Enter the heart of the tensions and conflicts that have arisen in the world of 20th-century American sports.
Contemporary life in the United States would be difficult to understand withouth examining the pivotal role sports have played in it. Controversies of the Sports World is designed to take readers of all ages into the heart of the tensions and conflicts that arise from the wide-ranging enterprise that now dominates the lives of millions of people. The controversies explored include such issues in sports as recruitment procedures, steroid and other drug use, discrimination against women, discrimination against African Americans, and violence.
Each of sixteen chapters analyzes the background and current status of a specific controversy illuminating how the games we play and watch affect, and are affected by, the world beyond the playing fields. Putnam presents opposing arguments on the sources and nature of each controversy, providing readers with an understanding of the causes and effects of sports controversies. He also presents a picture of how the people who inhabit the sports world—athletes, coaches, parents, agents, fans, team owners, corporate sponsors, and public officials—pursue their often clashing agendas in a manner that makes conflict inevitable and ongoing. References and Resources sections at the end of each chapter provide readers with annotated cites that will lead them to the sources they need to further explore particular aspects of each topic. The detailed index includes names, places, and teams, as well as concepts which students, teachers, and interested readers can use and explore.
Introduction
Superstars for Sale
Breaking Down Barriers
Slaves to the Scale
Under Pressure
Player Power
The Man in the Mirror
Gender Games
In the Name of God
Pumping Up
Beating the Spread
Dream Domes and Pleasure Palaces
Fans and Fanatics
Violence in the Ring
Fighting Colors, Fighting Words
Setting Priorities
Sign on the Dotted Line
Index
Reviews
Germane for all those interested in the domains of sport sociology and sport management and administration. [For] general readers, upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals.—Choice
In this original approach to sports, the author has compiled research examining the major controversies surrounding the whole enterprise, and discusses how these issues have pushed the ethical and legal envelopes of our society....Each chapter examines one of [several] areas in detail, presenting well-written opposing views and providing a brief history of the issue from its origin to the present....Discussion questions in each chapter facilitate use of the book as a classroom text. The comprehensive index, illustrations, and attractive layout will boost its appeal with teens. The wide range of interesting issues provides the reader with a different insight into the sports world's darker side.—VOYA
Putnam's mastery of these topics is what makes this book a must read for teens participating in sports on an intramural and professional basis.—School Library Journal
