Sports Effects on Culture

         Professional sports has had many different effects on culture. It can have positive effects such as Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, but it can also have a negative effect like the issue with the voice mail on Donald Sterling's phone that cost him his job. Sports have been bringing people together for decades. It has allowed all racial differences to be pushed aside and let the best players in the world play the sport they love. Sports have effects our cultures in a positive way such as Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. For years the MLB was only a white mans league now it has transformed into something completely different because of Jackie Robinson and what he did for that culture. Ben Mclemore of the Sacramento Kings stands for another change in culture. His Family moved from 1 room apartment to 1 room apartment his whole childhood life, but once he made it to the NBA he started to provide for his family. This happens very often in sports, one kid makes it to the pros and it changes everything. It moves him and his family out of poverty.
         Although unfortunately there are also some negative effects on culture in sports. Lets talk about  the Seattle Seahawks. Their Quarterback Russell Wilson was called out by other teammates for not being "Black enough". This is an unfair statement to Wilson, because he went to college and graduated and just because he doesn't speak like his teammates with street slang they don't want him leading their team. Another example of a negative effect on culture is trash talking in sports. Kids are watching and they see all the trash talking and want to be just like them so they play in their game and start swearing and trash talking.
           Lastly, sports have had a crazy effect on my culture. Every sunday my family comes together to watch the Pats games. Also whenever something bad happens in my life I can go play basketball with my friends to clear my name for even an hour.  Sports have gotten me to the point I am at today. It has It is the reason I have all the friends I have today. My life would be entirely different if it weren't for sports. That is how sports can have a positive or a negative effect on someones life.

The Atlanta Hawks

         The Atlanta Hawks are the surprise team of the league about half way through the season. 41-9 record, as they stand first in the east. Also with the best record in the NBA. Last year they were the eighth seed and lost in the first round, but this year they got Al Horford back and he is leading the unlikely team to an amazing season. They just came off a 19 game win streak, longest in team, history.  Although they have no "stars'' that they can go to in the clutch, they have many solid players that can win them those close games.

         Their start to this season is one of the most improbable starts in NBA history. Coming off a sub par year they have come out firing on all cylinders this year. After having 1 All-star last year, they have 3 this year that are all worthy of the spots. All 5 of their starters are averaging over 10 points a game. With many capable players off the bench. All 5 of their starters were named players of the month. Coming into the season there were only 2 real contenders in the east, The Bulls and the Cavs, neither of them have preformed and the Hawks have taken advantage and outplayed every other team in the NBA. Many people on ESPN are saying the Hawks coach is a lock for the coach of the year. We can hope they keep preforming at this level going into the playoffs.

Super Bowl Predictions

      I am very excited for this Super Bowl. Not just because Tom Brady going for number 4, but all of the headlines. First, the Seahawks. Ranked number 1 all year in total defense. With a very young quarterback leading their offense all ready looking for his second ring. The Seahawks are looking to be the first team since 03', 04' Pats to repeat. Their big name players on the defensive ends are still fighting injuries. Richard Sherman with an  elbow injury and Earl Thomas with a dislocated shoulder.  So they have to rely on their lesser known players and see if they can stop the high powered patriot offense.
        Now on the the Patriots. They have one of the best QBS of all time in Tom Brady. They have the best Tight End in the NFL in Gronk, and have reliable receivers in Edlemen and Lafell. So if the great defense of Seattle can stop the Pats offense then broth teams will rely on the weaker side of the ball. I believe the Pats defense can stop the Seattle offense, enough where thee will be less pressure on the offense. That's what makes this a very intriguing game and I can't wait to see it!