SB Nation Philly: All Posts by Kevin Owenshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2012-11-18T12:22:24-05:00https://philly.sbnation.com/authors/kevin-owens/rss2012-11-18T12:22:24-05:002012-11-18T12:22:24-05:00Being a Philadelphia Fan is Exhausting
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<p>I have been exhausted over the past two months, and have developed very little patience for the nonsense we put up with as Philadelphia sports fans.</p> <p>I'm tired...i have been a father for seven weeks and the one thing I have learned; sleep is not a right, it is a privilege. Because of my lack of sleep, i have developed very little patience. I have become more critical than usual, making rants like the following not uncommon.</p>
<p>I'm tired of the NHL lockout, the Eagles defense and Josh Hamilton rumors. I'm tired of Andy Reid's mustache, Eric Lindros' grey sideburns, making me feel old, and Jimmy Rollins pop-ups. I'm tired of King Dunlap's lack of leverage, King Dunlap's foot speed and King Dunlap's first name.</p>
<p>I'm tired of Hunter Pence World Series celebration footage, the Phillies "Aces," bullpen and "four tool" prospects all under performing. I'm tired of Nick Foles hype, Michael Vick's decision making and Kwame Brown. I'm tired of Nick Young's hair, Andrew Bynum's hair, Spencer Hawes' hair, Spencer Hawes' headband, Spencer Hawes' wristbands, Spencer Hawes' mustache, Spencer Hawes' play after game one of the season...pretty much everything Spencer Hawes. *</p>
<p>I'm tired of the lack of leadership both on and off the field. I'm tired of young teams and quiet leaders. I'm tired of watching the Sixers, Eagles and Phillies play effortless games. I'm tired of those games going unpunished by veteran players. I'm tired of management not bringing in the veterans which could rectify this situation.</p>
<p>I'm tired of the egos. I'm tired of management thinking they are more important than the players, players thinking they are more important than the owners and coaches thinking they are more important than everyone.</p>
<p>I'm tired of injuries. I'm tired of Andrew Bynum's knee, Chris Pronger's concussion, The Eagles offensive line's legs, arms, and otherwise. I'm tired of Ryan Howard's achilles, Chase Utley's knee and Cliff Lee's oblique. I'm tired of Michael Vick's ribs, Placido Polanco's back and bowling alleys. But most of all...I'm tired of the lies.</p>
<p>I'm tired of owners hiding injuries and unethical business practices. I'm tired of fans being fed lies, so the ownership can profit. I'm tired of being treated like outsiders, when we are the ones investing in the organization. I'm tired of owners not admitting from the start, a certain player may be out for longer than expected. I'm tired of unexpected setbacks and pushed back timelines.</p>
<p>Although my daughter is hindering my sleep, Philadelphia's professional sports franchises are making me tired.</p>
<p>*Editors Note: I think my anger for Spencer Hawes stems from jealousy. Spencer Hawes is very similar to me. Similar body, similar height and similar game. He even seems to have the same weird tendencies I had during my playing days such as unique hair styles and a mustache. If I were his teammate I think a great friendship could have developed like I experienced with past like-minded individuals. Instead, he is making millions and I am writing articles. Damn you knees!</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2012/11/18/3661900/being-a-philadelphia-fan-is-exhaustingKevin Owens2012-07-26T21:11:13-04:002012-07-26T21:11:13-04:00Dear Grandpa
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<figcaption>Paul Owens</figcaption>
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<p>Around Fathers Day I began writing a letter to my grandpa. He had passed away in 2003, and I still think about him every day. Paul "The Pope" Owens meant a great deal to many different people, including myself, his grandson. I decided to share this letter so that I can honor him, and maybe, just maybe bring the "Pope's Blessing" on our 2012 Philadelphia Phillies.</p> <p> </p>
<p>Dear Grandpa,</p>
<p>I sat in Baltimore's Inner Harbor a few weeks back, thinking about the past. Thinking about our trips to this same location during my youth. Our meals at Phillips Seafood and games at Camden Yards. Your stories on the drive down about Dallas, and Harry and Whitey. You pointing out the nuances of an open air stadium, compared to the Vet. Over the past few years, I tried to get down to Baltimore as much as possible. It always brought back those wonderful memories.</p>
<p>I recently decided to write you this letter. It has been almost nine years since your passing, and things are much different than you may have remembered in the city of Philadelphia.</p>
<p>Since 2003, the city has undergone a transformation. Much of the credit goes to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>, who in 2008 ended the twenty five year championship drought. They did so with a core group; including the last three you personally awarded the Paul Owens Award, for minor league position player and pitcher of the year, in <span>Chase Utley</span>, <span>Ryan Howard</span> and the 2008 World Series MVP <span>Cole Hamels</span>.</p>
<p>Long gone is Veterans Stadium. In its place sits a completed open air stadium named Citizens Bank Park. Attendance has picked up considerably since its opening in 2004. Over the past three years CBP has enjoyed 268 consecutive sellouts.</p>
<p>However, that streak may soon be in jeopardy. You see Grandpa, this is not the same team you once presided over. Instead of a blossoming young minor league system, once considered the best in baseball, the Phillies now rank 27<sup>th</sup>, with many of their "top prospects" not developing as hoped. Our high priced signings, have not exactly been performing up to their enormous contracts, while some of our everyday players have become complacent.</p>
<p>Complacent...I know how much you hated that word. From a young age, it was drilled into our heads not to be complacent. To make sure every game is played like it was our last.</p>
<p>That insight was not lost on your grandchildren. I played every basketball game like it was my last. Played through pain, sickness and injury. That is why I will never look back on my professional career with regret. However, for several other professional athletes, this is not the case.</p>
<p>There are too many Roger Dorns in the world now, who care more about the money than the game. I see it every night when I watch the Phillies play. Some guys are out there going through the motions. Only playing up to their full potential during contract years. Complacent.</p>
<p>Now as the trade deadline approaches, despite the Phillies recent play, the front office must figure out the best strategy for the future. That may include trading <span>Shane Victorino</span>, <span>Hunter Pence</span>, or another everyday player, in order to build up a poor minor league system.</p>
<p>But I don't want that. You see grandpa, like the 1979 and 1980 Phillies, this team is good enough to win right now. Injuries have decimated the first half of the season, allowing a team, who many predicted to win the World Series this year, in the cellar of the National League East, 14 games out of first place.</p>
<p>Just like you in 1980, the current regime may have to stand their ground and avoid becoming sellers. The current club knows how to win. They have done it before. We can see it over the last four games as the Phillies won in dramatic fashion. Although the National League East title may be out of their reach, sneaking into the playoffs as a wildcard could still be attainable...They just have to win.</p>
<p>There can be no more bad outings, blown saves, or days off. No more mistakes in the field and poor at bats. Every play needs to be played as if it is the last. No more complacency.</p>
<p>I think about the famous "San Francisco Speech" that you delivered and wish someone in that organization would walk into the locker room after the next bad outing and deliver a poignant speech like that. If I were in charge, I would gladly do it.</p>
<p>I would tell Pence to stop playing the ball like a god damn minor leaguer and act like an elite right fielder. I'd tell Victorino, to stop his sulking and get his ass on base! I would tell our entire pitching staff to wake the hell up! I would make sure they knew there is no tomorrow. They like playing in front of a sold out stadium every game...In front of a fan base that is the best in baseball, then play that way, otherwise I'll send them to San Diego, Houston, or Cincinnati for young players who give a damn.</p>
<p>Finally, like you I would challenge anyone who had a problem with what I was saying to a fight. Because, like you grandpa, you can knock me down, but I will keep getting up until those sons of bitches know they are a good ball club!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I can't give that speech. Although I grew up with the Phillies, I am just a fan. Bake McBride once talked about how that speech in San Francisco meant so much because it came from you. "Normally the Pope was nice and easygoing. We all expected Dallas's blowup, but when Pope lost it with us, I knew we had a problem. Everyone in that room sat up and paid attention."</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to know you, not as the "Pope," or the "Architect", but simply as Grandpa. The man who taught me how to dance (poorly), or who encouraged me to roll my "R's" to imitate my Belgium-born Grandma.</p>
<p>The man who would be at every one of my high school basketball games, despite a busy offseason with the Phillies, or who had such a knack for blasphemy with the words "god damn" and "Jesus Christ".</p>
<p>Reading McBride's comments gives me a further understanding of how respected you were...not only by your peers and the fans, but by your players as well.</p>
<p>As I sat at your funeral nearly nine years ago, I watched grown men sobbing uncontrollably. Men like then Phillies manager Larry Bowa...The man you once told would, "Pinch his god damned head off like a grape." These men, like me, had lost someone very dear to their heart. The man who was always there for them. Who pushed them. Who kicked their ass when they needed an ass kicking, and picked them up when they were down.</p>
<p>I never had the opportunity to tell you how much you meant to me. How much I appreciated you always being there. How grateful I am, for letting me know when I was not playing to my capabilities, and encouraging me when I needed it the most. As I reflect on our relationship, it is apparent how much of an influence you had on my life. I would not be the man I am today without your guidance. The same can be said for many others, whether they knew you as Paul, The Pope, or just Grandpa.</p>
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<p>Love,</p>
<p>Your Grandson Kevin</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-phillies/2012/7/26/3192350/dear-grandpaKevin Owens2012-06-28T22:46:52-04:002012-06-28T22:46:52-04:002012 NBA Draft: Sixers Trade Up, Take Arnett Moultrie
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<p>The <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia 76ers</a> may have had a strategy all along. Although the No. 15 pick, Maurice Harkless, came as a surprise to most Sixers fans, the front office finally got their man in Arnett Moultrie, a 6'11" center from Mississippi State. The Sixers made a trade with the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>, acquiring Moultrie in exchange for the 45th pick of this years draft, along with a future first rounder.</p>
<p>SB Nation Philly's own Derek Bodner had this to say about Moultrie,</p>
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<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">At nearly 22 years of age by the time of his rookie season, Moultrie's advanced age doesn't necessarily reflect his development as a prospect. He saw a good portion of his offense in the post last year, something he's not all that comfortable with. He also didn't take a whole lot of attempts from the perimeter, something he's going to have to prove he's comfortable doing in individual workouts.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">He's also thin, which could be troublesome defending the post in the NBA.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">He does have good length (nearly 6'11"), great athleticism, and has improved his pick and roll defense. He's a good finisher at the rim off of offensive rebounds and cuts, and a solid defensive rebounder. He may never put together the complete package in terms of skill sets, but he could certainly work himself into a solid contributor.</p>
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<p>The future will tell how each player will fit into Doug Collins system. If Moultrie can improve on his defense, this could be a good fit.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/6/28/3125052/2012-nba-draft-sixers-trade-up-take-arnett-moultrieKevin Owens2012-06-28T21:33:40-04:002012-06-28T21:33:40-04:002012 NBA Draft: Philadelphia 76ers select Maurice Harkless No. 15 Overall
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<p>I was getting information telling me the Sixers would select Tyler Zeller. I was happy thinking of Zeller as a Sixer. He is a legitimate seven footer, with an amazing motor, work ethic and basketball sense.</p>
<p>Then, just before David Stern stepped onto the podium, I read a text reading Mo Harkless. Harkless is a 6'8" SF from St. Johns. He doesn't focus on post moves. Instead he is a tall athletic slasher...similar to nearly every other player on the Sixers roster not named <span>Spencer Hawes</span>.</p>
<p>What this move tells me is that a player that I value, <span>Andre Iguodala</span>, is most likely heading out of town. In his place is a younger version, who is not a lock-down defender. Unless the Sixers have a deal in place for a top flight center, this move makes zero sense to me.</p>
<p>Hopefully, more information on a potential move becomes available as the night moves on. If it does I will break it here. Follow on <a href="https://twitter.com/Waiting4Godunk" target="_blank">@Waiting4Godunk</a> for more Draft info.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/6/28/3124897/2012-nba-draft-philadelphia-76ers-select-maurice-harkless-at-15Kevin Owens2012-06-28T20:41:23-04:002012-06-28T20:41:23-04:002012 NBA Draft: Potential Sixers Busts or Studs
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<p>The Sixers are looking for a solid interior player at 15 this year. Because Thomas Robinson fell to fifth overall, (Opposition playing Sacramento...Bring aspirin!) the lottery has been jumbled. The Sixers now can be aggressive, trade up and take a guy like Drummond, or wait for one of the other talented bigs to fall into their laps.</p>
<p>I will now show my "Potential Bust List" along with my "Potential Stud List"</p>
<p><b><u>Stud List</u></b></p>
<p><b>Andre Drummond, UCONN </b>He is young, has terrific defensive instincts and has the size and athleticism to be amazing.</p>
<p><b>Tyler Zeller, UNC </b>One of the most intelligent, skilled players in the draft. Don't believe the hype. Zeller is a talent!</p>
<p><b>Jared Sullinger, Ohio St. </b>Back issues have forced him down most draft boards, but his ability to take over a game makes him a potential NBA stud.</p>
<p><b><u>Bust List</u></b></p>
<p><b>Perry Jones, Baylor</b> My issue with Jones is similar to most people's issues. He didn't have the work ethic and motor while attempting to prove he deserves NBA money. What would make anyone think that would change when he is earning NBA money?</p>
<p><b>Terrance Jones, Kentucky</b> Similar issue with Jones. He has been labeled lazy. That is a terrible tag to have. Some other lottery picks were given that title...See Villanueva, Charlie.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/6/28/3124782/2012-nba-draft-potential-sixers-busts-or-studsKevin Owens2012-06-28T19:51:17-04:002012-06-28T19:51:17-04:002012 NBA Draft: Anthony Davis selected No. 1 Overall
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<p>In a shock to no one, the New Orleans Hornets selected Anthony Davis as the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Ever since the photo of Anthony Davis wearing a Charlotte Hornets hat emerged (On the morning of the 2012 Lottery...Shady), it was pretty evident that Davis would be calling New Orleans his home. </p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/6/28/3124654/2012-nba-draft-anthony-davis-selected-no-1-overallKevin Owens2012-06-28T19:08:26-04:002012-06-28T19:08:26-04:002012 NBA Draft: Live Blogging
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<p>Draft night can make or break an NBA franchise. Besides 1996, the draft has mostly broken the Philadelphia 76ers. The list is long and nauseating. Larry Hughes instead of Paul Pierce, Marreese Speights instead of Roy Hibbert, Nikola Vucevic instead of Kenneth Faried. Because of this we have spent the last decade stuck in mediocrity. </p>
<p>Now with the 15th pick in this years draft, the Sixers have a chance to grab a legitimate big, an upgrade from the past few years. </p>
<p>I will be blogging live during the 2012 NBA Draft. Write me on Twitter @Waiting4Godunk with any comments or questions.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/6/28/3124580/2012-nba-draft-live-bloggingKevin Owens2012-05-10T13:07:50-04:002012-05-10T13:07:50-04:00The Philadelphia Slump
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<p>After such a depressing week of Philadelphia sports, the hopes and prayers of a city land squarely on the shoulders of the 10-9-8-76ers. But is that a good thing?</p> <p>The rain has moved through Philadelphia over the past two weeks, bringing with it an end to the drought, which has dried out the once lush spring terrain. Now another drought has swept through the City of Brotherly Love. One that has proven much harsher than 90 degree March days. A drought which have many Philadelphia fans wondering...what happened?</p>
<p>The Philadelphia Flyers and the Philadelphia Phillies have taken turns holding me down, and kicking me in my privates. The Flyers did it by blowing a second round matchup against the New Jersey Devils, a team which they should have beaten. And although I know as much about hockey as I do tennis, (I know very little about tennis) I still slumped into the back of my couch when the final horn blew.</p>
<p>The Phillies are a different story. Injuries may have played their part, however that is not an excuse for the abysmal start to this season. It is not just one aspect of the team which is failing. Overall their fielding, hitting, and bullpen look horrendous. Even a Chase Utley or Ryan Howard could not make-up for these issues.</p>
<p>All eyes are now on the <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">76ers</a> as Philadelphia's hopes and prayers lie in a victory tonight. A victory which would send them to a possible second round matchup with the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a>. My question being...Is this a good thing?</p>
<p>In the grand scheme of things, probably not. Besides giving the young nucleus, (Turner, Holiday) more time to acclimate themselves to a playoff atmosphere, it is hard to see the positives. I know this because during Game Four I uttered the phrase, "Maybe holding onto Iguodala for another year would not be such a bad thing."</p>
<p>That is the issue with continued success. Unless <span>Kevin Durant</span>, <span>LeBron James</span>, <span>Paul Pierce</span>, <span>Dwyane Wade</span>, <span>Tim Duncan</span>, <span>Kobe Bryant</span>, and <span>Chris Paul</span> begin punching fire extinguishers, this team will not win a championship. Let's face it, if <span>Derrick Rose</span> had not been injured, fans would be standing in line at the NovaCare Complex for Eagles mini-camp tickets right now.</p>
<p>The 76ers are stuck in mediocrity. There needs to be an overhaul of the lineup next year, because right now they are not good enough. Fans should have been rooting for the Sixers to miss the playoffs, so they could have moved up in one of the deepest drafts since 2003.</p>
<p>But along with many diehard 76ers fans, I couldn't do that. I won't be sad if they beat the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a>, and certainly not if they renew their rivalry with the aging Celtics in Round Two. A victory in Round Two would propel them to the Eastern Conference Finals...and say a freak injury occurs in Miami, dare I say NBA Finals. Exciting stuff no doubt, until folks begin uttering phrases like, "Man that <span>Spencer Hawes</span> can really shoot the ball. I wouldn't mind seeing him in the middle for another year."</p>
<p>Let's hope the Sixers management knows better...</p>
<p>Regardless of which side of the Sixers fence you are on, the city of Philadelphia is in dire need of a winner. Although the Sixers are not the most talented team in the city, the hopes of an entire city rest on their shoulders. As the sunshine moves in, let's hope the victories follow.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/5/10/3012064/the-philadelphia-slumpKevin Owens2012-04-19T13:18:24-04:002012-04-19T13:18:24-04:00Paying College Athletes: A Solution to the Problems Facing the NCAA
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<p>After watching Kentucky's entire starting five enter the NBA Draft, college basketball needs to figure out a way to bring legitimacy to the NCAA.</p> <p>Tuesday night the announcement was made that Kentucky's entire starting five, comprised of all underclassmen, would be declaring themselves eligible for the 2012 NBA Draft. Even for the average basketball fan, this news did not come as much of a surprise. For many of the top programs, college basketball has become a pit stop on the road to NBA money.</p>
<p>Pundits and analysts have both criticized and praised the decision made by these five young men...A decision that, when all factors are weighed, was not a difficult one.</p>
<p>Most people, when put in the same position, would make a similar choice. There may be a few basketball purists out there, who look at this decision and criticize the "student-athletes" making a mockery of a prestigious university. Those people have little imagination, or little understanding of economics.</p>
<p>Here you have an 18 year old kid, who also is one of the most coveted basketball players on the planet. He is constantly showered with praise from fans, to NBA scouts and coaches who salivate over the thought of drafting him. Everyone, including his coach, encouraging a move to professional basketball. All he has to do is sign a piece of paper and suddenly he is a millionaire. Easy decision right? Of course. Honestly, who would pass on millions to stay in college and make...free classes and free room and board?</p>
<p>College athletics is a billion dollar industry. The NCAA and CBS recently signed a fourteen year, $10.8 billion deal to host the NCAA Tournament. Powerhouse football schools like Texas, generates a profit of nearly $69 million annually just on their football program. The annual revenue of college athletics overall is $10.6 billion. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/NCAA/Answers/Nine+points+to+consider_one">Although the NCAA website tries to justify this number with rhetoric about distribution and fairness</a>, $10.6 billion for a $120,000 scholarship seems a tad off balance.</p>
<p>With so much money floating around, how can the NCAA still try to maintain this amateur façade? How can they continue to exploit athletes who perform their trade in front of a sold out arena? These games broadcasted to a nationally televised audience, with advertisers paying millions for a thirty second spot?</p>
<p>How can we limit student-athletes, who come from underprivileged backgrounds, from resorting to drug distribution, or deals with tattoo parlors, or money from boosters? The solution is simple...pay student-athletes for their services. This would go a long way in solving some of the issues plaguing college athletics.</p>
<p>Granted, I've heard the arguments. ‘College athletes are paid. They are paid in scholarships. They are able to attain a degree and live the life of a college student without the headache of cost.' Agreed...College athletes are paid, my question however, is the "payment" enough?</p>
<p>In 2007 the NCAA surveyed 10,000 student athletes about their academic goals. 40 percent of those surveyed found being a student-athlete shaped their degrees and academic pursuits. These athletes, because of the demands of collegiate athletics, shifted their field of study in order to accommodate their sport. The average in season athlete spends about five hours a day on athletic related events. Another five hours a day in a full allotment of classes to ensure eligibility. That leaves fourteen hours to eat, study, sleep, and enjoy college.</p>
<p>This time crunch leaves important networking opportunities like internships, which most students use in order to build resumes upon graduation, an impossible task. Not to mention the lack of time for a job which could help an athlete from an underprivileged background, earn some extra money.</p>
<p>In the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary <i>Fab Five, </i>five Michigan freshmen saw their shoes and styles exploited for millions, while they continued asking former coaches and boosters for money to eat a meal out. How is this fair? Coaches are being fired and schools sanctioned because someone wanted to give an underprivileged kid a few bucks to take a girl out on a date.</p>
<p>Writer and former professional basketball player <a target="_blank" href="http://www.flipcollective.com/2012/03/29/the-madness-by-paul-shirley/">Paul Shirley, summed up the mind of a college athlete perfectly in his article for website Flip Collective.</a></p>
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<p>"When I was 18, I left my tiny Kansas hometown to play basketball at Iowa State University. During my college career, I cared so much about basketball that I was willing to put up with screaming coaches, early-morning practices, and the complete absence of any social life. I worried more than most CEOs. I slept less than most workaholics. To combat aches and pains and strains and sprains, I took more drugs than most racehorses.</p>
<p>Why? Only because I wanted to be the best basketball player I could be; only because I wanted to make proud my parents, my coaches, my fellow students.</p>
<p>I, along with thousands of college basketball players then and since, was being exploited. Coaches, television networks, sponsors and administrators: they were using my childish, naïve enthusiasm for sport for their collective gain."</p>
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<p>Shirley shares the viewpoint of many student-athletes. At such a young age, it is difficult to truly understand the situation. The love and admiration for the game of basketball is so strong.</p>
<p>Like Shirley, I would have run through a wall for my team. I played an entire season with a torn up knee, purely because I refused to sit out. I didn't want to let my teammates, coaches, and family down. Now I hope modern technology will allow me a chance to play basketball with my children, as my knees are rapidly deteriorating.</p>
<p>According to Ramongi Huma of the National College Players' Association, the average Division 1 football player is worth $121,000 to the university, and the average Division 1 basketball player $265,000. These numbers are just an average. A player like Anthony Davis earned around $2 million for the University of Kentucky this year. Robert Griffin III most likely earned the same for Baylor.</p>
<p>The NCAA awards $1.4 billion in scholarships to all Division I athletes...only 13 percent of the total revenue. Name me another organization in which the most important people make only 13 percent of the total revenue.</p>
<p>The most staggering stats have yet to be read. College football and basketball comprise $6 billion of the $10.6 billion annual revenue for college athletics. The amount given to these players in scholarships, $493 million. The difference in those numbers...$5.5 billion.</p>
<p>This is where it gets tricky. The NCAA distributes that $5.5 billion amongst all Division 1 schools. The NCAA awards around $1.4 billion in scholarships annually, a billion going to programs other than basketball and football. My question is why?</p>
<p>This is how our country became the economic, jobless mess that it currently is. Bailouts for poorly performing companies, paid for by successful ones. Success within your means. It's the difference between Division I and Division II. Mid majors and majors. The Big 10 received $36.7 million during the 2009-2010 season, due to its success on the court. So if money is rationed in an incentive based way among conferences, and divisions, why is this pattern not reciprocated throughout collegiate athletics as a whole? Why should a student athlete who earns the school an average of $2 million, be given the same incentives as a student who costs the school $120,000. Where is the balance?</p>
<p>My solution to this problem would be three fold. First, radically limit, or even take away scholarships for sports which are costing the athletic program money. This will be a wildly unpopular decision. Folks will be claiming Title IX or unfair opportunities, but there needs to be a limit. Look at professional sports for example. There is a reason LeBron James makes more money than Sofiya Velikaya. (She is the best fencer in the world, had to Google it.)</p>
<p>Once there is a limit, the next step would be enhancing the value of a scholarship. The current annual cost of a scholarship is around $30,000, barely enough to cover classes and books. That figure should be in the vicinity of $50,000 for all scholarship athletes. With an extra $20,000 a year, student-athletes could afford a new pair of jeans, or a lunch at Applebees.</p>
<p>Now I know that an extra $20,000 a year does not cover the huge gap between $6 billion and $493 million but it is a start.</p>
<p>The next step for those scholarship athletes would be a fund generated by the NCAA, and distributed in an incentive based way based on performance. This fund would be limited to athletes who graduate from the university after four years of service. Upon graduation athletes would receive a portion of that fund, based primarily on how much profit they earned for their university. The bigger the school, the bigger the amount.</p>
<p>Is this a foolproof plan? Definitely Not! But it is an idea...An idea which could reward these athletes for their time, blood, sweat, and tears. One that could limit the illegal activities and sanctions college athletics are plagued with. And finally, an idea which could limit the blatant exploitation by the NCAA and their conglomerates on some of these student athletes.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2012/4/19/2960207/paying-college-athletes-a-solution-to-the-problems-facing-the-ncaaKevin Owens2012-04-02T18:22:11-04:002012-04-02T18:22:11-04:00NCAA Final Four 2012: Breaking Down the NCAA Championship
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<p>The battle between the "bluest of the blue bloods" takes place in New Orleans tonight. We break down the game, including the key match-up of the night.</p> <p>Last year Connecticut and Butler faced off in Houston to determine the National Championship. It was sloppy, it was boring, and it was poorly received. After such a highly rated NCAA Tournament, with numerous upsets and Cinderella dancing, it was disappointing to see such a mundane final.</p>
<p>The 2012 Tournament has been the opposite. Upsets were at a premium, and chalk reigned. Not one game was determined by a last-second shot, but three were decided by lane violations. Seventh-seeded Florida was the highest seed to reach the Elite Eight, and they won two National Championships in the last six years -- hardly a Cinderella. Ratings were down 5 percent from last year as fans looking for excitement and suspense should have tuned in to the season finale of "The Walking Dead" (please don't tell me the outcome, I have Season 3 DVR'd and have yet to watch!).</p>
<p>But the Final Four has been a different story. With four of the top teams in college basketball squaring off, viewers were rewarded with two exciting contests. Both of Saturday evening's games exceeded the ratings mark set last year, proving that although Cinderella is fun for the first few rounds, in the end people want to see the juggernauts.</p>
<p>Now the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kentucky-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentucky Wildcats</a> take on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kansas-jayhawks" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas Jayhawks</a> in a historic battle, featuring two of the most successful programs in college basketball history. Kentucky coach John Calipari will be looking for his first National Championship in what has been a remarkable career. Bill Self and the Jayhawks will try to emulate the 2008 National Championship when they knocked off the then-Calipari-coached <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/memphis-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Memphis Tigers</a>.</p>
<p>Kentucky's road to the National Championship has been fairly smooth. The Wildcats cruised to comfortable leads early, having to fend off some late surges to advance. Kansas took a different approach, trailing the majority of their games before mounting dramatic comebacks.</p>
<p>Kansas will need to slow things down and limit Kentucky's fast break points if they want to stay in this game. In the end it will come down to how well the Jayhawks can weather the storm in the first half. If the lottery-heavy Wildcats are allowed to play their game, this could be a long night for Kansas.</p>
<p>The most interesting matchup of the night will be between Kansas' <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99945/thomas-robinson" class="sbn-auto-link">Thomas Robinson</a> and Kentucky's Anthony Davis.</p>
<p>More than likely Kansas will start <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53330/jeff-withey" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeff Withey</a> on Davis, making it more difficult to shoot over the taller Withey, allowing Robinson more freedom on defense. Calipari has been toying with the thought of going zone against the bigger and stronger Jayhawks. However, regardless of matchups, the battle inside will certainly be a good one between Davis and Robinson.</p>
<p>Robinson may be the second most impressive player in the tournament thus far, trailing only Davis. Whenever Kansas needed a basket against Ohio State, Robinson answered. The same can be said for Davis who, along with the increasing list of accolades he received, will surely be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.</p>
<p>When all is said and done, Kentucky has the ability to beat teams in numerous ways. Kansas will not have enough firepower to combat the balanced lineup tonight. Expect a close game, but expect the Wildcats to win in what is sure to be one of the better Championships in recent memory. Enjoy the game, enjoy "One Shining Moment," and enjoy the young Kentucky Wildcats, because the next time you see them, they will be in an NBA training camp.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2012/4/2/2921128/ncaa-final-four-2012-breaking-down-the-ncaa-championshipKevin Owens