Sport and Government: How are they Connected?

On February 26 in my American Sport in the 21st Century class we discussed sports and politics. We first defined what politics are and it is a social process in which individuals and groups acquire, exercise and maintain power over other athletes. We also talked about government and globalization and how much they can influence sport. For example, a connection between government and sports is that the government can safeguard the public order. An example would be when 911 had occurred, you now have to have clear bags when going into sporting events such as an NFL or MLB game. Likewise, the political use of sport can be exploited by politicians. Many former athletes run for presidency because they know they will be recognized and may be even elected into the office. Some examples of athletes who have ran and been successful are J.C. Watts (Oklahoma Sooners Football), Tom Osborne (Former Head Coach of Nebraska), Steve Largent (Seahawks), Bill Bradley (New York Knicks),  and Lynn Swann (Steelers). On the other hand, sports can also be used as a propaganda vehicle. All countries have used the Olympic Games for this purpose. Sports and the American Flag go hand in hand when referring to a sporting event. The star spangled banner only was played from the 1930's-today.

                                                 (The American Flag)

Candidates and Sport

In the November 3-9 2014 Issue of the Sports Business Journal on page 26, I had come across an article titled: "When the Home Team Plays, Candidates Pay". This article talks about the Broncos and the amount of publicity they received when Peyton Manning had joined the team. Since Peyton Manning joined the team, they have been on television eight times. Mike Coffman, a congressional incumbent, paid $13,680 each for placement in the Eagles-Giants, Steelers-Ravens game which was the lowest rate of any person to advertise in the games. When the Broncos played on October 19, he again paid for advertisement but doubled the pay at $36,000. People who advertise for the Broncos usually pay more for an advertisement and many are shocked that this amount of money was paid and allowed to be advertised for the low price. Another group from Crossroads GPS has taken aim at Senator Mark Udall who paid $85,000 for a thirty second ad for the Broncos vs. Chargers game on October 23. Candidates and PAC's spent more then $14.5 million for sports programs in the fifteen states that have had the most races with the most heat. This article relates to the information that we talked about in class because sport in this position is used as a propaganda vehicle. For example, the fact that the candidates are using advertisements to get their name out is a form of propaganda. Also, government and sports are a close tie to one another. The candidates are using the form of sport to 'show off' their advertisement and themselves.

          (The in-market spending that candidates choose to spend their wages on)

 (Mike Coffman)

                                                        (Mark Udall)

Here is a short link to the advertisement of Mark Udall: "Succeed"

Lynn Swann's Run for Office

Lynn Swann, former Pittsburgh Steeler, ran for office in June 2002. He ended up being the Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for President George Bush in June 2002 to July 2005. After this run, he decided to run again instead for governor of Pennsylvania in 2006 but lost. While you may think Lynn Swann if just an average college and NBA player, he was also an Honor Roll student. If an athlete wants to run for office, let it happen. It won't hurt anything but may increase their chances of winning, as we discussed in class about sport and government. Likewise, younger athletes and others should look up to Lynn Swann as a role model because he has achieved great things and goals. If I were in the position of a professional athlete to run for an office in government, I would take the opportunity. It would be a life changing opportunity to go behind the scenes of an election and be apart of that election. Would the whole experience change your life and in what ways? 

Credits to: Lynn Swann

                                                            (Lynn Swann)