MONEY GAMES

After a major boom in investment and public interest, professional and college sports appear to be faltering under intense criticism. In his insightful account, Weiss—drawing a useful distinction between games (played for the sake of the players) and sports (performed for audiences)—punctures numerous long-standing myths about the origins of sports (Abner Doubleday didn't invent baseball, he standardized the rules) and shows how financial considerations have always motivated public sporting events. Dividing participants into capitalists and laborers, the author explains the steep inflation in player salaries and tells why club franchises are shuffled from city to city; she also explores university sports' close ties with the professional system and takes up drug abuse, gambling, and fan disillusionment. Especially interesting are discussions of whether amateurism helps or hinders sports, and the offering of some possible futures for American sports. Among the more disturbing revelations is the reason why Astroturf is used when grass is known to be safer, and why rest periods have been shortened: money. A well-balanced book that will alert readers to the realities behind the hype and encourage them to learn the facts before counting on future glory as sports stars. Extensive source list. Index not seen. (Nonfiction. 12+)