Mascot Nation by Billings and Black

MASCOT NATION by Andrew C. Billings and Jason Edward Black will definitely be of interest to our students who are pursuing questions about the controversy over Native American representations in sports.  The authors, both university professors, utilize their expertise in broadcasting and communications to provide a reasoned, balanced approach to the subject. They cite many examples at both the professional level (Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves) and college one (Florida State Seminoles and the now-retired University of Illinois’ Chief Illiniwek). In fact, there is an entire chapter on the “Online Debate on the Acceptability of the Washington NFL Mascot” where Billings and Black discuss how an increasing number of journalists refused to use that name. They provide historical background, outline concerns of Native Americans, delve into specific cases, review national polling data and more, although often in an academic, jargon-laden manner (e.g., self-categorization, post colonialism).  Throughout, they are respectful of both sides of the argument, acknowledging fans’ affection for their team as well as concerns over appropriation and mis-representation.  The text concludes with a discussion of five avenues where change may be possible: line of decivility; education; economic pressure; journalistic protest; and legal challenges. Roughly fifteen percent of the book is devoted to notes and index.

The Performance Cortex by Zach Schonbrun

Interested in how Neuroscience is redefining athletic genius?  That’s the subtitle of a new book, THE PERFORMANCE CORTEX, by Zach Schonbrun and it is filled with surprising findings and profiles of those involved in this relatively new field.  Parts of this book describe the work of deCervo’s Jason and Jordan, two neuroscientists who are (in the spirit of big data’s Moneyball) experimenting with measuring and predicting the hitting ability of baseball candidates. 

This book is full of minutiae (“the typical batter will begin his swing at 19 feet”) and scientific jargon, mixed entertainingly with anecdotes (Yogi Berra saying, “How can you think and hit at the same time?”) and observations about a tradition bound sport (one where managers still “make calls to the bullpen using a landline phone”). Other chapters deal with topics like theories from Daniel Wolpert (“The Real Reason for Brains”), Johns Hopkins University's John Krakauer commenting on basketball's Stephen Curry, and numerous applications related to robotics.   

THE PERFORMANCE CORTEX is not a quick read, but I do think students interested in sports and science, especially if they are working on a Junior Theme, will benefit from having a look.  

Court Justice by Ed O’Bannon with Michael McCann

COURT JUSTICE by Ed O’Bannon with Michael McCann is subtitled “The Inside Story of My Battle Against the NCAA.” In this non-fiction work, O’Bannon describes his decision to participate in a class action suit and seek compensation for the use of his image after seeing himself and his UCLA teammates portrayed in a video game.  I know that this book, which is written in a simple conversational tone, will interest those students who are passionate about paying student athletes and protecting their rights. For me, COURT JUSTICE is a unique twist on that issue and an appealing read as it details O’Bannon’s efforts to stand on principle and fight for fairness for college athletes. He also includes a section with a dozen recommendations and ideas for reform. In this season of the Olympics and its own rather distorted view of “amateurism,” it seems especially appropriate to spend some time reading and reflecting on COURT JUSTICE.