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Sports reimagined
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jaybird44 Offline
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Post: #1
Sports reimagined
Are you gonna like sports the way sports is headed now? I hope it will be sports. I hope we can go. I hope it won't be politicized. I hope it will still be a game we can share no matter where we stand on everything. What are your thoughts?
07-06-2020 05:45 PM
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blueandsilver Offline
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RE: Sports reimagined
I sure hope that things can return to support what I really enjoy about ODU Football. After getting battered with everything all week -- work, news, politics -- I enjoy a Saturday afternoon with others who want to watch and cheer the Monarchs on and having all the distractions disappear for a short while.

I have had season tickets and donated since football started -- I'm all set and whatever direction the wind blows I'll deal with it (delay start of season, restrict attendance, TV only, etc.).

However, if it devolves into a bunch of political statements and drama being played in addition to the sport, I'm out and probably not coming back. Lot's of options of where to spend my time, support, and $$$. If the garbage that is being played out all week long works itself into football Saturday's, I'll quietly step aside and let those participants sort it out. I've always liked Australian Football.

So much to be grateful for in this country and to see some of the ignorance being bantered about by a bunch of cowards who have sacrificed nothing for the freedoms they enjoy, and take for granted, is really disgusting. It has no place in college or professional sports.
07-06-2020 06:53 PM
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MonarchsWon Offline
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RE: Sports reimagined
(07-06-2020 06:53 PM)blueandsilver Wrote:  I sure hope that things can return to support what I really enjoy about ODU Football. After getting battered with everything all week -- work, news, politics -- I enjoy a Saturday afternoon with others who want to watch and cheer the Monarchs on and having all the distractions disappear for a short while.

I have had season tickets and donated since football started -- I'm all set and whatever direction the wind blows I'll deal with it (delay start of season, restrict attendance, TV only, etc.).

However, if it devolves into a bunch of political statements and drama being played in addition to the sport, I'm out and probably not coming back. Lot's of options of where to spend my time, support, and $$$. If the garbage that is being played out all week long works itself into football Saturday's, I'll quietly step aside and let those participants sort it out. I've always liked Australian Football.

So much to be grateful for in this country and to see some of the ignorance being bantered about by a bunch of cowards who have sacrificed nothing for the freedoms they enjoy, and take for granted, is really disgusting. It has no place in college or professional sports.

I wholeheartedly agree. If sports (Pro and NCAA) become political - they will lose a huge chunk of their fan base and it will destroy the product. Ratings plummeted for the NFL during the Kap/Kneel debacle. It will only get worse if they continue in this direction. I'm not looking for political expressions / pronouncements during sporting events. If that's what they devolve to - I'm out. Been following / supporting Old Dominion since 1986. Not real happy with the direction they are going as a University. Will be very unhappy if they politicize their sports programs. Hoping for the best on both accounts.
07-07-2020 07:44 AM
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JJMonarch Offline
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RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 07:44 AM)MonarchsWon Wrote:  
(07-06-2020 06:53 PM)blueandsilver Wrote:  I sure hope that things can return to support what I really enjoy about ODU Football. After getting battered with everything all week -- work, news, politics -- I enjoy a Saturday afternoon with others who want to watch and cheer the Monarchs on and having all the distractions disappear for a short while.

I have had season tickets and donated since football started -- I'm all set and whatever direction the wind blows I'll deal with it (delay start of season, restrict attendance, TV only, etc.).

However, if it devolves into a bunch of political statements and drama being played in addition to the sport, I'm out and probably not coming back. Lot's of options of where to spend my time, support, and $$$. If the garbage that is being played out all week long works itself into football Saturday's, I'll quietly step aside and let those participants sort it out. I've always liked Australian Football.

So much to be grateful for in this country and to see some of the ignorance being bantered about by a bunch of cowards who have sacrificed nothing for the freedoms they enjoy, and take for granted, is really disgusting. It has no place in college or professional sports.

I wholeheartedly agree. If sports (Pro and NCAA) become political - they will lose a huge chunk of their fan base and it will destroy the product. Ratings plummeted for the NFL during the Kap/Kneel debacle. It will only get worse if they continue in this direction. I'm not looking for political expressions / pronouncements during sporting events. If that's what they devolve to - I'm out. Been following / supporting Old Dominion since 1986. Not real happy with the direction they are going as a University. Will be very unhappy if they politicize their sports programs. Hoping for the best on both accounts.

Absolutely to all of this!
07-07-2020 08:04 AM
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odu09 Offline
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RE: Sports reimagined
I guess all 3 of you already forgot about the circle of unity before each game? Is that not exactly what you are all threatening to quit ODU sports for? The players also warmed up in BLM shirts back in 2016... why didn't you quit back then?

Article from 2016: https://archive.thinkprogress.org/nation...ff1d1ab3e/

"October 29: College football players join hands in ‘circle of unity’
University of Texas at El Paso: Before their homecoming match began, UTEP football players linked hands with their opponents, the Old Dominion Monarchs, and raised their joined fists upwards.

It’s not UTEP’s first time engaging in the gesture, which walks the line between respecting law enforcement and acknowledging police discrimination toward minorities . They’ve done it for a few weeks now, according to The Prospector, at the suggestion of their coach after several ODU players began wearing Black Lives Matter shirts in warm-ups."

I'm not trying to prove you guys wrong or anything. But in reality, if politics seeping into sports was really going to make you quit watching, then you should've been out 4 years ago. Point being, just watch the game. Maybe let the players express themselves how they'd like, and not let that get in your way of watching a game. Sure didn't get in the way 4 years ago, maybe because you didn't notice. Ignorance is bliss?
07-07-2020 08:38 AM
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MonarchsWon Offline
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RE: Sports reimagined
I noticed and thought it was handled rather well - all things considered. Interesting how that too was during a presidential election - 4 years ago. Makes you wonder. But I thought they actually took the politics out of it. Took a divisive message and turned it into a unifying message. If a player wants to wear a BLM shirt or a Mao shirt or a Che Guevara shirt under his uniform - no problem - free speech. Not a kid I'd point to as a model for others but I'm sure he doesn't care. But if political messaging is done in a formal matter - as a team - on behalf of the University - at games - in a divisive manner - I'm not interested. It makes no sense to be divisive and lose segments of your fan base. Pro- or Anti- / you alienate. Keep the politics off the field on an individual level.
If the NFL or MLB or NBA or NCAA or Old Dominion are going to take sides in politics and promote political messaging, I can watch CNN or FOX and get my fill. As was said, just play the games. Easy. Everybody wins.
07-07-2020 09:24 AM
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Monarchblue Online
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Post: #7
RE: Sports reimagined
But, seriously, can we not have one single facet of our lives that is not infiltrated by the ridiculous overheated politics in this country? I am all for athletes expressing whatever they want off the field, but can we let the field of play and the stadiums be a sanctuary where everyone comes out of their corners and forgets about what side of the aisle they are on? Is there no place where we can just be Americans who don't hate people who disagree with our politics anymore? There has to be a way for us to coexist, and there has to be a place where we can turn off the political machine or this country will implode. I understand that athletes are people too, and that they are passionate about being heard on issues that are very important to their community, and if they want to work with their respective leagues to organize town hall that will be broadcast nationwide, or find other opportunities to get their message out, I am good with that, but I would really love it if we let the 2 or 3 hours that are dedicated to competition, fellowship, fandom,and fun remain a place where we can all come together to enjoy something that we love.
07-07-2020 09:27 AM
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Post: #8
RE: Sports reimagined
Im happy for everyone to have a voice. But for me, athletic events are a break from the stress of the real world. Entertainment. A chance to get away from the realities of life for a little while. For that reason, I don't want my work, news or politics intertwined with my sports. It stresses me out during what is for me, one of my few opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.
07-07-2020 09:54 AM
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Post: #9
RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 09:48 AM)smudge12 Wrote:  Sports and politics - like the arts and politics - have always been intertwined.

Of course messages change based on the times, but the platforms have always been closely tied together.

So I guess with that, I encourage our student athletes to voice their opinions whatever they may be. IMO, that's more important than any game.

And as fans we can ignore it, protest, or voice our pleasure/displeasure. In the end, I'll watch for the entertainment value.

Is it not important for people to learn that there is a time and place for certain things. I would not ask athletes to refrain from making their voices heard, nor would I ask them not to protest, but its seems to me that the playing field is not the appropriate time/place. It seems that your position is there there is no inappropriate time or place. If that position is reinforced, these young men and women are going to have a hard lesson to learn when they get into the workplace, which college is allegedly preparing them for.
07-07-2020 10:14 AM
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RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 10:14 AM)smudge12 Wrote:  From ancient civilizations to the Berlin Olympics to current day events and everything in between, sports and politics are a marriage made in heaven.

I somewhat understand the sentiment, but I guess my question is: What's different today?

It's literally always been there. Nothing today is different than when I was at ODU or when I was even younger.

It has always been a bit of a one off, not something that has been endorsed by the sports' governing bodies. It has not been a ubiquitous movement that is absorbed into the way sports are consumed. It seems we are headed toward ubiquity, at least during election years, in the way that our sports leagues are approaching this.
07-07-2020 10:17 AM
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monarx Online
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RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 10:22 AM)smudge12 Wrote:  Why is the workplace an inappropriate time for politics? If anything, I think it's one of the most appropriate places for it.

In fact I don't think I've ever been in a place that doesn't talk about politics, from minimum wage positions to field work to desk jobs. My coworkers and I (conservatives, moderates, progressives, managers, low-level employees) talk about relevant political issues at least a few times a week

Watercooler talk and politics is almost as intertwined as sports and politics, maybe even more so?

Politics is major part of life; it is literally the exchange of ideas on how we want society to function.

In such a polarized time, its not good business to alienate 50% of your client base. I wouldnt want people on my team wearing political themed T-shirts from any perspective while interacting with the public on behalf of the company. What they do on their own time, is their own business. But when in the office (or on the field) they represent the team.
07-07-2020 10:29 AM
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Post: #12
RE: Sports reimagined
I think something that gets lost here is how we're defining "political". In my experience, you're less likely to consider something political if it's a view you happen to share.

Take military-appreciation days. Obviously Tidewater is a very military-heavy area, and so for us, the idea of a game dedicated to the armed forces, or discounts for active service members, is as logical as Casino Workers Night in Vegas or Cattle Ranchers Appreciation Week in Texas. And if you're a conservative, there's a good chance you also share this view no matter where you are. But if you're a deficit hawk, you think the military is overfunded, or you're unhappy with how the military is being used overseas, then this becomes a political issue and ODU and its fans are casting their lot to the other side.

Same thing with BLM and BLM-adjacent issues: To those who believe in the issues they raise, systemic racism and police brutality, it's not a politics thing. If you're not with them, then you're a lot more likely to consider that a political issue. Even if you don't believe in many of the tenets of BLM, but you're also worried about the militarization of police forces, a First Responders Night is going to feel political to you.

I get escapism, and I gravitate to it in times of tribulation like this. That's what reruns and non-timeline fiction are for. But it's hard to expect sports to exist in a philosophical bubble (they can't even exist in a literal bubble, if the MLB/NBA/MLS restart attempts are any indication). Obviously, overt politicizing (2 for 1 tickets with your NRA membership card! No admission without proof of donation to a Democratic super PAC!) has no place, but they're not playing in a vacuum. Institutions and the people that represent them should be given at least some latitude to express the beliefs that align with their values. It's a lot more complicated than Stick to Sports*.

* -- Deadspin effectively died because of that edict, but it's not the same. It's one thing to view sports through a liberal prism, as they did, but they long ago lost the plot and basically turned into Salon with just enough sports to qualify as a differentiator. At least Magary's still doing the Hater's Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog. That's modern literature at its finest.
07-07-2020 10:39 AM
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Monarchblue Online
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Post: #13
RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 10:22 AM)smudge12 Wrote:  Why is the workplace an inappropriate time for politics? If anything, I think it's one of the most appropriate places for it.

In fact I don't think I've ever been in a place that doesn't talk about politics, from minimum wage positions to field work to desk jobs. My coworkers and I (conservatives, moderates, progressives, managers, low-level employees) talk about relevant political issues at least a few times a week

Watercooler talk and politics is almost as intertwined as sports and politics, maybe even more so?

Politics is major part of life; it is literally the exchange of ideas on how we want society to function.

Talking about politics with your co-workers during your downtime is one thing, and I am not really a big fan of that, but staging protests or making large scale political statements during work hours is not appropriate at most workplaces. You are there to work, to perform the job functions that you are being paid to perform, not to gin up civil disobedience to further a political position.
07-07-2020 10:55 AM
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Post: #14
RE: Sports reimagined
Looks like jaybird’s initial post has been squashed...with most of those decrying political demonstrations betraying a conservative/status quo bent... Oh, well...was worth a try! ?
07-07-2020 11:11 AM
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RE: Sports reimagined
If ODU, sports or academics, becomes a platform for left wing activism and Marxism, they'll never see another dollar from me.
07-07-2020 11:18 AM
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RE: Sports reimagined
Since it seems we're talking about BLM and anthem kneeling rather than being forced to wear a mask at the stadium I'll add this: what does BLM and at least 50% of pretty much every Div I roster have in common? Young black men. It's a concern of theirs and rightfully so, imo. When you say "shut up and play football" that's pretty much the response they've received from America for over a century. That their value is tied to white people's entertainment, be it sports or music or whatever else. Their job prospects outside of athletics are going to be worse then their male counterparts when they graduate based strictly on the color of their skin. Time to see this as a civil rights issue rather than a political one.
07-07-2020 11:23 AM
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RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 11:23 AM)mturn017 Wrote:  Since it seems we're talking about BLM and anthem kneeling rather than being forced to wear a mask at the stadium I'll add this: what does BLM and at least 50% of pretty much every Div I roster have in common? Young black men. It's a concern of theirs and rightfully so, imo. When you say "shut up and play football" that's pretty much the response they've received from America for over a century. That their value is tied to white people's entertainment, be it sports or music or whatever else. Their job prospects outside of athletics are going to be worse then their male counterparts when they graduate based strictly on the color of their skin. Time to see this as a civil rights issue rather than a political one.

It isn't a civil rights issue. Nobody's rights are being violated. Guarantee of equal rights doesn't mean the results will yield equal outcomes. I don't hate Asians because they do better than me. Until a culture of personal responsibility is fostered, this will never end. So yeah, while you are in uniform representing the school, shut up and play football. You want to take to activism in your personal time? Have at it. Volunteer at the local Boys and Girls club and make a difference. You'll get a nice article written about you and garner respect. Disrespecting the flag is never going to be seen a respectful to many.
07-07-2020 11:31 AM
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BigBlueMonarch Offline
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Post: #18
RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 07:44 AM)MonarchsWon Wrote:  
(07-06-2020 06:53 PM)blueandsilver Wrote:  I sure hope that things can return to support what I really enjoy about ODU Football. After getting battered with everything all week -- work, news, politics -- I enjoy a Saturday afternoon with others who want to watch and cheer the Monarchs on and having all the distractions disappear for a short while.

I have had season tickets and donated since football started -- I'm all set and whatever direction the wind blows I'll deal with it (delay start of season, restrict attendance, TV only, etc.).

However, if it devolves into a bunch of political statements and drama being played in addition to the sport, I'm out and probably not coming back. Lot's of options of where to spend my time, support, and $$$. If the garbage that is being played out all week long works itself into football Saturday's, I'll quietly step aside and let those participants sort it out. I've always liked Australian Football.

So much to be grateful for in this country and to see some of the ignorance being bantered about by a bunch of cowards who have sacrificed nothing for the freedoms they enjoy, and take for granted, is really disgusting. It has no place in college or professional sports.

I wholeheartedly agree. If sports (Pro and NCAA) become political - they will lose a huge chunk of their fan base and it will destroy the product. Ratings plummeted for the NFL during the Kap/Kneel debacle. It will only get worse if they continue in this direction. I'm not looking for political expressions / pronouncements during sporting events. If that's what they devolve to - I'm out. Been following / supporting Old Dominion since 1986. Not real happy with the direction they are going as a University. Will be very unhappy if they politicize their sports programs. Hoping for the best on both accounts.

I doubt the University will be politicizing the athletics program. But you would have the University curtail each individual athletes Constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression? That's like telling you that you can come to the game but you have to sit down all the time becasue someone else might get pissed if you stand up and cheer.
07-07-2020 11:35 AM
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RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 11:31 AM)EverRespect Wrote:  
(07-07-2020 11:23 AM)mturn017 Wrote:  Since it seems we're talking about BLM and anthem kneeling rather than being forced to wear a mask at the stadium I'll add this: what does BLM and at least 50% of pretty much every Div I roster have in common? Young black men. It's a concern of theirs and rightfully so, imo. When you say "shut up and play football" that's pretty much the response they've received from America for over a century. That their value is tied to white people's entertainment, be it sports or music or whatever else. Their job prospects outside of athletics are going to be worse then their male counterparts when they graduate based strictly on the color of their skin. Time to see this as a civil rights issue rather than a political one.

It isn't a civil rights issue. Nobody's rights are being violated. Guarantee of equal rights doesn't mean the results will yield equal outcomes. I don't hate Asians because they do better than me. Until a culture of personal responsibility is fostered, this will never end. So yeah, while you are in uniform representing the school, shut up and play football. You want to take to activism in your personal time? Have at it. Volunteer at the local Boys and Girls club and make a difference. You'll get a nice article written about you and garner respect. Disrespecting the flag is never going to be seen a respectful to many.

Not true. You can guarantee rights on paper but if they are not in practice then it's not really being guaranteed is it? It's observable in policing, courtrooms, even school discipline. And if a black student graduating from ODU is less employable due to the color of his skin than a white person then someone somewhere along the line has violated the Civil Rights Act? Right? Until there is equal opportunity this will never end. You want to take you entertainment dollars elsewhere. Have at it. A welcoming community far exceeds your donations in terms of program value.
07-07-2020 11:43 AM
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RE: Sports reimagined
(07-07-2020 10:29 AM)monarx Wrote:  [quote='smudge12' pid='16893274' dateline='1594135379']
Why is the workplace an inappropriate time for politics? If anything, I think it's one of the most appropriate places for it.

In fact I don't think I've ever been in a place that doesn't talk about politics, from minimum wage positions to field work to desk jobs. My coworkers and I (conservatives, moderates, progressives, managers, low-level employees) talk about relevant political issues at least a few times a week

Watercooler talk and politics is almost as intertwined as sports and politics, maybe even more so?

Politics is major part of life; it is literally the exchange of ideas on how we want society to function.

In such a polarized time, its not good business to alienate 50% of your client base. I wouldnt want people on my team wearing political themed T-shirts from any perspective while interacting with the public on behalf of the company. What they do on their own time, is their own business. But when in the office (or on the field) they represent the team.
[/qu

The players (our players) already do this, they wear messages on their shoes, t shirts during warm-ups and under their uniforms, the circle of unity. You may disagree with their message, but it is their right to say it and express it. And I highly doubt ODU would lose 50% of their fans over an athlete or even a group of athletes expressing their constitutionally protected rights.
07-07-2020 11:47 AM
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