What is a Sport?

The common argument on what is considered a sport is one that is very difficult to answer. There are many deciding factors in this and most of them are opinion based. For example, what factors of an activity are required to deem something a sport? Is there a certain level of competition required? Does there have to be a winner or a loser? Does a sport require a certain level of physical activity or could it be completely mental like a spelling bee? The definition of what is, and is not a sport is a very vague topic and is very much up for debate.

            When it comes down to what is or is not a sport, the level of physical activity is very much a topic up for debate. One would argue that that a sport requires a sport to have vigorous level of activity such as football, hockey, wrestling, etc. This idea would suggest that activities such as golf, bowling, and ping pong are not sports. Most would agree that this idea is indeed false. I would purpose that a sport does have to have some level of physical activity but it does not by any means have to be vigorous. Sports such as baseball and hockey do not have the same level activity but are both definitely sports, therefore this disproves the previous idea. Not only is there a debate on if a sport requires a certain level of physical activity, but there is also the argument of if there has to be a winner or loser.

            The argument on whether or not there has to be a winner or loser in a sport is very simple. Having a winner and a loser in a sport is not always accurate because this would suggest that there is always an opponent. This would suggest that lifting and activities in which you strive to beat your own records are not sports. This is very much false because the competitive portion is still there. Therefore, a sport does not require an opposition, but must maintain the competitive aspect even if the individual athlete is not participating in a competitive manner. The idea that a sport is required to have some competitive aspect to it does indeed complicate things. That would suggest that activities such as video gaming, chess, etc. are all sports although they do not have a high level of physical activity. This leads into the next argument in which whether or not a sport can be mental.

            The argument of whether or not a sport can be a mental is very interesting. Obviously all sports, no matter how simple, require some level of mental capacity along with physical ability. But is it possible for a sport to be 95 percent mental like in a game of chess, or in video gaming. Obviously they require some level of hand-eye coordination, but are they sports? Based on our previous argument in which if a sport has to be somewhat physical, would disprove this. But the other argument suggesting that there has to be a competitive edge would support this. This makes it very tricky. Where do we draw the line of physical activity that is required to be a sport? This will remain unknown, but I will stick to my guns and support the argument that chess and games of the like are indeed not sports because of their lack of physical activity although an immense amount of skill is involved. Determining what is and is not a sport is a very tricky subject and will most likely be argued for years to come. 

"Deflategate"

As of Monday, May 11, 2015, the "Deflategate" saga continued as Tom Brady was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season. The NFL took it upon themselves to levy a ludicrously uncalled for penalty suspending Tom Brady for four games, fining the Patriots $1 million dollars, and costing them their 2016 first round draft pick and a 2017 fourth round pick. This penalty is absolutely absurd not only because of the insignificance of the deflating of balls allegation, but also because of the lack of concrete evidence supporting Ted Wells' case. The Pats have been convicted completely off of circumstantial evidence. In comparison to some of the issues that the NFL has dealt with this year, this one is by far the least significant but has some how earned the largest penalty. Tom Brady has not beat his wife or children, done drugs, had any DUI's, etc., its just "more probable than not" meaning the NFL is 51% sure that Tom Brady tampered with the footballs.

Roger Goodell is a clearly a horrible commissioner and should be replaced at once. The inaccuracy and immaturity of his actions should have had him fired years ago. Now that Goodell had lost what seems to be his one and only ally in Robert Kraft, his existence as commissioner is going to be a whole lot more difficult. Tom Brady is going to appeal this case with the full support of the entire Patriots organization, fans, and the NFLPA. In addition to this appeal it would not be surprising whatsoever if the Kraft's or Tom Brady sued the NFL for its unfair actions. They are openly defying the NFL rule book by levying this penalty. It clearly states that if there is an improper inflation in footballs then it is a $25,000 dollar fine, not a four game suspension, $1 million dollar fine, and loss of two draft picks. Anyway, the actions of the NFL front office recently have been extremely questionable and will most likely be under review in the near future by the 32 owners that make up this great, but very corrupt league.

Hot Start For Mookie Betts

Mookie Betts, center fielder, and one of the newest members to the Boston Red Sox's starting line-up is off to a red hot start to the 2015 season. With the Sox poised to make a run from worst to first just as they did in the 2013 season, Betts seems to be one of the key cogs in what seems to be one of the most powerful offenses in the league. Just a mere seven games and thirty-five at-bats into the season, Betts has eight hits. These eight hits consist of an impressive four singles, two doubles, and two home runs. For a man that is only 180 pounds, it is not common to have a slugging percentage of .457. To go along with what is already a quite impressive offensive stat line, he hasn't exactly been slacking on defense either. As some may not know, just like many of the Red Sox current outfielders, Centerfield is not his natural position. He was drafted into the league as an infielder; primarily a second baseman. To ask a professional player of his caliber to make a change so drastic, such as they did to one of their newest signings in Hanley Ramirez, is not easy and will take some major adjustments. Luckily for Betts, he thrives off of his versatility. With this hot start to the 2015 season, let’s hope this will be a sign of things to come for this young star. Who knows, maybe he will be the spark this team desperately needs to make another run at a World Series.

"Some things you just don't forget"-Matthew Berry

In the article "Some things you just don't forget" by Matthew Berry, we as the reader are exposed to a personal connection to the whole Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin incident of the 2013 NFL season. Berry provides personal insight on the idea of bullying and gives a fairly accurate reasoning for how it played out. In his own life, and millions around the world, his childhood was plagued with bullies. It was and always has been a part of his life. One of the main problems with bullying is fear. Its the fear of being the tattle tail. Its the fear of what will happen if you do tell an authority figure.  This fear alone is enough to ruin someones childhood, and as scary as it is, nothing will change until you do something about it. Stick up for those you love or what you believe in. Fight for it, do whatever it takes to ensure your well being. This, in the eyes of Matthew Berry, is the only way to stop a bully and lead a long happy life.

Norton High School Baseball Preview

The Norton High School Baseball team is determined for a great season. With eight returning seniors they are set for big things. Provided they stay focused, work hard and do their jobs, with the leadership of captains Keenan Coffey and Andrew Veglas, and Coaches Ted Currle, Dom Eno, and Sean Ryan, a league title could definitely be in sight. Returning Senior starter, and runner up for last year's TVL MVP, Shinn Furukawa is determined to put himself and the team on top this year. Returning Junior starting pitcher Jon Levy is also ready to lead the way and set the tone for the rest of the pitching staff. Big things could be coming this season, so stay tuned.

The Departure of Darrelle Revis

On the evening of March 4^th, 2015, star cornerback Darrelle Revis made a career defining decision to sign with the New York Jets solidifying is reputation as simply a mercenary in the NFL. Revis parted ways after just one year with the New England Patriots after winning his first and likely only Super Bowl. As a member of the Patriots, key was a key member of a dominant defensive unit that was primed for another Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, a combination of the star cornerback’s knack for holding out and raking in every last dollar, and New England’s strict financial boundaries, this once dominant secondary was tarnished piece by piece as Brandon Browner was lost in the process as well to the New Orleans Saints. Darrelle Revis chose to become the highest paid cornerback in NFL chance rather than the chance to compete for back to back Super Bowls. It’s hard to blame the man for wanting his money in a league as ruthless as the NFL can be, along with the possible career ending injury that could be right around the corner. I suppose this is what makes Tom Brady, Tom Brady. In an interview he states, “Athletes are always talking about the money at a time when everyone else is struggling so badly to make it. We all make way more than our fair share. And I just think it reflects poorly on myself and my teammates. I really do just want to win, and that has and will continue to be the reason that motivates me and is the biggest factor in my decision-making process”. This is the mindset that truly defines a champion. As of now, the loss of our rental of a hero in Darelle Revis will be a tough pill to swallow for what seems like all of New England. We shall see who has the last laugh when Tom Brady raises one more Lombardi Trophy over his head while the Revis uses his multimillion dollar check to wipe away the tears of what could have been.

A Super Bowl for the Ages

            The Super Bowl that took place in the February of 2015 between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks is one for the ages. It was full of drama with both sides showing signs of dominance throughout the 60 minutes that was Super Bowl forty-nine. For the Seahawks, this is a game that will haunt them for years to come. For the patriots, lives changed in the matter of thirty seconds. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick received their forth ring together, Malcolm Butler went from an undrafted free agent to an instant celebrity, and finally, the Patriots over came the drama that was “Deflategate”. This was an accusation made against the Patriots for using deflated footballs in the AFC championship game against the Colts. This was a huge distraction and seamed like what would be a plague to the organization if true. It put the untouchable legacies of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady at stake. If proved false, this would have been a terrible move by the NFL, putting one of their Super Bowl teams under scrutiny.

            For Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler, this was a life changing event that was nearly impossible to comprehend. 30 seconds prior to his interception, he let up a remarkable play by Seahawk’s wide receiver, Jerome Kearse. This was a catch for the ages and seemed to put the nail in the coffin and seal a second consecutive Super Bowl win for the Seattle Seahawks. This spectacular play landed them inside the ten yard line with about thirty seconds to go. The spirits of all Patriots fans across the country, this was a horrible experience and it brought back nightmares from their prior Super Bowl appearance against the New York Giants with David Tyree’s “helmet catch”. The old cliché of “history does nothing but repeat itself” seemed too real and it was extremely depressing. BUT, as the Seahawks can attest to after their dramatic come from behind, overtime NFC Championship win against the Green Bay Packers, the games not over until it’s over. Pete Carroll, Seahawks head coach, made the decision to pass the ball on second down from the one yard line rather than handing the ball off to “Beast Mode” Marshawn Lynch. Russell Wilson, dropped back and fired the ball to an incoming quick slant. And this is where we will pause. So many things happened in this split second that could have changed history forever. Patriot’s cornerback, Brandon Browner, jammed his man on the line, preventing the pick play that was designed. Meanwhile, Malcolm Butler read this play like a book. This was a play that he ran what seemed like a thousand times and got beat every single time. Not this time, he made a direct break on the ball and got there just before the receiver. He intercepted the ball and sealed the game for another Patriot’s Super Bowl Victory. The story of Malcolm Butler is one for the ages and can be used as inspiration for anyone that failed to achieve their goal at first. It is one that will live in NFL history forever.