Armen Keteyian

An in depth look at the business and ethics of college football. Given the current coaching scandals at Maryland and Ohio State, this was a timely read. The chapters on Mike Leach were very instructive and cautionary. I felt bad for the young coeds at Tennessee serving as hostesses to recruits who got caught up in a scandal not of their making. College football is a dirty business particularly when it come to recruiting student athletes.

Good read. there were sections of the book where I lost interest and fast forwarded through the pages...… (meer)

An interesting look at the life of someone whose parents turned him into a golf robot. The most interesting aspects of the book where the parts about his childhood and how his parents groomed him to be a golf legend and the impact that has on one's personality and ability to act human.

However, this book relies a lot on other articles and books that have previously been written about Tiger Woods because he and so many people close to him refuse to be (or can't be because of nondisclosures) interviewed on the record about him. Because of that at times it feels like a book report and in certain sections heavily referenced articles I had previously read about Tiger. It also has a tendency to repeat things from earlier in the book. I did read this rather quickly, over just a few days, so maybe the repetition is helpful for slower reads because the book is long. I found it to be unnecessary though.

I really enjoyed Wheelmen: Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France, and the Greatest Sports Conspiracy Ever by Reed Albergotti and Vanessa O'Connell and was hoping this book would be similar to that. But I remember their book about Lance Armstrong being much more insightful about Lance Armstrong, his behavior, his doping program and his impact on the sport of cycling, where this book about Tiger is light on insight and more a regurgitation of facts.… (meer)

This book really goes behind the scenes in the NBA. While Keteyian and company certainly don't pull any punches, it might have been nice to see some of the positive things in the NBA discussed. But I guess sensational news is what sells and this book has no shortage of it. The authors talk about David Stern, Michael Jordan's gambling and the murder of his father, the drugs and gambling problems that plague many players, and also about how Joe Smith and his family coped with NBA life. I was really shocked to see how deep the problems with gambling and drugs go. If you are an NBA fan, definitely read this.… (meer)

I really enjoyed the book – – even if it was a bit long. However, I don't like Tiger Woods. There were countless stories of how he mistreated family, friends, supporters, fans and other golf professionals. Woods had a horrible attitude – – much of which he inherited and received from his father, Earl. He was also a horrible husband and family man. Stories of his philandering have been documented and acknowledged by Woods himself. He is attempting a comeback in sorts. He is trying to redeem his reputation and his golf career. There are many people who are pulling for his comeback. Not me. Especially after reading this book. Tiger Woods is not a sympathetic figure at all.

I am not a golf fan but I did find this story of the rise and fall of a superstar athlete to be very compelling. This is more than just a sports book or biography. It's a lesson in hubris, pride and karma.

As an aside, I purchased this book and felt it was a good investment of my time and interest.… (meer)