Sarah K. Fields
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252040283
- eISBN:
- 9780252098543
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252040283.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Sport and Leisure
Sports figures cope with a level of celebrity once reserved for the stars of stage and screen. This book looks at the legal ramifications of the cases brought by six of them—golfer Tiger Woods, ...
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Sports figures cope with a level of celebrity once reserved for the stars of stage and screen. This book looks at the legal ramifications of the cases brought by six of them—golfer Tiger Woods, quarterback Joe Montana, college football coach Wally Butts, baseball pitchers Warren Spahn and Don Newcombe, and hockey enforcer Tony Twist—when faced with what they considered attacks on their privacy and image. Placing each case in its historical and legal context, the book examines how sports figures in the United States have used the law to regain control of their image. As the book shows, decisions in the cases significantly affected the evolution of laws related to privacy, defamation, and publicity—areas pertinent to the lives of the famous sports figure and the non-famous consumer alike. It also tells the stories of why the plaintiffs sought relief in the courts, uncovering motives that delved into the heart of issues separating individual rights from the public's perceived right to know. A fascinating exploration of a still-evolving phenomenon, this book is an essential look at the legal playing fields that influence our enjoyment of sports.Less
Sports figures cope with a level of celebrity once reserved for the stars of stage and screen. This book looks at the legal ramifications of the cases brought by six of them—golfer Tiger Woods, quarterback Joe Montana, college football coach Wally Butts, baseball pitchers Warren Spahn and Don Newcombe, and hockey enforcer Tony Twist—when faced with what they considered attacks on their privacy and image. Placing each case in its historical and legal context, the book examines how sports figures in the United States have used the law to regain control of their image. As the book shows, decisions in the cases significantly affected the evolution of laws related to privacy, defamation, and publicity—areas pertinent to the lives of the famous sports figure and the non-famous consumer alike. It also tells the stories of why the plaintiffs sought relief in the courts, uncovering motives that delved into the heart of issues separating individual rights from the public's perceived right to know. A fascinating exploration of a still-evolving phenomenon, this book is an essential look at the legal playing fields that influence our enjoyment of sports.
David C. Ogden and Joel Nathan Rosen (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604737516
- eISBN:
- 9781604737523
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604737516.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Sport and Leisure
This book follows the paths of sports figures who were embraced by the general populace but who, through a variety of circumstances, real or imagined, found themselves falling out of favor. The ...
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This book follows the paths of sports figures who were embraced by the general populace but who, through a variety of circumstances, real or imagined, found themselves falling out of favor. The chapters focus on the roles played by athletes, the media, and fans in describing how once-esteemed popular figures find themselves scorned by the same public that at one time viewed them as heroic, laudable, or otherwise respectable. The book examines a wide range of sports and eras, and includes chapters on Barry Bonds, Kirby Puckett, Mike Tyson, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, Branch Rickey, Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jim Brown, as well as an afterword and introduction.Less
This book follows the paths of sports figures who were embraced by the general populace but who, through a variety of circumstances, real or imagined, found themselves falling out of favor. The chapters focus on the roles played by athletes, the media, and fans in describing how once-esteemed popular figures find themselves scorned by the same public that at one time viewed them as heroic, laudable, or otherwise respectable. The book examines a wide range of sports and eras, and includes chapters on Barry Bonds, Kirby Puckett, Mike Tyson, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, Branch Rickey, Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jim Brown, as well as an afterword and introduction.
Sarah K. Fields
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252040283
- eISBN:
- 9780252098543
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252040283.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Sport and Leisure
This chapter explores the lawsuit that Wally Butts, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, filed against the publisher of the Saturday Evening Post in 1963. The lawsuit began when the former ...
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This chapter explores the lawsuit that Wally Butts, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, filed against the publisher of the Saturday Evening Post in 1963. The lawsuit began when the former head football coach of the University of Georgia (UGA) sued the publishing company for libel after its magazine published a story accusing him of fixing the 1962 UGA–Alabama football game with the help of legendary University of Alabama football coach Bear Bryant. This case marked the first time the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that a sporting figure was a public figure, that a former football coach was a celebrity, and that to win a defamation suit, public figures needed to prove actual malice (that the publisher had knowledge the statement was false or published it with reckless disregard of its falsity).Less
This chapter explores the lawsuit that Wally Butts, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, filed against the publisher of the Saturday Evening Post in 1963. The lawsuit began when the former head football coach of the University of Georgia (UGA) sued the publishing company for libel after its magazine published a story accusing him of fixing the 1962 UGA–Alabama football game with the help of legendary University of Alabama football coach Bear Bryant. This case marked the first time the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that a sporting figure was a public figure, that a former football coach was a celebrity, and that to win a defamation suit, public figures needed to prove actual malice (that the publisher had knowledge the statement was false or published it with reckless disregard of its falsity).
Joel Nathan Rosen
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604730913
- eISBN:
- 9781617030444
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604730913.003.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Media Studies
This chapter explores Jackie Robinson’s early twenty-first-century reputation. It argues that while Robinson is enjoying a remarkable as well as posthumous admiration, the cost is often obscured by ...
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This chapter explores Jackie Robinson’s early twenty-first-century reputation. It argues that while Robinson is enjoying a remarkable as well as posthumous admiration, the cost is often obscured by the false and often disingenuous promotion of racial tolerance and acceptance through the Robinson saga. Rather than viewing the ubiquitous characterizations of Robinson as indicative of the triumph of democracy and progress, the Robinson mystique should be viewed as being trivialized by virtue of its continued trumpeting of duty and comportment that belie the range of complex premises that lay beneath the unabashed cheerleading.Less
This chapter explores Jackie Robinson’s early twenty-first-century reputation. It argues that while Robinson is enjoying a remarkable as well as posthumous admiration, the cost is often obscured by the false and often disingenuous promotion of racial tolerance and acceptance through the Robinson saga. Rather than viewing the ubiquitous characterizations of Robinson as indicative of the triumph of democracy and progress, the Robinson mystique should be viewed as being trivialized by virtue of its continued trumpeting of duty and comportment that belie the range of complex premises that lay beneath the unabashed cheerleading.
Sarah K. Fields
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252040283
- eISBN:
- 9780252098543
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252040283.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Sport and Leisure
This chapter introduces the concept of celebrity and the rise of the sporting celebrity. It explains the evolution of the laws of reputation, specifically defamation, the rights of privacy, and the ...
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This chapter introduces the concept of celebrity and the rise of the sporting celebrity. It explains the evolution of the laws of reputation, specifically defamation, the rights of privacy, and the right of publicity. It also provides the legal and cultural backdrop in order to understand where the cases in the subsequent chapters fit in the history of celebrity and law. It argues that in the twenty-first century, sport celebrities are not known solely for their exploits on the field or court. They are famous every moment, and—because they are celebrities—members of the media stalk them and report on their every step and misstep. The media needs celebrities, and celebrities need the media. But periodically the two conflict over who really controls the image of the celebrity.Less
This chapter introduces the concept of celebrity and the rise of the sporting celebrity. It explains the evolution of the laws of reputation, specifically defamation, the rights of privacy, and the right of publicity. It also provides the legal and cultural backdrop in order to understand where the cases in the subsequent chapters fit in the history of celebrity and law. It argues that in the twenty-first century, sport celebrities are not known solely for their exploits on the field or court. They are famous every moment, and—because they are celebrities—members of the media stalk them and report on their every step and misstep. The media needs celebrities, and celebrities need the media. But periodically the two conflict over who really controls the image of the celebrity.
Prosper Godonoo
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604730913
- eISBN:
- 9781617030444
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604730913.003.0004
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Media Studies
This chapter explores the life and legacy of Paul Robeson. Robeson was one of the few African Americans who made a name for himself on the broader American sporting scene. While at Rutgers University ...
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This chapter explores the life and legacy of Paul Robeson. Robeson was one of the few African Americans who made a name for himself on the broader American sporting scene. While at Rutgers University from 1915 to 1919, he was awarded fifteen letters as an intercollegiate participant in football, baseball, basketball, and track and field. However, his athletic achievements have been overshadowed by other aspects of his life such as his career as a film and stage actor.Less
This chapter explores the life and legacy of Paul Robeson. Robeson was one of the few African Americans who made a name for himself on the broader American sporting scene. While at Rutgers University from 1915 to 1919, he was awarded fifteen letters as an intercollegiate participant in football, baseball, basketball, and track and field. However, his athletic achievements have been overshadowed by other aspects of his life such as his career as a film and stage actor.
Robert W. Reising
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604730913
- eISBN:
- 9781617030444
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604730913.003.0005
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Media Studies
This chapter explores the life and legacy of Jim Thorpe. As a Native American born in a nondescript cabin in Oklahoma Indian Territory in 1887, he was an unlikely candidate for international ...
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This chapter explores the life and legacy of Jim Thorpe. As a Native American born in a nondescript cabin in Oklahoma Indian Territory in 1887, he was an unlikely candidate for international admiration, or even national respect. It is shown that while Thorpe was consciously developed by his handlers to be a uniquely physical being, he is subsequently betrayed by the very same faction that helped construct both his athletic prowess and his burgeoning reputation.Less
This chapter explores the life and legacy of Jim Thorpe. As a Native American born in a nondescript cabin in Oklahoma Indian Territory in 1887, he was an unlikely candidate for international admiration, or even national respect. It is shown that while Thorpe was consciously developed by his handlers to be a uniquely physical being, he is subsequently betrayed by the very same faction that helped construct both his athletic prowess and his burgeoning reputation.
Roberta J. Newman
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604737516
- eISBN:
- 9781604737523
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604737516.003.0010
- Subject:
- Sociology, Sport and Leisure
This chapter presents the story of James Nathaniel “Jim” Brown, considered as one of the greatest fullbacks in the history of football. The decline of his public image can be traced back to his 1964 ...
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This chapter presents the story of James Nathaniel “Jim” Brown, considered as one of the greatest fullbacks in the history of football. The decline of his public image can be traced back to his 1964 autobiography, Off My Chest, where he shared his views about the issue of race in America. From then on he was no longer just Jimmy Brown, the player who helped elevate the NFL into mainstream American consciousness. Rather, he took the first steps toward becoming Jim Brown, angry black man.Less
This chapter presents the story of James Nathaniel “Jim” Brown, considered as one of the greatest fullbacks in the history of football. The decline of his public image can be traced back to his 1964 autobiography, Off My Chest, where he shared his views about the issue of race in America. From then on he was no longer just Jimmy Brown, the player who helped elevate the NFL into mainstream American consciousness. Rather, he took the first steps toward becoming Jim Brown, angry black man.
Jack Lule
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604737516
- eISBN:
- 9781604737523
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604737516.003.0011
- Subject:
- Sociology, Sport and Leisure
This chapter discusses how the stories presented in this book invoke the iron fist of myth. These are not simple, tragic tales. They are myths of admonishment and disapprobation. They sanction and ...
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This chapter discusses how the stories presented in this book invoke the iron fist of myth. These are not simple, tragic tales. They are myths of admonishment and disapprobation. They sanction and scourge. They punish and cast out. Myth was never made simply to teach or entertain. Myth has one main purpose—the construction, maintenance, and surveillance of social order.Less
This chapter discusses how the stories presented in this book invoke the iron fist of myth. These are not simple, tragic tales. They are myths of admonishment and disapprobation. They sanction and scourge. They punish and cast out. Myth was never made simply to teach or entertain. Myth has one main purpose—the construction, maintenance, and surveillance of social order.
Sarah K. Fields
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252040283
- eISBN:
- 9780252098543
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252040283.003.0004
- Subject:
- Sociology, Sport and Leisure
This chapter explores Joe Montana's lawsuit against the San Jose Mercury News. Montana was one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. In San Francisco, he led four ...
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This chapter explores Joe Montana's lawsuit against the San Jose Mercury News. Montana was one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. In San Francisco, he led four teams to victory in the Super Bowl and was named the Most Valuable Player of three of those games. After each Super Bowl victory, the local newspaper, not surprisingly, ran stories about Montana and the team and included photographs. These stories and photographs were clearly protected as documenting newsworthy events under the First Amendment. After the fourth Super Bowl victory, however, the San Jose Mercury News released and sold a poster that included photos of Montana from all four Super Bowls. Montana felt that the use of his photograph in the poster was a violation of his right of publicity—that the newspaper had used his image without his permission and profited from it. Montana's lawsuit highlighted the question of what was newsworthy and thus protected by freedom of speech, and how long that newsworthy privilege lasted. His case also reflected the shift in laws of reputation from protecting dignity to protecting the celebrity's financial interest in his image.Less
This chapter explores Joe Montana's lawsuit against the San Jose Mercury News. Montana was one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. In San Francisco, he led four teams to victory in the Super Bowl and was named the Most Valuable Player of three of those games. After each Super Bowl victory, the local newspaper, not surprisingly, ran stories about Montana and the team and included photographs. These stories and photographs were clearly protected as documenting newsworthy events under the First Amendment. After the fourth Super Bowl victory, however, the San Jose Mercury News released and sold a poster that included photos of Montana from all four Super Bowls. Montana felt that the use of his photograph in the poster was a violation of his right of publicity—that the newspaper had used his image without his permission and profited from it. Montana's lawsuit highlighted the question of what was newsworthy and thus protected by freedom of speech, and how long that newsworthy privilege lasted. His case also reflected the shift in laws of reputation from protecting dignity to protecting the celebrity's financial interest in his image.
