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At some events, you're "required" to use only certain cups that correspond with the sponsoring company. For example, if Coke is a sponsor, you must use Powerade, Coke or Sprite cups. Any ethical qualms doing this?

 

You're not required to drink the courtesy beverages in the first place.

 

I'd like to comment, but I'm drinking a Coke right now.

But seriously, this is a thread?

 

Just tape over them if they bother you.

 

Nothing "free" about that. Those companies pay a lot of money for exclusivity.

 

Good to see Roy Williams checking in here on the board.

(Seriously, though, Ol' Roy made no fewer than four mentions of the cup thing this weekend on the podium in Charlotte. Even brought his own cup up there and poured from one to the other before tossing it behind him. He is beyond ridiculous.)

 

I asked an NCAA rep about this. Here is his response: "I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who munches and sips under the blanket of the very hospitality I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it. I'd rather you just said 'Thank you' and went on your way."

 

This.

If you feel a logo on a cup is going to corrupt you, you really ought to reexamine your standards. And to answer the next questions, I have no problem calling it the "Old Rotgut Greater Podunk Open," but at the same time can draw the line at "Podunk Youth Baseball would like to thank the following sposors for their support this season ..."

 

That was pretty cool, JD. Well done.

 

If it bothers you so much, then bring your own drink.

Now, if you do that, and someone objects because it's not the sponsor, remind them that this isn't North Korea.

 

Way back when I was covering this stuff, they wouldn't allow you to bring a can or bottle of anything to press row. Had to be in an NCAA cup. I asked the guy how long he'd been with the Gestapo and he didn't like it too much.

 

At the arena hosting two NCAA games today, where it's presently halftime of the second game, there is a stack of cups right beside the media entrance to courtside and a person watching for non-Powerade cups.

Really, doesn't make a difference to me, except it now means there are cups of drinks on press row and not water bottles with lids. Makes the chances of spills a lot greater. My only gripe.