Putnam, Douglas T. 1953–

PERSONAL: Born 1953. Education: Earlham College, 1976.

ADDRESSES: Office—County Commissioners' Association of Ohio, 37 West Broad Street, Ste. 650, Columbus, OH 43215-4195. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Greenwood Press, Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881.

CAREER: Attorney and author. County Commissioners' Association of Ohio, Columbus, attorney. Has also worked as a sports fantasy league commissioner.

WRITINGS:

Controversies of the Sports World, Greenwood Press (Westport, CT), 1999.

SIDELIGHTS: A lawyer by trade, Douglas T. Putnam has a strong interest in sports and has served as a sport fantasy league commissioner. In his first book, Controversies of the Sports World, he delves into the pivotal role sports plays in modern American society by exploring sixteen controversies, including recruitment procedures, academic compromises, steroid and other drug use, sex and racial discrimination, fan violence, religion, cheating, gambling, and stadium financing. In each chapter, the author analyzes the historical roots and current status of a specific controversy and discusses how the sports Americans play and watch affect the world beyond the playing fields and are, in turn, affected by the non-sports world. Each "controversy" is highlighted by a case study as the author delves into the reasons why certain problems have endured and what the future may hold for these issues. Putnam also discusses the myriad people who participate in the sports world, from athletes and coaches to parents and fans to corporate sponsors and public officials. Each chapter includes a list of items for discussion and a list of references and avenues for further reading.

Reviewing Controversies of the Sports World for School Library Journal, Ayo Dayo noted that Putnam's best "essays explore the mood, tension, power, muscle, and underlying economic enterprises that dominate the world of athletic endeavor." Dayo also noted that it is "Putnam's mastery of these topics" that makes the book one that should be read by young athletes.

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Choice, January, 2000, M. L. Krotee, review of Controversies of the Sports World, p. 974.

R&R Book News, August, 1999, review of Controversies of the Sports World, p. 55.

School Library Journal, April, 2000, Ayo Dayo, review of Controversies of the Sports World, p. 162.

ONLINE

Michigan State University Web site, http://www.msu.edu/ (July 14, 2004), review of Controversies of the Sports World.