This is a pathetic attempt to control US swimmer's incomes.
What the hell is behind this inane decision?
Are we trying to kill off the sport slowly?
This decision is ridiculous !
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/.../59325
Parents
Former Member
Geek,
The cap sponsorship money is quite a bit more than $1,200 a head.
Besides..... USOC is stripping one more chance for elite swimmers to earn substantial bucks.
Are you correct that USOC has the right to do this..... absolutely yes.
But that doesn't make it fair or right and if abused the athletes may finally take a stand against USOC and boycott.
I agree with you that this amateur vs. pro status concept is an antiquated thing of the past. It means nothing anymore. Michael Phelps isn't an amateur in the true sense of the word. Why do we bother with this nonsense status anymore. It just gets in the way. Let the elite athletes make some cash and provide incentive to others to do the same and just get the USOC out of the way.
This move is a strangle hold on the sport.
John Smith
Amateur vs. pro went away a long time ago in the Olympics. How long have NBA players been playing basketball in the Olympics? USTA tennis players? Etc.
Phelps, Coughlin, etc. are swimming professionals. It is exciting that at least a few can make a living from this sport. Maybe someday there will be a USSP (US Swimming Professionals) organization.
But this move is hardly a "strangle hold on the sport." The Trials will go on and only a few athletes will be affected financially. No one will leave the sport because they couldn't get a cap deal for the Trials.
Geek,
The cap sponsorship money is quite a bit more than $1,200 a head.
Besides..... USOC is stripping one more chance for elite swimmers to earn substantial bucks.
Are you correct that USOC has the right to do this..... absolutely yes.
But that doesn't make it fair or right and if abused the athletes may finally take a stand against USOC and boycott.
I agree with you that this amateur vs. pro status concept is an antiquated thing of the past. It means nothing anymore. Michael Phelps isn't an amateur in the true sense of the word. Why do we bother with this nonsense status anymore. It just gets in the way. Let the elite athletes make some cash and provide incentive to others to do the same and just get the USOC out of the way.
This move is a strangle hold on the sport.
John Smith
Amateur vs. pro went away a long time ago in the Olympics. How long have NBA players been playing basketball in the Olympics? USTA tennis players? Etc.
Phelps, Coughlin, etc. are swimming professionals. It is exciting that at least a few can make a living from this sport. Maybe someday there will be a USSP (US Swimming Professionals) organization.
But this move is hardly a "strangle hold on the sport." The Trials will go on and only a few athletes will be affected financially. No one will leave the sport because they couldn't get a cap deal for the Trials.
