I see a bit of both sides. Yes, Samsung sponsored the event and has exclusivity to a point. Yes, people here are being overly hateful towards Samsung. Yes, it seems like an overreach to ask this of the athletes.
I think the problems lay in a few places. First, this could be any company, not just Samsung. IOC gives them that ability, that is a problem. How much is Samsung involved in requesting this? I'm not sure, but it would be interesting to know. So, at the moment, reserve some of your hatred for Samsung.
Secondly, I get that the title sponsor at any event, is going to be afforded certain privileges, and certainly, a conscious effort should be given to not have their unpaid competitors logo plastered around. However, I do not think that should apply to the personal belongings of an athlete. I get they want to control what is on uniforms and gear that are worn during games and such. But a personal article, like a phone, camera, glasses, wallet, purse, etc...shouldn't be regulated by sponsor ship bylaws. I realize they are saying just cover the logo, not to not use it, but come on...it's their personal property on them...you shouldn't be allowed to dictate that. If it is team wear or gear that everyone on the team is wearing, I get it. Athletes aren't getting paid to walk around using iPhones, it isn't an unauthorized paid sponsorship to censor, it's just them using personal property. Are they going to ask ticket holders at the event to cover their logo's on their devices, etc? What point is to far? Will we not see shots of the crowd if too many of them are using non-Samsung devices?
For those that mention movies, it isn't the same thing. A studio or whomever owns that whole movie. Down to every last detail. It is their work of art they are signing. It isn't a filming of a live event to report as news, it is a commercialized scripted and contrived piece of art that they get to do that to. The Olympics aren't a movie.
IOC needs restructured.
I think the problems lay in a few places. First, this could be any company, not just Samsung. IOC gives them that ability, that is a problem. How much is Samsung involved in requesting this? I'm not sure, but it would be interesting to know. So, at the moment, reserve some of your hatred for Samsung.
Secondly, I get that the title sponsor at any event, is going to be afforded certain privileges, and certainly, a conscious effort should be given to not have their unpaid competitors logo plastered around. However, I do not think that should apply to the personal belongings of an athlete. I get they want to control what is on uniforms and gear that are worn during games and such. But a personal article, like a phone, camera, glasses, wallet, purse, etc...shouldn't be regulated by sponsor ship bylaws. I realize they are saying just cover the logo, not to not use it, but come on...it's their personal property on them...you shouldn't be allowed to dictate that. If it is team wear or gear that everyone on the team is wearing, I get it. Athletes aren't getting paid to walk around using iPhones, it isn't an unauthorized paid sponsorship to censor, it's just them using personal property. Are they going to ask ticket holders at the event to cover their logo's on their devices, etc? What point is to far? Will we not see shots of the crowd if too many of them are using non-Samsung devices?
For those that mention movies, it isn't the same thing. A studio or whomever owns that whole movie. Down to every last detail. It is their work of art they are signing. It isn't a filming of a live event to report as news, it is a commercialized scripted and contrived piece of art that they get to do that to. The Olympics aren't a movie.
IOC needs restructured.