John Solomon

Journalist John Solomon writes frequently on sports and politics. In the following selection, he criticizes the manner in which pro sports leagues treat their fans, citing taxpayer—subsidized stadiums and the high cost of attending games. He blames the excesses of pro sports on the sports media, who are hesitant to cover pro sports' failings; lawmakers, who are heavily influenced by the pro sports lobby; and the fans themselves, who continue to support their favorite teams despite the rising expense of doing so. Solomon proposes a number of reforms that should be made, including reducing and regulating public subsidies for sports teams and investigating possible monopolistic behavior by media conglomerates and pro sports leagues.

WHEN JOHN CROTTY AND PETER LYONS LEARNED the National Football League's New York Jets were...