Joey Durant – Columbia
Station, OH
1. In what sports have you participated? What was the highest level at which you participated?
Soccer, Football, Basketball, Wrestling, Track. Competed in most of them throughout high school, football and wrestling only until 8th grade.
1. In what sports have you participated? What was the highest level at which you participated?
Soccer, Football, Basketball, Wrestling, Track. Competed in most of them throughout high school, football and wrestling only until 8th grade.
2. What is your concept of society? Why is it
important to study the relationship between sport and society?
a. Society is the interactive relationship of all people, their individual beliefs, and their actions. Sport can affect society by bringing together people for a common cause, and also can impact a community financially.
a. Society is the interactive relationship of all people, their individual beliefs, and their actions. Sport can affect society by bringing together people for a common cause, and also can impact a community financially.
3. What are you most passionate about when it comes to sport? How does
your passion for sports relate to your graduate studies?
a. I am very passionate about tying the sporting world to the community. I believe that a professional sport organization can create a major difference in a city by providing to local charities and helping smaller businesses grow. Supporting local schools and being involved in the general community should be a major focus of large sport organizations.
a. I am very passionate about tying the sporting world to the community. I believe that a professional sport organization can create a major difference in a city by providing to local charities and helping smaller businesses grow. Supporting local schools and being involved in the general community should be a major focus of large sport organizations.
4. Give an example of a sporting event or figure (or
other culturally significant event or figure) that impacted you personally.
Briefly describe what happened and why it (or they) influenced you
significantly (e.g., it could be something that you personally participated in
or witnessed.
a. Being from the Cleveland area, a major event was the LeBron Decision/Return. This event really showed the impact a major sport figure can have on an area, both financially and emotionally. Fans reacted so vocally to both events, and when LeBron was gone the downtown businesses that were supported by the success and relevance of the Cavaliers took a major loss.
a. Being from the Cleveland area, a major event was the LeBron Decision/Return. This event really showed the impact a major sport figure can have on an area, both financially and emotionally. Fans reacted so vocally to both events, and when LeBron was gone the downtown businesses that were supported by the success and relevance of the Cavaliers took a major loss.
5. What are your goals, expectations, and/or
concerns about taking this course?
a. I expect to gain a better understanding of the societal impact of sport organizations, major sporting events, and sports figures. Also, I hope to learn about major events in sports history that I may have not realized were as impactful to international society.
a. I expect to gain a better understanding of the societal impact of sport organizations, major sporting events, and sports figures. Also, I hope to learn about major events in sports history that I may have not realized were as impactful to international society.
Joey, thank you for sharing your introduction! I really liked that you mentioned that the LeBron decision/return had a big influence on you as a former resident of the Cleveland area. I definitely agree with you that the whole LeBron case had a huge emotional impact on the residents of Ohio, and I think the LeBron case shows how celebrities influence people’s notion of identity. When LeBron announced his return to Cleveland, I happened to be at Cedar Point. The park had promised to rename one of its rides after LeBron in case he returned, which is why I was one of the first ones to ride the “King James” (former “Corkscrew”). Even though I am not sure whether the park actually renamed this ride permanently, it definitely shows the huge relevance LeBron had on Ohio culture.
ReplyDeleteYannick,
DeleteIt is funny that you mention being at Cedar Point, because after LeBron made the original "Decision" in 2010, he went to Cedar Point and apparently people were booing him. It would obviously be a much nicer atmosphere for him to go there now:-)
Dr. Spencer
Joey,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your introduction. The whole LeBron decision/return really shows how much a city can prosper and suffer from just one player. It is almost an exact representation of the Jordan effect. Maybe if he wins in Cleveland he can boost the economy and city even more and have an even bigger "LeBron effect" if you will. The story is really interesting. My question for you is that being that you are from Cleveland, I am sure you were crushed when he left, but are you holding any grudges towards him at all? I'm assuming you are very pleased to have him back, but I do know Cleveland fans that expressed that they would hate him even if he came back. I was wondering your thoughts? I think this LeBron subject is a perfect example of bringing sport and tying it into the community of Cleveland. LeBron supports his old high school, has numerous foundations, and always is giving back to the city.
-Mike Harrington
Thanks for the comments Mike and Yannick!
ReplyDeleteMike,
Of course I was devastated and held a huge grudge on LeBron for the way he left Cleveland. He crushed his hometown, and disrespected the Cleveland fans. I wasn't a jersey burner or a public anger kind of guy, but I definitely held some hatred for the first two years. I began to get over the fact that he was gone and was accepting the fact that Cleveland had a new star to love in Kyrie Irving. The Miami Heat became the symbol of what I truly disliked in the way it was assembled in such a prearranged way, and that still holds true today. I even have a little bit of resentment towards Kevin Love arranging his own trade to play with LeBron months in advance, but I guess I can't disapprove of my hometown team getting a great player!
To answer your question directly, I don't hold any harsh feelings for LeBron anymore. I was overjoyed when he came back and had watched the situation closely from the moment he announced his free agency intentions. I am glad he is back home and involved in the Cleveland/Akron community. I do, however, still think the way he announced his original "Decision" was extremely disrespectful.. But maybe if he wins Cleveland a championship all will be forgiven.
Joey Durant
Hi Joey,
ReplyDeleteYou obviously evoked some good discussion with your comments on LeBron and the 'decision.' I agree with what the others wrote about this being a great example of the intersection of sport and community. I remember when LeBron originally left and all the sports commentators were talking about how much it would cost the city of Cleveland. Even then, they began to speculate about LeBron coming back after his next contract expired. At that time, I was too hurt to consider that possibility. It would be really interesting to do a study similar to the 'Jordan effect' on what kind of economic impact LeBron's return will have on Cleveland. He is almost being touted like Jordan was when he returned to the Bulls after his MLB stint with the Birmingham Barons. Shortly after he announced he was returning, the news of Josh Gordon's arrest and suspension came out. Some of the announcers suggested that maybe LeBron could help Josh.
You made some great connections that are definitely relevant to Sport & Society.
Dr. Spencer