Recently in Sports Category

BY DAVE PARRO

According to a Beacon News sports story today, the Illinois High School Association plans to start denying entrance to news photographers at state tournaments who refuse to sign waivers regulating the use of their images.

The IHSA, a quasi-government state actor, wants to operate like the NCAA or professional sports leagues and control the coverage of state finals. But the difference is that those are private entities not funded by taxpayers. The IHSA is supported by member schools, most of which are public, and the teams do not generate revenue to support themselves. That means they rely on tax dollars to exist.

Is this a First Amendment issue? The IHSA doesn't think so and wants to grant exclusive access to public sporting events to a commercial photography company. The Beacon News plans to run an editorial Thursday blasting the IHSA for its ill-conceived and possibly unconstitutional policy.

BY MIKE CETERA

The problems with the Chicago Marathon on Sunday have been well documented. Just wanted to share a couple updates on marathon runners who appeared in our newspaper.

We featured stories on several runners prior to the race. Find their stories here and here.

BY MIKE CETERA

Are we creating future violent adults when we allow our children to play in youth sports? Can they simply turn the aggression off once the game is over, or does promoting the on-field "warrior" actually create the off-field wife beater?

Call the issue bunk, but new research suggests "that when youth are rewarded for on-the-field violence, there is a flawed expectation that these lessons will not be taken off-the field."

It's an interesting issue in light of all of the stories we hear about professional athletes' conduct off the field. It's also timely for this newspaper, because one of our local columnists on Saturday will tackle the issue of local football coaches promoting violence in what they say to their student athletes.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chicago Cubs left fielder Moises Alou falls back
after unsuccessfully reaching into the stands for a foul ball
against the Florida Marlins in the eighth inning during Game 6
of the National League championship series in this
Oct. 14, 2003 photo.

BY MIKE CETERA

The Chicago Cubs begin a playoff run this evening, which means the media is out to drag up the past again. No goat? Lou not buying the curse? Let's find the most recent pathetic symbol of the Cubs' woes and milk it for all it's worth.

The New York Times is the latest to weigh in. The newspaper published a story today about its efforts to stalk Steve Bartman, who clearly has no interest in rehashing the past. Can't we leave him alone?

BY TODD M. ADAMS

Beginning Tuesday, July 10, Aurora resident George Hood will attempt to break the world record for consecutive hours on an exercise bike. His goal is to spin for 100 hours, well over the current mark of 82 hours. Hood begins his quest Tuesday at 7 a.m., and expects to finish Saturday around 7:30 p.m. While we will be keeping up with Hood via stories in our print edition, we’ve asked Hood to provide us with Internet updates throughout his ride. He agreed and will post updates in the “comments” portion of this blog every day in the morning, afternoon and evening.

BY MIKE CETERA

He hasn't even picked a high school yet, but Auroran Ryan Boatright already knows where he wants to attend college. He'll do it for free, too.