By Daniel Ayuko
The sports arena is no stranger to controversy, in fact, you will be forgiven for thinking that controversy and sports are synonyms, or at least, bosom buddies. This probably is because the most important aspect of sports is competition. And since competition, healthy or otherwise is a factor of wins, losses, and other such statistics, every possible point that can be contested will be battled for.
Because of the reason spelled above, controversy is like a constant shadow that is ever lurking in every space where any sports discipline makes a presence. Most USA online sportsbooks are already making a killing providing markets where punters stake on issues they think are the most controversial in the sports arena. Betting markets notwithstanding, here are the top three most controversial issues in sports today.
1. Michael Jordan or LeBron James?
A biography of Michael Jordan published on the official NBA website lauds him as the greatest player of all time by acclamation. While this statement is only slightly contestable, the place of LeBron James in the annals of history as a distinguished player is just as cemented.
Michael earned six NBA Champion’s medals as well as similar number of the NBA finals MVP, which is double the number that LeBron endeavours have yielded to date. The NBA awarded Michael the title of the league’s MVP five times, one less what LeBron has earned. Both players have performed admirably in other quarters, getting mentioned in the NBA All-Star squad fourteen and fifteen times respectively.
With Michael now well into his retirement and LeBron in the twilight years of his career with not much expected from his gas tank, the question remains, who amongst them will be the ultimate supremo?
2. Do Athletes Deserve Their Hefty Perks?
Discussions around money and remunerations are often tricky because they always stir emotions. However, the two sides to this discussion whose effects need to weigh in if the debate is to be balanced are the status of the economy and fan’s derived pleasure.
Most countries are feeling the effects of crappy economies. That notwithstanding, sports give fans a getaway; a few hours every week when they can unwind and spend time following sports activities they are passionate about. Everyone agrees that the players that make this release from the daily bustle needs to be compensated.
However, does it make sense to pay Leo Messi or Christiano Ronaldo, for instance, £500,000 per week for what they do?
3. Can Women Compete Effectively in Games Traditionally Considered Men’s?
The 8th edition FIFA Women’s World Cup is underway in France. While the women’s competition was first played only 28 years ago in 1991, the male equivalent was first competed at in 1930.
Football has predominantly been considered a man’s game. With women making inroads and lady’s teams getting better and more prominent, the question of women doing well in games that were traditionally thought to be men’s is making way into the debate table.
It is not only football that is experiencing the assault from women, rather, games such as rallying and rugby as well. With this growing popularity, can women draw just as many fans to the stadia as men do?
If you are a true sports fan, you know that these controversial issues mentioned here above are just a tip of the iceberg. You also probably know that the sports world will always bring more controversy, and that the best place to train your eyes for these are the sports stadia.
