Chapter 8:The Uses of Sports: How People in Power Exploit the Games

We have seen sports across the globe go political or have an aspect that has nothing to do with the sport influence the sport. One incident comes to mind about an action that happened right here in the United States. The Arizona Cardinals, Pat Tilllman, left the team and the sport to go over and fight a war we are still fighting. While overseas, a tragic event occurred. Pat Tillman was killed in the line of fire. This is at least what the Tillman family was told. Tillman was kill by his own side, by friendly fire and the government tried to hide it from the media. The “soldiers” that shot Tillman tried their best to hide the accident because they had killed an Americas hero. They burned his body armor and uniform to get rid of any evidence that he was shot by his own men. This brought up many raised eyebrows. It made many people think if this pro athlete can put his life on the line why can’t I? This courageous act is one that will never be forgotten not only in the sports world but in the history books as well.
Things of this nature, although heroic, must be looked at closely so things are not lost in translation. We try so hard to show our young people the right thing to do. Mr. Tillman was doing just that but then our government does the opposite and hides something from his family. Tillman did something for his country even though he was against the war he went and put his body on the line. Instead of honoring Tillman and owning up to mistakes, we disgrace what he did for the country. Instead, like cowards, we hide a mistake that the government made. We see our pro sports athletes as heroes on the field but when they become heroes to our country they become a true role model. According to the author, Bush is what I have been taught in Sports in Society as a jocksniffer but has not gotten lovely review from most athletes, Tillman included.