Olympics 2012

[thehod]

because it makes the Olympics a ton of money in ad revenue and merchandise sales...USA basketball is consistently one of the big ratings grabbers each Olympics

its a cash cow...as for baseball/softball, not so much

You might have answered your own question there.

So not "anti-american" sentiment at all. More like "no-one gives a toss about the two sports" sentiment.

[Vibranium]

I couldn't say for sure, but I would guess that outside of a few select countries, baseball and softball don't have enough appeal. In other words, knowing what the IOC really cares about, the TV ratings weren't there.

and im fine with that, if that was the reason given....just come out and say youre greedy bastards...don't wrap it in some BS excuse when crap like judo is still in the Olympics and is on at 3am for no good reason

[thehod]

and im fine with that, if that was the reason given....just come out and say youre greedy bastards...don't wrap it in some BS excuse when crap like judo is still in the Olympics and is on at 3am for no good reason

Erm, they've already said why it was taken out (or more specifically what it needs to do to get back in)

IOC head Jacques Rogge was interviewed by MLB.com's Mark Newman and cited various criteria for Baseball to earn its way back in: "To be on the Olympic program is an issue where you need universality as much as possible. You need to have a sport with a following, you need to have the best players and you need to be in strict compliance with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). And these are the qualifications that have to be met. When you have all that, you have to win hearts. You can win the mind, but you still must win hearts."

So they've said, its not on the programme because no-one gives a shit about it.

[bringthenoise]

Wonder why rugby is off the table then? Unless it's got a major drug problem I'm not aware of.

[DebkoX]

^ True, very true.

[thehod]

Wonder why rugby is off the table then? Unless it's got a major drug problem I'm not aware of.

Rugby Sevens will be at the 2016 games.

[Vibranium]

Wonder why rugby is off the table then? Unless it's got a major drug problem I'm not aware of.

Ive wondered about that as well....how can you talk about appeal when stuff that NOBODY watches (fencing, judo, target shooting, canoeing) is there year after year

[thehod]

Ive wondered about that as well....how can you talk about appeal when stuff that NOBODY watches (fencing, judo, target shooting, canoeing) is there year after year

Most of those have a tradition of being in the Olympics over a length of time, and the Olympics being the premier competition in the sport.

[bringthenoise]

Plus, they are sports that are practiced all over the world. It's not just that barely anyone WATCHES baseball outside the USA, it's that barely anyone even PLAYS.

[Puma]

I think they are looking at sports that will draw in the crowds (money), those shared around the globe (there goes baseball/softball) and those sports that don't have an official "world cup" type event.

Soccer/football has a world cup and a numerous under 21 tourneys, why does it need to be in the Olympics? Rugby as well.

[thehod]

Soccer/football has a world cup and a numerous under 21 tourneys, why does it need to be in the Olympics? Rugby as well.

I do tend to agree with that, although there is part of me that like the idea of the Olympics being a showcase for all sports, with all the best sportsmen compeating in it. However unweildy that would be, however.

As an aside, it wouldn't surprise me to see T20 cricket in the Olympics in years to come. Very popular, widely played and certainly something that could be fitted into an Olympic calender.

[DebkoX]

I've just heard some Greek athlete (Female) has been banned for racist comment....

[Puma]

I've just heard some Greek athlete (Female) has been banned for racist comment....

Yup, tweeted a joke about West Nile virus and Africans in Greece.

[Ship]

I've just heard some Greek athlete (Female) has been banned for racist comment....

Yeah, just read that here.

With so many Africans in Greece, the West Nile mosquitoes will be getting home food!!!.

[Vibranium]

I think they are looking at sports that will draw in the crowds (money), those shared around the globe (there goes baseball/softball) and those sports that don't have an official "world cup" type event.

Soccer/football has a world cup and a numerous under 21 tourneys, why does it need to be in the Olympics? Rugby as well.

good point...and I do like seeing stuff that normally doesn't get a lot of attention

and to answer why? because its the Olympics, thats why...who doesn't want a chance to compete and represent their country?