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
Former Member
With the swimmers who are lucky enough to score contracts with companies.... is there something specifically written in their contracts about wearing their items at Olympic Trials or big meets - do they get paid more if they do this (or less if they aren't able to)?
If the meet requires swimmers to tone it down, then I don't have a problem with it - rules are rules. Speedo, Nike, TYR, etc. should respect the meet regulations and not penalize their athletes (if that is what is happening). I am unaware what they do at other sports Olympic Trials... same rules?
On a personal note, I honestly wouldn't mind if someone had a big TYR or Nike logo on at a major swim meet... it's competitive swimming and those names are what assist us in our endeavors. Swimming is in the limelight once every 4 years... why not get as much attention as we can during that one week?
You need to look more closely at this decision before you make comments. The USOC is a private organization and can set its own rules. Athletes realize that when they elect to compete. They don't have to like the rules. If the USOC has entered into private contracts with companies to advertise, and thus fund, a percentage of their operations and generate overall income for the Olympic movement, then all athletes will benefit.
To get the full impact of Geek's post, I suggest listening to the Bolchevik Anthem in the background.
I am little uncertain about this statement, because the only support I have for this claim is the entire history of humanity, but when a small group of people control the financial well being of the masses, the small group does not benefit the masses in an equitable fashion.
Tell me Geek, should the USOC distribute its new found cash to each according to his needs?
I am sure you could have one made. Perhaps leave out the "c" in Starbucks to avoid some sort of copyright infringement lawsuit.
Or call it "Fourbucks" which seems to be catching on...
I agree with Matt. Can anyone say "sponsorship opportunity for USMS"?
If Starbucks knew of the amount of performance-enhancing caffeine consumed by the Smith brothers alone, I'm sure they'd jump at the chance to sponsor us...
I may be totally wrong, but don't professional athletes (of any sport) have to go amateur to compete in the Olympics?
Anyways, Speedo and other companies have spent so much $ developing new suits to help our swimmers go faster - I really don't see the problem in letting the swimmers wear their apparel at Trials. Or, if the swimmer is represented by another company, I don't see the big deal to have their logo on their cap that is no bigger than a TYR or Speedo logo (like the pic of Gary Hall's cap)... but I wouldn't want to see anything like Amanda Beard holding a Red Bull on the awards stand.
Doesn't the NCAA have similar rules for logos?
