Today's longread looks at one of the darker sides of sports in America. While we often think of the joys of going to sporting events or the camaraderie of being a sports fan, this article shows how commonly we (as taxpayers) are getting fleeced in order to line the pockets of team owners and players. I love sports, but I have no sympathy for owners who complain whenever these financial incentives are threatened. I strongly agree with Hruby -- let's eliminate sports welfare. It may not solve the much larger fiscal problems facing our country, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
"Let's Eliminate Sports Welfare" by Patrick Hruby
Published by Sports on Earth, December 12, 2012
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/40595178/?src=longreads&buffer_share=8c5d5
Eric
Been savings this one in hopes of reading once lockout was over but...What a disgusting article for so many reasons. Clearly the abuse of the tax code. The ridiculous way spending is handled. But also the fact that it happens because we the "poor people" allow it. Sports are such an obsession that owners can afford to hold cities hostage, there is such a limited number of professional teams that they almost always have the ability to move because other cities want them. Really disturbing across the board on this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm considering a major break from sports. This article made me feel like what I've always considered loyalty to my teams to really just be me being duped by an elaborate scheme for the rich to get richer. I've been thinking about the pros and cons of being a sports fan recently, and I'm really having a hard time justifying why the pros outweigh the cons.
ReplyDeleteEric