by Miami-Dade Police Department officers in Miami, Florida, on September 8, 2024, in a still image from police body camera video. via REUTERS
During the game, after scoring a touchdown, Hill and teammate Jaylen Waddle mimicked being handcuffed, a display likely intended to elicit a reaction from Roger Goodell, as Hill joins the ranks of former college athletes whose criminal actions tarnish the NFL.
Hill, who had earned a full scholarship to Oklahoma, switched to West Alabama after pleading guilty to assaulting a female.
Still, Hill insists that his tumultuous encounter with law enforcement served as a valuable lesson for both him and the officers involved.
Yet, this reflects Goodell’s NFL.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker faced immediate public backlash from the NFL, as well as media and celebrity critiques. This type of reaction is usually reserved for players like Deshaun Watson, who settled 23 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of women and recently had another case filed against him. Notably, Watson signed a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million to quarterback the Browns shortly thereafter.
Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson responds to questions during a press conference following the team’s NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Cleveland on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Getty Images
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But, again, this is the leadership provided by Goodell for $70 million per. Perhaps at dinner with his family this week, he’ll recite the X-rated lyrics of his latest chosen Super Bowl headlining rapper.
Here’s another one for Goodell: Now that he has standardized the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice,” before large-audience games — a transparent public relations stunt rather than an act rooted in sincerity — what do white, Hispanic and Asian-Americans do at such games?
Do they respectfully stand, or would that risk accusations of “appropriating black culture?”
What do black folks do during the traditional, one-song-fits-all national anthem? Do they sit, as it’s not their national anthem?
Or is he such a quick-fix divisive fool that he never even considered such?
Self-Promotion and Spectacle: The Dark Side of Professional Sports and Its Impact on Youth
Understanding the Culture of Self-Promotion in Sports
The world of professional sports has evolved into a spectacle where athletes are not just competitors but also entertainers and influencers. This shift towards self-promotion has significant implications for youth, shaping their perceptions of success, achievement, and personal branding.
- Social Media Influence: Athletes often leverage platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to showcase their lives, creating a curated image that can be misleading.
- Brand Endorsements: The pursuit of sponsorship deals often leads athletes to prioritize their personal brands over traditional sportsmanship.
- Public Relations Strategies: Professional athletes hire PR teams to manage their public image, further blurring the line between authenticity and performance.
The Spectacle of Professional Sports
Professional sports events have transformed into massive entertainment spectacles, emphasizing visual appeal and dramatic narratives. This environment can be both exhilarating and toxic, particularly for youth who look up to these athletes.
The Role of Media in Shaping Spectacle
Media coverage of sports emphasizes highlights, drama, and controversy, often overshadowing the essence of athletic competition.
- Highlight Reels: Quick clips showcasing jaw-dropping moments can create unrealistic expectations among young athletes regarding their performance.
- Reality TV Shows: Programs featuring athletes’ lives often amplify their personas, leading to youth idolizing fame rather than skill.
- Fan Culture: The obsession with celebrity culture can skew young fans’ understanding of the sport, focusing more on the athlete’s persona than their athletic prowess.
Impact on Youth: The Psychological and Social Effects
The emphasis on self-promotion and spectacle has profound implications for young athletes and fans.
Psychological Pressure
The pressure to conform to the image of success portrayed by professional athletes can lead to various mental health issues among youth.
- Performance Anxiety: Young athletes may feel immense pressure to replicate the success of their idols, leading to anxiety and burnout.
- Comparison Culture: Constant exposure to idealized images can foster feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
- Identity Issues: Youth may struggle to establish their identities, prioritizing public perception over personal development.
Social Implications
The spectacle of sports can also affect social dynamics among youth.
- Peer Pressure: Young athletes may feel compelled to engage in risky behaviors to gain attention or approval from peers.
- Materialism: The focus on brand endorsements can lead to an unhealthy obsession with wealth and material possessions.
- Team Dynamics: The emphasis on individual stardom can undermine teamwork and collaboration, essential elements of sportsmanship.
Benefits of Healthy Role Models
While the dark side of self-promotion in sports is undeniable, there are athletes who successfully balance self-promotion with positive influence.
Attributes of Positive Role Models
| Attribute | Example Athlete | Impact on Youth |
|---|---|---|
| Community Engagement | LeBron James | Inspires youth to give back through initiatives like the “I PROMISE School.” |
| Authenticity | Serena Williams | Encourages resilience and self-acceptance through her open discussions on body image. |
| Sustainability Advocacy | David Beckham | Promotes environmental issues, motivating youth to consider their ecological footprint. |
Practical Tips for Young Athletes and Parents
Navigating the world of self-promotion and spectacle in sports can be challenging. Here are some practical tips for young athletes and their parents.
For Young Athletes
- Focus on Skill Development: Prioritize training and improvement over the pursuit of fame.
- Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals tailored to personal growth rather than comparison to others.
- Engage in Team Activities: Foster teamwork and collaboration to build essential social skills.
For Parents
- Encourage Open Conversations: Discuss the pressures of social media and public perception openly with your child.
- Model Healthy Behavior: Show your child the importance of humility, gratitude, and hard work.
- Limit Exposure to Negative Influences: Monitor media consumption and encourage engagement with positive role models.
Case Studies: Youth Sports Programs and Their Approach
Many youth sports programs are now recognizing the potential negative impacts of self-promotion and spectacle and are taking steps to create healthier environments.
Case Study 1: Positive Coaching Alliance
– **Overview:** This organization trains coaches to focus on positive reinforcement, emphasizing character development over winning at all costs.
– **Impact:** Youth athletes feel more valued and supported, leading to improved mental health and enjoyment of the sport.
Case Study 2: The Aspen Institute’s Project Play
– **Overview:** A national initiative aimed at redefining youth sports to prioritize participation, fun, and development over competition.
– **Impact:** Encourages a healthier atmosphere where young athletes can thrive without the pressure of self-promotion.
First-Hand Experience: A Youth Athlete’s Perspective
In a recent discussion with a high school soccer player, she shared her thoughts on the current sports culture:
>”There’s so much pressure to be perfect and look good online. Sometimes I feel like my skills don’t matter as much as how many likes my posts get. But I’ve realized that playing for the love of the game is what really matters to me.”
Her insights highlight the need for a shift in focus from spectacle to personal fulfillment within sports.
Conclusion
The dark side of self-promotion and spectacle in professional sports has far-reaching consequences for youth. By recognizing these challenges and promoting healthy behaviors, we can foster a more supportive environment for the next generation of athletes.
