How have media covered Peyton-Colts rift?

So how have the media covered the growing rift between future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and Indianapolis Colts owner Robert Irsay? Has the coverage been fair? How have the two people reacted, and prompted, much of this coverage? Read this story along with at least one another before posting your comments below. You might want to read Peyton’s interview with the Indianapolis Star last Monday to get further insight. Since then, the disconnect between the franchise player and the franchise owner has grown, despite their public statements. It’s seems clear the Colts won’t pick up Peyton’s option. In addition, feel free to speculate where Peyton would sign, if he were to be released. I’d guess the New York Jets, but, who knows, really, at this point (not that guessing is not loads of fun).

2012 Spring syllabus

I have listed the weekly assignments below for Perspectives on Sports and the Media. You can get the entire class syllabus for the Spring 2012 semester in PDF format by clicking the following link –  Sports & Media Sp’ 12 syllabus-1

Should college athletes get paid?

Read the following report published in USA Today to decide whether college athletes should get paid – despite challenges to their athleticism and by athletes in other sports who would not receive additional compensation.

Should fans sue NFL owners for lockout?

Read the following story by Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post both to comment below and for the test later this week.

Early coverage of baseball

How did the press comment on baseball during the early years? Compare this coverage to modern sports reporting, linking to at least one article on your posting. As always, comment on at least one other students’ post.

Which time period helped drive sports the most?

Sports has a staggering affect upon American culture, starting its meteoric rise thanks to publications like the Police Gazette and the Spirit of the Times. Virtually every surge in sports’ popularity has been driven by an equally dramatic increase in media coverage, says media critic Robert McChesney. After reading his article, “Media Made Sport: A History of Sports Coverage in the United States,” argue which time periods have been the most significant to sports’ increased popularity – citing the reasons for your choices. Make sure you also comment on at least two other students’ posts.

Should Tebow have agreed to do ad airing during Super Bowl?

Tebow

First, read the following story by Jemele Hill on ESPN.com. Then, address one, or both, of the following questions by adding a comment below this story that includes your full name. In addition, comment on at least one of your classmate’s postings – and in a respectful, educated manner.

1. Should a TV network accept advertisements from organizations that create controversy? And is CBS consistent? After all, the TV network refused to take an ad from a gay dating service. Are there differences between these two ads?

2. Does this advertisement position Tebow as a hero or villain – at least, in the media’s mind? Read columns and stories by other media members and argue your point.

Class syllabus is set

You can click here to download a PDF of the class syllabus.

Class now has Facebook page

You’ll need to create a Facebook page before joining the group created for this class, which will have updates on assigned readings and writing projects. This is not required, but it is a great way to learn about changes or revisions before class. The page also includes key events for the semester.

Unforgivable Blackness

Here are some online resources you can use to get more information on Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxing champion who faced extreme racism 100 years ago. His dominance over white fighters prompted race riots across the country. You can read (and listen to) an interview with the producer of Unforgivable Blackness by clicking here.

You can also read reviews of the book by the New York Times, by Joyce Carol Oates, and by the Boston Globe.