17. Sports and Games 

 Note: Several essays have been moved to Amazon.com in the “Customs and Cultures of Contemporary America” series of books. The rodeo features exceptional athletes and serves as a powerful symbol of America’s roots: Rodeo Revisited. ~ The National Football League (NFL) is forcing its fans to pay streaming stations for some of its games: Re-branding the NFL. ~ The American Players’ Golfers Association (PGA) is merging with a Saudi Arabia-based golfers’ group with a lot of money: Re-Branding the PGA.  ~ A short piece about my attending the Wimbledon tennis tournament. ~ An article on one of the best sprinters in track history. Click on Bobby Morrow, World-Class Sprinter. ~ A visit to one the the best tennis tournaments in the world:  Indian Wells tennis tournament. ~  The New Orleans Saints are instructed to injure opposing players: Bounty Hunting.  ~ A report on the 2010 French Open held at the Roland Garros Center in Paris. ~ The Deflategate controversy points to problems more serious than soft footballs. ~ Skewing competition to discourage competition: Life in the Slovenly Lane. ~ Meeting a fine athlete, a generous celebrity, and a gracious man: Richard Simmons.   ~ Rodeo days and the danger of steer wrestling: Esta Muerto!   The dedication of a track and field facility for a man who made a difference in the lives of many young people:  A Field for a Champion. ~ The Day Rocky Marciano took a Dive: How a computer game  whiz and Rocky Marciano were KO’ed.