Weiler, P: Leveling the Playing Field - How the Law Can Make

Weiler, Paul C.

ISBN 10: 0674006879 / ISBN 13: 9780674006874

Published by Harvard University Press, 2002

About this Item

The ideal of evenly balanced sporting contests is continually challenged by economic, social, and technological forces. Consequently, Weiler argues, the law is essential to level the playing field for players, owners, fans, and taxpayers. Weiler analyzes a .

Seller Inventory # 594870295

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Weiler, P: Leveling the Playing Field - How the Law Can Make
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674006879
• ISBN 13: 9780674006874
• Binding: Kartoniert / Broschiert
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The world of sports seems entwined with lawsuits. This is so, Paul Weiler explains, because of two characteristics intrinsic to all competitive sports. First, sporting contests lose their drama if the competition becomes too lopsided. Second, the winning athletes and teams usually take the "lion's share" of both fan attention and spending. So interest in second-rate teams and in second-rate leagues rapidly wanes, leaving one dominant league with monopoly power.

The ideal of evenly balanced sporting contests is continually challenged by economic, social, and technological forces. Consequently, Weiler argues, the law is essential to level the playing field for players, owners, and ultimately fans and taxpayers. For example, he shows why players' use of performance-enhancing drugs, even legal ones, should be treated as a more serious offense than, say, use of cocaine. He also explains why proposals to break up dominant leagues and create new ones will not work, and thus why both union representation of players and legal protection for fans--and taxpayers--are necessary.

Using well-known incidents--and supplying little-known facts--Weiler analyzes a wide array of moral and economic issues that arise in all competitive sports. He tells us, for example, how Commissioner Bud Selig should respond to Pete Rose's quest for admission to the Hall of Fame; what kind of settlement will allow baseball players and owners to avoid a replay of their past labor battles; and how our political leaders should address the recent wave of taxpayer-built stadiums.

About the Author

Paul C. Weiler is Henry J. Friendly Professor of Law at Harvard University.