Cheating in Professional Sports: The Obligation of Athletes as Role Models

Youth sports, at its core, should be plain, simple fun. One would hope that children, unburdened by the responsibilities of adulthood, could enjoy the simplicity of sports without the pressures and the training typically associated with higher-level athletics. This tranquility, however, is not realistic. The issue that often mars youth sports, especially during the often un-officiated period of recess, is cheating. In school, children learn that cheating is bad, and are quick to point out what they perceive as cheating in competitive sports. However, professional athletes, who due to their skill and global visibility serve as role models to many children, have not been setting a good example and playing by the rules. In this week’s post, I traveled the world of internet blogging, and came across two blog posts that address different instances of cheating in professional sports. In my comments (reproduced below) on each post, I discuss the issues presented by the respective authors, as well as address significant topics that the authors did not emphasize: how American thirst for skilled athletes and record-breaking statistics has produced a dishonest sports culture, and how that culture is connected to and affects youth sports. In “Steroid Nation,” Dr. Gary R. Gaffney of the University of Iowa recently posted (see screenshot in first comment section) on the turmoil revolving around pro baseball athlete Rick Ankiel and his alleged HGH use. Jeffrey Standen, professor of law at Willamette University, wrote (see screenshot in second comment section) about New England Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick being mislabeled as a cheater by the public at his blog “The Sports Law Professor” .

Comment:

Dear Dr. Gaffney,

I think you wrote a very interesting and informative post on a controversial subject. Playing devil’s advocate, however, Rick Ankiel presents an intriguing case. In the wake of his arm troubles in the 2000 Major League Baseball playoffs, Ankiel struggled significantly attempting to regain his professional form. Since clips of Ankiel’s wildness have been shown so many times on television, while countless baseball analysts have given his or her opinions on his problems, I feel that America’s craze for statistical success in sports almost forced Ankiel to take HGH. If Ankiel had been unable to return to the majors, he would likely have been labeled a baseball failure, an undeserved tag that would permanently affect any dedicated lifelong athlete. Additionally, the same fans that encouraged this behavior (doing whatever it takes to succeed) in pro sports are likely parents and/or coaches of youth athletes. Therefore, I feel that it is extremely important that all parties (athletes, organizations and fans) hold themselves to a higher moral standard. Each of those groups shares part of the blame for this dilemma, and for the sake of youth sports participants everywhere, something needs to be done to rectify the problem.

I do not mean to negate the significance of the fact that each athlete, technically speaking, makes an individual choice about what to put in his or her body. However, in your post, I feel that your argument focuses solely on each individual player’s decisions, and that the respective leagues are the impartial bystanders negatively affected by the “perpetrators.” I feel strongly that both the players and the leagues to which they belong are equally responsible must do more to educate both themselves and the public to the dangers of illegal substances.

To demonstrate my point, I analyzed your reference of Rodney Harrison being given a, “four-game suspension for receiving HGH.” In my opinion this consequence seems like a minor penalty for such an important rule violation. Is it not the obligation of sports leagues and its athletes to play by the rules? I think most people would agree that athletes are role models to children worldwide; therefore, as role models, athletes should feel compelled to live up to that level of responsibility. Accordingly, I feel that these athletes must be held accountable for breaking the law, and should not be given inconsequential penalties for significant crimes.

Thanks for reading.

mhs – http://lawandsports.blogspot.com

Comment:

Dear Professor Standen,

I think you presented an interesting perspective on this whole debacle. I am intrigued by the arguments you presented in your post, and I feel that they present an important viewpoint on this event. However, I feel that there are some important details that your argument does not take into consideration.

Firstly, I find that your comparison of video-taping signs and mimicking play-calling signals to be inappropriate. While I would agree that the Ravens’ actions were both unsportsmanlike and against NFL policy, I believe that one cannot state that both actions are equal instances of cheating. In the Patriots’ situation, there was tangible evidence of cheating (the actual videotapes, as well as the fact that the cameraman was caught in the act). On the other hand, officials on the field at the Jets vs. Ravens game did not hear the alleged mimicking by the Jets’ players. Therefore, there is no actual proof of “cheating,” beyond the word of the Ravens’ coach (at least that you reference). Additionally, considering the intense curiosity of the public with regards to the Belichick situation, I believe that it blaming “cheating” for a loss is a convenient excuse for these highly-paid athletic figures. Without concrete evidence to the contrary, how can one state that both actions are of equal stature? I think the NFL has to set an example and show that one cannot rush to judge in these situations.

More importantly, while I can agree that the NFL rulebook is not written clearly, I would argue that the league that claims to be a strong supporter of charities such as the United Way has an obligation to the global community (in the wake of football’s growing popularity) to have a strong moral backbone, just as any league does. While one could argue in “lawyer-speak” for hours, I feel that anyone arguing in support of the Patriots has to realize that their arguments are illegitimate and taking advantage of technicalities. Since the NFL is such a popular organization, the league and its players should feel obligated to show that cheating is unacceptable.

And finally, I strongly believe that the NFL has an obligation to provide an example for children interested in sports, and people in general. I would argue that this concept will be a trademark of the Roger Goodell era, as evidenced by his willingness to suspend players/coaches for violating league policies (even though I wholeheartedly believe there is much more that he could do).

Thanks for reading.

mhs – http://lawandsports.blogspot.com