Steve Ballmer's Intuit Dome

I'm changing my mind, somewhat, about Steve Ballmer. His stadium in Los Angeles, built at his own cost, is, apparently, a brilliant place to watch basketball. But he's now facing one full year shut out from his NBA team, the Los Angeles Clippers.

Looking at the podcasts dealing with the issues, I've come to the conclusion that it is the NBA and other powerful corporate interests, taking down someone they see as a pretender.

The LA Lakers, Boston Celtics, New York Knickerbockers etc are not about to give way to the Clippers. It looks like a stitch up. Other teams in the NBA have done similar things and got no more than a slap on the wrist. 

Sports for Men and Women on Equal Terms

Let's consider the question; what sports can currently be played between men and women on equal terms? I'm not talking about mixed teams, with the balance between men and women predetermined, I'm talking about any number of men and women being able to compete against each other.

A saying comes to mind which answers this question, at least in part:

“There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.”

― Ernest Hemingway

Yes, these three sports all have women and men competing on equal terms.

When it comes to motor racing, that includes every type; motor boats, aircraft racing, motorcycles, and all manner of cars and trucks. 

Outside of this framework, anything to do with horses comes to mind. Equestrian eventing, dressage and showjumping are on equal terms. I remember the controversy surrounding female jockeys, but that seems to be fine now too, horse racing doesn't have women only jockey races, do they?

And then there is croquet. And don't forget snooker. 

When you think about it, there are a few more sports with men and women competing against each other than we are led to believe. 

FIA Boss: No Politics in Sport

Hear hear, Mohammed Ben Sulayem says what must be said. Enough of this grandstanding from entitled sportspeople. Do your job, don't force your opinions down our throats - thanks.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/motorsport-formula-1-boss-mohammed-ben-sulayem-criticises-drivers-for-putting-politics-ahead-of-sport/VWEFZELJLNSQ77CGL7EHMXKABA/

In an interview with GrandPrix247, Ben Sulayem said he doesn't impose his beliefs on other people and wants the drivers to do the same.

"Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving," he said.

"Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris addresses mental health. Everybody has the right to think. To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs in something over the sport all the time.

"I am from an Arabian culture. I am international and Muslim. I do not impose my beliefs on other people? No way! Never. If you look at my operation in the UAE: 16 nationalities! Name me one federation that has that many nationalities.