Office Pools: Communal Betting

If you work in an office, chances are you've received an email inviting you to participate in a sports pool.   While most companies turn a blind eye to office pools because they believe it actually boosts employee morale, some companies prohibit it despite its popularity. During my interview with Christopher Pike*, who runs an NFL pool, I learned that a non-office pool policy can be overturned.

"...after talking with some of the executives at the office who play, it was decided to let it go. Since then, he [Pike's manager] has come around and even plays now. It really builds a lot of morale and camaraderie around the office, especially when the pool gets really big. It’s all anyone talks about."


They are many different types of office pools but the most popular one, which Pike runs, is the one that asks the participant to pick the team to win and/or cover the spread.
Pike provided me with a "day in the life" of an office pool coordinator during our brief interview.  

1. How do you run the pool? I send the sheets out on Tuesday via email.  People hand in their picks to either myself or my partner between then and Thursday.  On Thursday night after dinner I start entering the sheets [picks] into an excel spreadsheet to create a “master list.”  After that’s done, I count the money to confirm the amounts agree.  On Friday morning, I email the master sheets with the pool amount.   Then, Sunday and Monday I check off the winners/losers as the game goes final. Finally, on I pay the winners on Tuesday morning.
2. What has been the largest pool prize to date?  For a single week, I would say $4000 or so.  But when no one wins, the prize carries over.  Earlier this year it got up to $16,000.   Note: Each sheet is $10.  
3. Do winners give you a cut?    If not, how does that make you feel? I would say this is a 50/50 split.  Gambling etiquette is that you tip 10% and some people do that.  Some people give a few bucks.  Some take the money, say thanks, and run.  We’re not allowed to take a cut otherwise it would be illegal.  When people tip, it is very much appreciated and makes me feel good considering how many hours a week I put into it.  When people don’t tip, it really pisses me off to the point of me threatening to cancel the pool.  But in the end, it is what it is.  Some people are great, some are NOT.  
4. How much of  your personal time do you spend on coordinating?     A lot!  Too much if you ask my fiancée.  Thursday nights it usually takes me between 3-5 hours to do it all depending on the amount of entries.  Then on Sunday, it is all the checking off the incorrect entries and confirming the winners.  This goes on all day long as the games go final.
5. Some people don't like to use their real names, what are some of the most unusual names submitted?  I don’t know, I’ve gotten some strange ones over the years.  Someone uses dopey Star Trek and Star Wars names.  Other people use body parts names.  One guy uses STD diseases.  If I had to pick one, I’d say “No Whammies No Whammies!” though.  
   
6. How many women participate in the pool?  Men?  Last week we had 377 entries and 100 were women.

I wasn't surprised to learn that more women are participating and thought it would be great to hear from a regular.   Thanks to Pike, I had a quick call with one of his most engaged participant, Ms. Nyota Uhura.*

1. Why do you play?  It's fun, light-hearted and it is like gambling in a communal way.   Now, I watch all the games! It actually makes the games more enjoyable unless, of course, my picks lose. 
2. How do you select your picks? That's easy.  In order, team loyalty, injury report, last week's performance, and who has the better offense.  Bonus:  She is a Jets fan!  The interview was a breeze after she shared this fact with me.
3. Pike mentioned that nearly 40% of all sheets are submitted by women.  Why do you think more and more women are participating in office pools?  I think it unifies them with their boyfriends, husbands, brothers, fathers, or friends and they are just as invested in the games as men.   Women are no longer in the kitchen.  We are now on the couch with the guys.

Uhura, who managed the March Madness pool at her last job, is a passionate football fan who can be seen every Sunday cheering her picks at a local sports bar with her friends and family. 

By the way, do you think office pools should be allowed?

*To protect identities, real names were replaced with fictional characters.

 

Foul Play: NBA's Newest Rule Deserves a Technical

According to Ronald Johnson, Senior Vice President, Referee Operations, the fans are sick and tired of watching players complain over a call.   Yeah, right! What fans?   I would like to know how many fans participated in those focus groups and what types of questions did the facilitator ask them.   Fans love it when players express their emotions on the court especially over a bad call.  David Stern could care less about what the fans want because he is too busy trying to appease corporate sponsors.  For example,  after a few NBA players  showed up in sweat suits, baggy jeans, and a whole lot of bling to an event, the NBA decided to work on its image.  I will save my thoughts on that rule for another blog. The following season, Stern announced a dress code for all players when representing the NBA on official business.    That is a reasonable request but this rule applies to injured players sitting on the bench too.    This is crazy talk.  If the player isn't suited up for the game, he should be allowed to dress in jeans and a sweater.   Stern has always been a control freak so this latest "Respect for the Game" rule does not surprised me but it does annoy me. 

USA Today broke down the different ways to earn a technical for violating the "Respect for the Game" rule.

• Making aggressive gestures, including air punches, anywhere on the court.
  My Take:  If by aggressive gestures, they mean giving the official a middle finger or simulating choking, then yes, I am all for eliminating those.   In terms of air punching, what's the big deal as long as they don't connect with anyone.

• Disagreeing with the ref in an overt manner, the whole look of amazement genre.
  My Take: Again, if the player is threatening the official, then I am down with this rule. However, I still believe a player should still be allowed to express himself.

• Running directly at a ref to complain.
  My Take: This one makes me giggle because players rarely run towards an official.  Players and officials are usually in the area that the foul is called, so there is no need to run.

• Dragging out the postmortem of a foul call with continued questions, even if it's done politely.
  My Take: If the referee answers the question the first time, the player will stop asking! 

• Any body language that indicates the call is being protested
  My Take:   What is the difference between this and the agressive gesture rule?

Recently, Jason Williams from the Orlando Magic was suspended for complaining too much and apparently getting too close to the official.  See for yourself, video link  Now, that you've seen the video, don't you agree that this rule is ridiculous?  Why shouldn't a player be allowed to express himself?  Williams was not abusive but clearly wanted to make a point with the referee. I don't think this warranted two techicals.  I guarantee you that there is no way this "Respect for the Game" rule would be enforced if the poster child of the NBA, Michael Jordan, was still in the game.  Jordan was a notorious complainer (see above photo) who constantly got calls his way and, yet, he still complained.    

By removing the emotional element, Stern is forcing players to hold in their dissatisfaction and, soon, they will begin to take their frustrations out on each other.  Then, there will be a festival of technical fouls and the brand image that Stern is trying to protect will be in jeopardy and all because he doesn't want players to express themselves on the court.   Stern, I am calling a technical foul on you!

By the way, what is your least favorite NBA rule?

5 Important Tips to Watching a Game with a Sports Fan

For years, my mom and mother-in-law have banned my husband and I from watching sports at their homes.  When I was in high school, my mother repeatedly told me that every time I yelled her blood pressure went sky high.   My mother-in-law, often talks about my husband's loud chant for more defense and that led to her buying him his own television.   In 2004, my husband, mother-in-law, and I were lucky to go to summer Olympics in Athens.   We bought tickets to several events and when she agreed to go the U.S Men's basketball game against Puerto Rico, I was shocked.  Did she forgot who she was about to see a game with?  Needless to say, after the game, she said she would never attend or watch another game with us again.  So, in an effort to help all the non-crazy sports fans, I decided to give them 5 important tips to make it through a game.

Number 1: Create a clear path away from the viewing area.

This tip can save a trip to the nearest Emergency Room.   Sports fans are very passionate and often jump, run, bang, and shadow box after great or awful plays.  Sure, yelling (tip 2) is the primary outlet but if you live in an apartment, the physical reaction to a play can land your sports fan in the hospital.  Gasp! They are missing the game because you forgot to keep the viewing area clutter free.  To avoid this scenario, it is critical to remove any coffee tables, chairs, magazine racks, plants, shoes, children's toys, food trays, and any other item that may cause a fall. 

Number 2: Ensure you have the right menu options.

After securing a safe viewing environment, the next essential tip is to have plenty of food, beverages (beer, water, and soda.   No wine and juice!  Please save that for another occasion.  If you got the goods, then you are almost prepared for the game.   The final menu option is throat lozenges.  Yes, I know that seems odd but after all the screaming throughout a game, the sports fan will thank you later.   If you don't have throat lozenges, honey is an acceptable substitution.
 

Number 3: Eliminate all non-essential commentaries and questions.

If you are a Chatty Kathy, this tip is especially critical for you to remember.  From the moment the game begins, you are allowed to yell, high five, clap, curse, eat, and drink but the one think you can't do is ask questions.  For example, if you are watching a game and the referee blows the whistle, don't immediately ask, "What happened?" because that will get you in trouble.   This will annoy the fan because they won't be able to hear the play by play announcer confirm the ruling on the field.  Don't worry about not initially knowing what's going on because once the fan knows, so will you.

Number 4: Avoid channel surfing.

Whatever you do, please don't make a move for the remote control.  Always keep in mind that a break in action or halftime is not an invitation to change to the channel. Sports fans can be as suspicious as athletes, so if their team is winning nothing must change and that includes the channel.  In the event that their team is losing, it is important to not that the same tip applies.  Actually, it is worse to make a play for the remote because they can miss a great comeback play.  Also, you don't want to give the fan a reason to take out their frustrations on you.  The best move here is no move at all.

Number 5: Wear the right team jersey.

This is the easiest of all tips.  As I mentioned in my first blog, Family, Sports, and Memories, wear a NY sports jersey.   For example, If you are going to watch the NY Jets, do not wear a New England Patriots or Miami Dolphins jersey.  If you don't have a Jets jersey, at least wear the team colors: green and white or throwback jersey colors: gold and navy blue.  If watching a Yankees game, do yourself a favor and do not wear a Boston Red Sox jersey.   If watching a Knicks game, well, frankly they don't have any rivalries like bad in the day with the Pacers and Heat but I am hoping for a return to playoff glory.

By the way,  What tips would you add to this list?

P.S.   Only tips 2, 3 and 5 apply when you are at an actual game.

Say Bye Bye to Shrink It and Pink It

It is about time the National Football League (NFL) kicked the “shrink it and pink it” philosophy to the curb and launched an apparel line for female sports fans.  I am sure we owe it all to a savvy marketing person who commissioned research study and discovered the extent of women's purchasing power.  I don't think the NFL needed the study because it is no secret that women shop a lot more than men and drive a lot of sales but every strategy needs numbers to back it up.  So, the plan was approved and the Fit for You apparel line was born.  Okay, time to retire the business talk and let's get down to the actual gear!

Alyssa Milano: Wearing cute laced up
NY Jets t-shirt.

Alyssa Milano: Sporting NY Giants
long sleeve shirt and jacket.

Did I mention how much I love the fact that my sports gear options are no longer between pink and baby blue?!  Serioulsy, I can remember going to the boys section at sporting goods stores trying to find the largest size that just might fit me and being so frustrated that I couldn't find my NY Yankees Andy Pettitte jersey.  Now, women have their own section!  If I was in the end zone, I would do a touchdown dance and just might wear high heel cleats.  What I love about this line is that it includes a wide range of price points from $4 - $150.  The line includes t-shirts, jerseys (and NOT just in pink!) pajamas, and other apparel with team logos and can be purchased on their website as well as retailers such as Kohl's, JCPenney, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Walmart.  LOVE IT!    





Also, I was happy to see that the ad campaign featured some of the NFL wives as well as celebrities like Alyssa Milano (above) to promote the line.  Again, great marketing!   Of course, the bestdecision was to include  Michelle Ryan (wife of NY Jets coach, Rex Ryan) who represents our team so well.  Go Jets!  



Michelle Ryan proudly wearing my
5-1 Jets gear!



 By the way, what do you think of the NFL's Fit for You line? 


P.S.  I look forward to buying my Jim Leonard, Dustin Keller, and Mark Sanchez NY Jets Jerseys in MY size!   Oh wait, I forgot about Bart Scott!



  







Here We Go Again!

From the moment the New York Jets released their 2010 schedule, I knew tickets to the October 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings would be the perfect gift for my husband’s birthday. It would give us a chance to check out the new Meadowlands (and pay a ridiculous price for a beer), experience a Monday night game, and boo Brett Favre every time he touched the ball. What I didn’t know was that I wouldn’t boo him for using the Jets as a stopover before going to the team he really wanted to play for, Vikings, but for being so stupid. Why would he send former NY Jets sideline reporter, Jenny Steger, photos of his "little quarterback" and leave her voicemail messages inviting her to his room. What?! I thought the quarterback was supposed to be one of the smartest players on the team but maybe that only applies to Brett on the field. Oh, wait. Maybe not. After all, he is number 1 on the Top 10 NFL quarterbacks with the most interceptions with 310.

When Deadspin broke the story, I honestly wasn’t surprised that something like this could happen.  After Tiger Woods, I am not sure we will ever be surprised again.  Unfortunately, crude behavior has been a pattern in the NFL this season and as I mentioned in my No She Didn't post, this behavior is unacceptable.  However, I did wonder why Sterger waited two years to tell A.J. Daulerio from Deadspin her story because it did seem odd.   She claims that she didn’t want to say anything because she was afraid she would lose her job. I don’t buy that because she had the evidence to prove her claim, so she clearly had the upper hand.  I'd like to think that she is a Jets fan who held on to it until Vikings came to town to rattle Favre.  We may never know but really the bigger question for me is why did Favre send those photos. Sadly, I already know the answer. Sports figures like Favre believe they are invincible and do not believe they will get caught.   Yet, when they do get caught, because they usually do, they cry. Really?   So, now we are supposed to feel sorry for them.  I feel sorry for the wives, families, and teammates because they are thrown into a no win situation.  

By the way, did he really think she wouldn't share the photos and voicemails with anyone?

P.S.  The Jets won despite the terrible weather and gave Favre a different reason to cry.

No She Didn't!

In 1978, Melissa Ludtke of Sports Illustrated was not allowed to interview players in the clubhouse during the World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers. Instead of accepting the decision by baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn, Time Inc (owner of SI) filed and won a lawsuit allowing equal access to male and female reporters. That decision paved the way for female reporters such as Hannah Storm, Selena Roberts, and countless others to become full participants in the world of sports journalism. So, I wonder what she would say about the most recent alleged sexual harassment incident involving Azteca sports reporter, Ines Sainz (below), and the New York Jets on September 11th. I am sure she would be just as disappointed as I am especially after Sainz flipped flopped between playing victim and brushing the incident off as “not as serious as you [to owner, Woody Johnson] probably believe.” Is she for real? Either she was harassed or she wasn't.  Ms. Sainz, please make up your mind!




Sainz:  This is how NOT to dress when
conducting an an interview in ANY locker room.



What really infuriated me about Sainz is that in the days following the incident, she made a self-proclamation that she was the “hottest sports reporter in Mexico.” What?! Again. Is she for real? (Well, I guess that is why she received an offer from Playboy to pose in the nude.)   I am definitely not condoning the behavior of those Jets players because there is no excuse for those remarks but her quote was not the kind I was hoping to hear from her. The Jets failed to enforce a professional environment but she failed to take a stance for not only herself but her profession. Just once, I would love to see a woman stand up for herself and give the players a verbal thrashing that would make them blush. Maybe then, some of those players who think they have a right to be crude will rethink the next time they are being interviewed by a female journalist.

By the way, why do you think that a male reporter in women’s locker rooms is never an issue?

Family, Sports, and Memories

Before the doctor said, "It's a girl," my dad already decided that I would be a New York sports fan regardless of my gender.  He was a passionate New York sports fan and adamant that his child share the same passion. Unfortunately, I lost my dad when I was 6 but he succeeded in instilling a great love of New York sports in me. In fact, the first words I can remember spelling were Yankee Stadium. Whenever we drove by the old stadium, I had an opportunity to win a dollar for a successful spelling. (Hey, back in the day a dollar was like winning the lotto.) This speical spelling game, which we only played, is my most vivid memory of my dad which I cherish to this day.


My love of New York sports started with my dad and continued to grow into adulthood. I guess that is why I don’t understand why some women complain about their husbands or boyfriends watching sports. I always tell my friends to throw on a pair of jeans, retire the heels for sneakers, sport a jersey (preferably a NY team), grab a beer, and enjoy the game.  Don't get me wrong, I love my heels but not everyday!  Besides, when else can one scream at the television and not be called crazy? Okay, maybe a little crazy but blame it on the beer.

The love for a sports team creates a bond between family members but also among sports fans.  This bond is undeniably strong even when one is in a stadium with thousands of strangers. The best example is a Jets home game!   From the minute the jumbo screen shows Fireman Ed on his brother's shoulder, the fans go crazy and like a conductor directs over 80,000 thousand fans in the famous Jets chant.  Sure, the chants are stronger and louder when the team is winning but the point is that the love for a sports team creates memories. In the end, it is all about spending time with the ones you love. Trust me. I have the memories to prove it.

By the way, what is your favorite sports memory?