Ethics & Sports
August 8, 2013 - Are Athletes Ethical? An ESPN Poll shows athlete ethics on issues ranging form lying about concussions to gay teammates .... and more. See ESPN Poll: 33 Percent of College Football Players Have Lied About Concussions by Steven Muma, SBNation.com, August 8, 2013; and Click here for the ESPN poll.
--------------------------------
Notre Dame Researcher Finds Serious Ethical Problems In Youth Sports. The good news is that most participants enjoy sports and most parents like their coaches. The bad news is that amongst youth athletes: 10% admit to cheating; 13% have tried to injure an opponent; 31% have argued with an official; and 13% have made fun of a less-skilled teammate. Probably the worse thing is reading that 4% of youth athletes have been hit, kicked or slapped by their coaches. I don't know if this is a reflection on sports or on society in general. The authors have some perspective on all this, and write that youth sports are not out of control but there are areas of concern. However, the authors do note that spectators are out of control. See for yourself. SeeThe Sport Behavior of Youth, Parents and Coaches: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly by David Shields, Brenda Bredemeier, and F. Clark Power, Journal of Research in Character Education (2005)..
--------------------------------
Notre Dame Researcher Finds Serious Ethical Problems In Youth Sports. The good news is that most participants enjoy sports and most parents like their coaches. The bad news is that amongst youth athletes: 10% admit to cheating; 13% have tried to injure an opponent; 31% have argued with an official; and 13% have made fun of a less-skilled teammate. Probably the worse thing is reading that 4% of youth athletes have been hit, kicked or slapped by their coaches. I don't know if this is a reflection on sports or on society in general. The authors have some perspective on all this, and write that youth sports are not out of control but there are areas of concern. However, the authors do note that spectators are out of control. See for yourself. SeeThe Sport Behavior of Youth, Parents and Coaches: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly by David Shields, Brenda Bredemeier, and F. Clark Power, Journal of Research in Character Education (2005)..
Hazing
December 2007 - Palo Alto High School's Student Journalism Program Conducts In Depth Investigative Report on Hazing. See Hazing: A Look Inside The Dark Side of Paly Sports, by Peter Johnson, The Viking (a Palo Alto High School Student Publication) page 16 (also published in the Paly Voice) . This article garnered national attention and generated these Palo Alto High School follow ups: Drawing The Line: When Fun Stops and Hazing Begins by Viking Staff in the Paly Voice, December 3, 2007; Principal McEvoy Releases Administration Response To Hazing by Paly Voice Web Staff and Connie Yang, December 10, 2007; Campus Reacts To Hazing Story by Courtney Hancock, Paly Voice, December 10, 2007; and Hazing Special (podcast) by Emily Merrit and Courtney Hancock, Paly Voice, December 20, 2007. Click here for podcast only.
Parents
April 2007 - For years, sports administrators have looked at some of the overzealous, pushy sports parents and wondered what would happen when their kids grew up and they had to let go. Well, now we're starting to see the answer. Some of these parents are not letting go. That's right! The parents show up for the job interview. They help the adult kid at work. They negotiate benefits. They're sports parents gone mad - but now they're showing up in the workplace. See 'Helicopter' Parents Hover When Kids Job Hunt by Stephanie Armour, USA Today, April 23, 2007.
Sickle Cell
In July, 2011, the Orlando Sentinel ran a series entitled, Sickle Cell Trait: The Silent Killer. Sickle Cell trait has been responsible for numerous athletic deaths. Many of these deaths have been attributed to heat or to heart conditions. Heat problems and heart conditions may have been the direct cause of these deaths, but the underlying cause has often been sickle cell trait, which has either gone undiagnosed or was discovered well after the fact. The series consists of the following articles:
Sickle Cell Trait: The Silent Killer by Iliana Limon, The Orlando Sentinel, July 24, 2011.
Sickle Cell Trait: The Silent Killer by Iliana Limon, The Orlando Sentinel, July 24, 2011.
Schools
SOME SCHOOLS ARE ALWAYS IN THE NEWS - FOR THE WRONG REASON. THIS SECTION FOCUSES ON THOSE SCHOOLS.
Dominguez HS, Compton, CA:
Under head basketball coach Russell Otis, Dominguez High has reached the heights of basketball glory but has constantly been in the papers for controversial acts. There have been sex scandals, recruiting allegations and alleged financial improprieties. As Sports Illustrated puts it, Dominguez has become "A School For Scandal." For a string of stories about Dominguez see:
SoCal Hoops 1999 Game Coverage, "Nike" Dominguez 93, Shoeless Rancho Verde 73, March 2, 1999.
A School For Scandal by Alexander Wolff and George Dohrmann, Sports Illustrated, February 26, 2001 (this one has it all - the sex molestation charges against the coach, the AAU connections, the recruiting allegations ... you name it they've got it). Note: Otis ultimately was fired by Dominguez for not having a teaching credential. He won a trial on the molestation charges (See Former Compton Coach Acquitted of Sex Charges by Dalondo Moultrie, Los Angeles Times, April 24, 2001). While he was gone, Dominguez slipped into mediocrity on the basketball court. Dominguez got a teaching credential, reclaimed his old job - and the fun began again.
Dominguez, Otis Win Another Title by Dan Aritt, Los Angeles Times, March 20, 2004, Page D-14. Dominguez resumed its on-court success under Otis, either winning title or contending from 2004 - 2008. Of course, Otis wouldn't be Otis if he didn't get embroiled in some controversy - and, strangely enough, more sex charges arose in the summer of 2008.
Compton Dominguez Basketball Coach Investigated for Criminal Misconduct by Lance Pugmire and Andrew Blankstein, Los Angeles Times, September 25, 2008.
CIF Southern Section Strips Dons of Home Playoff Games by Gene C. Johnson, Jr, Compton Bulletin, July 1, 2008 (Dominguez allegedly was delinquent in handing over its playoff game receipts to the entity that runs high school sports in Southern California).
CIF: Dominguez High Boys Must Go on Road For Basketball Playoffs by Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times, September 26, 2008.
Dominguez Coach Russell Charged In Sex Case by Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times, March 18, 2009.
Ex-Dominguez High Coach Faces A Reckoning by Lance Pugmire and Stuart Pfeifer, Los Angeles Times, September 19, 2009.
Dominguez HS, Compton, CA:
Under head basketball coach Russell Otis, Dominguez High has reached the heights of basketball glory but has constantly been in the papers for controversial acts. There have been sex scandals, recruiting allegations and alleged financial improprieties. As Sports Illustrated puts it, Dominguez has become "A School For Scandal." For a string of stories about Dominguez see:
SoCal Hoops 1999 Game Coverage, "Nike" Dominguez 93, Shoeless Rancho Verde 73, March 2, 1999.
A School For Scandal by Alexander Wolff and George Dohrmann, Sports Illustrated, February 26, 2001 (this one has it all - the sex molestation charges against the coach, the AAU connections, the recruiting allegations ... you name it they've got it). Note: Otis ultimately was fired by Dominguez for not having a teaching credential. He won a trial on the molestation charges (See Former Compton Coach Acquitted of Sex Charges by Dalondo Moultrie, Los Angeles Times, April 24, 2001). While he was gone, Dominguez slipped into mediocrity on the basketball court. Dominguez got a teaching credential, reclaimed his old job - and the fun began again.
Dominguez, Otis Win Another Title by Dan Aritt, Los Angeles Times, March 20, 2004, Page D-14. Dominguez resumed its on-court success under Otis, either winning title or contending from 2004 - 2008. Of course, Otis wouldn't be Otis if he didn't get embroiled in some controversy - and, strangely enough, more sex charges arose in the summer of 2008.
Compton Dominguez Basketball Coach Investigated for Criminal Misconduct by Lance Pugmire and Andrew Blankstein, Los Angeles Times, September 25, 2008.
CIF Southern Section Strips Dons of Home Playoff Games by Gene C. Johnson, Jr, Compton Bulletin, July 1, 2008 (Dominguez allegedly was delinquent in handing over its playoff game receipts to the entity that runs high school sports in Southern California).
CIF: Dominguez High Boys Must Go on Road For Basketball Playoffs by Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times, September 26, 2008.
Dominguez Coach Russell Charged In Sex Case by Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times, March 18, 2009.
Ex-Dominguez High Coach Faces A Reckoning by Lance Pugmire and Stuart Pfeifer, Los Angeles Times, September 19, 2009.
Special Olympics
September, 2008 - Colorado Cheer Coach Wins NFHS Spirit of Sport Award. Tammy Dufford, cheerleading coach at Evergreen (Colorado) High School, and her freshman cheerleader, Megan Bomgaars, are the 2008 national recipients of the NFHS "National High School Spirit of Sport Award." Bomgaars, who has Downs Syndrome, joined the Evergreen Cheer team. The Coach worked with Bomgaars, and the team placed third at the Jefferson County league meet and won the small varsity division in regional competition. This is an excellent example that sports can help people maximize their abilities - even if they are developmentally challenged. It also shows us the meaning of character, and that a coach can instill team values under any circumstances. See Colorado Cheer Coach Puts Individual Ahead of Team Championship.
Steve Fleming became embroiled in controversy when he treated Special Olympians like normal athletes. Maybe times are changing or maybe there are other factors that made the Colorado case different than Mr. Fleming's. One thing we do know is that whatever your abilities and disabilities, you can still reap the benefits of sports.
Special Olympics Controversy. Texas Special Olympics Program Suspends Coach Steve Fleming For “Unacceptable Conduct.” The Coach’s Violation Appears To Be Treating Special Olympic Kids Like Normal Athletes. Did the Suspended Coach Simply Run A Better Program, Was He A Recruiter, Was He A Victim of Racism and An Internal Feud or Was He Simply A Normal Competitive Man Participating In A Forum That Is Generally Non-Competitive (many people feel that Special Olympics is the last bastion of sports as non-competitive pure fun)? We May Never Know The Answer. One Thing We Do Know Is The Coach’s Son Made The Leap From Special Olympics To Mainstream Sports, and the Coach’s Special Olympics Teams Progressed To The Level Where They Could Compete Against some “Normal” Kids. See Off The Short Bus by Jesse Hyde, Dallas Observer, September 13, 2007. For a History of Steve Fleming's Relationship with the Lewisville, TX Special Olympics Program, see Lewisville: Parents' Feud Benches Special Olympics Team by Jay Parsons, The Dallas Morning News, August 6, 2007.
Steve Fleming became embroiled in controversy when he treated Special Olympians like normal athletes. Maybe times are changing or maybe there are other factors that made the Colorado case different than Mr. Fleming's. One thing we do know is that whatever your abilities and disabilities, you can still reap the benefits of sports.
Special Olympics Controversy. Texas Special Olympics Program Suspends Coach Steve Fleming For “Unacceptable Conduct.” The Coach’s Violation Appears To Be Treating Special Olympic Kids Like Normal Athletes. Did the Suspended Coach Simply Run A Better Program, Was He A Recruiter, Was He A Victim of Racism and An Internal Feud or Was He Simply A Normal Competitive Man Participating In A Forum That Is Generally Non-Competitive (many people feel that Special Olympics is the last bastion of sports as non-competitive pure fun)? We May Never Know The Answer. One Thing We Do Know Is The Coach’s Son Made The Leap From Special Olympics To Mainstream Sports, and the Coach’s Special Olympics Teams Progressed To The Level Where They Could Compete Against some “Normal” Kids. See Off The Short Bus by Jesse Hyde, Dallas Observer, September 13, 2007. For a History of Steve Fleming's Relationship with the Lewisville, TX Special Olympics Program, see Lewisville: Parents' Feud Benches Special Olympics Team by Jay Parsons, The Dallas Morning News, August 6, 2007.
Sportsmanship
So You Think You're A Good Sport - Take the Character Counts Sportsmanship Test! and then read Michael Josephson's December 2008 Newsletter and ask yourself what lengths you'd go to in order to win.
Chattanooga, TN - May 13, 2007 - Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Takes Tough Stand Where Soccer Fans Attack Official. See Beware of Behavior by Jaime Lackey, Chattanooga Times Free Press, May 13, 2007. This article contains substantial information on numerous issues affecting youth sports.
Recordnet.com Special Report on Youth Sportsmanship, February - April, 2007 - with periodic updates
Stockton, CA - August 12, 2007 - Parents: The Sportsmanship X Factor by Roger Phillips, Recordnet.com.
Stockton, CA - August 12, 2007 - Advice For Parents Of Youth Athletes by Dr. Larry Lauer, recordnet.com.
Stockton, CA - May 20, 2007 - In An Instant, Friendly Contests Become 'Take Me Out To The Brawlgame' by Roger Phillips, recordnet.com.
Stockton, CA, - Fan Abuse Turns Many Away From Officiating by Roger Phillips and Michael Sudhalter, recordnet.com, April 1, 2007. What can we all do about this shortage? SeeRelationship Between Coaches, Referees Is Key by Roger Phillips and Michael Sudhalter, recordnet.com, April 1, 2007.
Stockton, CA - Feb. 25, 2007 - Cleaning Up Youth Sports Cheering Sections by Michael Sudhalter and Roger Phillips, Recordnet.com, February 25, 2007.
Stockton, CA - Feb. 4, 2007 - Violence Increasingly Part of Youth Sports by Roger Phillips and Michael Sudhalter, Recordnet.com, February 4, 2007.
November, 2005 - Schools Become Safer but High School Football Games Become More Dangerous In 2005. See Violence at Games Means Trouble For All by Jodi Upton, USA Today, November 23, 2005. Click here for reprint on National School Safety and Security Services website.
Chattanooga, TN - May 13, 2007 - Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Takes Tough Stand Where Soccer Fans Attack Official. See Beware of Behavior by Jaime Lackey, Chattanooga Times Free Press, May 13, 2007. This article contains substantial information on numerous issues affecting youth sports.
Recordnet.com Special Report on Youth Sportsmanship, February - April, 2007 - with periodic updates
Stockton, CA - August 12, 2007 - Parents: The Sportsmanship X Factor by Roger Phillips, Recordnet.com.
Stockton, CA - August 12, 2007 - Advice For Parents Of Youth Athletes by Dr. Larry Lauer, recordnet.com.
Stockton, CA - May 20, 2007 - In An Instant, Friendly Contests Become 'Take Me Out To The Brawlgame' by Roger Phillips, recordnet.com.
Stockton, CA, - Fan Abuse Turns Many Away From Officiating by Roger Phillips and Michael Sudhalter, recordnet.com, April 1, 2007. What can we all do about this shortage? SeeRelationship Between Coaches, Referees Is Key by Roger Phillips and Michael Sudhalter, recordnet.com, April 1, 2007.
Stockton, CA - Feb. 25, 2007 - Cleaning Up Youth Sports Cheering Sections by Michael Sudhalter and Roger Phillips, Recordnet.com, February 25, 2007.
Stockton, CA - Feb. 4, 2007 - Violence Increasingly Part of Youth Sports by Roger Phillips and Michael Sudhalter, Recordnet.com, February 4, 2007.
November, 2005 - Schools Become Safer but High School Football Games Become More Dangerous In 2005. See Violence at Games Means Trouble For All by Jodi Upton, USA Today, November 23, 2005. Click here for reprint on National School Safety and Security Services website.
Title IX / Gender Equity
THINGS GET UGLY AT FRESNO STATE: THREE MUTIMILLION DOLLAR TITLE IX PAYOUTS IN ONE YEAR - WHAT THE HECK ARE THEY DOING OVER THERE?
For Information on Fresno State's Title IX Problems, see: Fired Fresno State Coach Wins $19M in Sex Discrimination Lawsuit, USA Today, December 6, 2007; and FresnoBee.Com Editorial Opinion Blog, December 6, 2007. See also, Lindy Vivas, a fired Fresno State women's volleyball coach, wins Title IX retaliatory discharge suit on grounds she was fired for complaining about equal access and equal treatment. For more, see Fresno State, Former Associate Athletic Director Reach Settlement, KSEE TV 24 Fresno, Oct. 11, 2007 (Diane Milutinovich wins $3.5 M from Fresno State in gender equity retaliatory discharge case). Also See Jury Awards Former Dogs Coach $5.85m: Panel Finds Unanimously On Majority of Questions In Discrimination Suit by Bryant-Jon Anteola, Fresno Bee, July 10, 2007. Also see Fresno State Coach Gets Title IX Award, Kansas City Star, July 9, 2007. For a report on the overall problems at Fresno, see Female Coaches Are Leaving Collegiate Ranks by Garance Burke, Fresno Bee, July 4, 2007.
For Information on Fresno State's Title IX Problems, see: Fired Fresno State Coach Wins $19M in Sex Discrimination Lawsuit, USA Today, December 6, 2007; and FresnoBee.Com Editorial Opinion Blog, December 6, 2007. See also, Lindy Vivas, a fired Fresno State women's volleyball coach, wins Title IX retaliatory discharge suit on grounds she was fired for complaining about equal access and equal treatment. For more, see Fresno State, Former Associate Athletic Director Reach Settlement, KSEE TV 24 Fresno, Oct. 11, 2007 (Diane Milutinovich wins $3.5 M from Fresno State in gender equity retaliatory discharge case). Also See Jury Awards Former Dogs Coach $5.85m: Panel Finds Unanimously On Majority of Questions In Discrimination Suit by Bryant-Jon Anteola, Fresno Bee, July 10, 2007. Also see Fresno State Coach Gets Title IX Award, Kansas City Star, July 9, 2007. For a report on the overall problems at Fresno, see Female Coaches Are Leaving Collegiate Ranks by Garance Burke, Fresno Bee, July 4, 2007.
Youth Sports
St. Paul Pioneer Press's Report on Youth Sports: A Generation on The Sidelines - 2009
2009 - Bob Shaw's Outstanding Series explores how youth sports is driving the kids away. See A Generation On The Sidelines: When The Kids Are Raised To Win by Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 23, 2009; A Generation On The Sidelines: Why Minnesota Kids Are Leaving School Sports Behind by Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 23, 2009; A Generation On The Sidelines: In Youth Sports, Money Can Mean Who Will Play The Game by Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 23, 2009; and A Generation on The Sidelines: To Revive Participation In School Sports, Let Kids Be Kids by Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 24, 2009.
Washington Post's Special Report on Youth Basketball In the US - 2006
2006 - Washington D.C. - Follow the Washington Post's 2006 Series, The Player Chase, which examines youth basketball in the United States.
2009 - Bob Shaw's Outstanding Series explores how youth sports is driving the kids away. See A Generation On The Sidelines: When The Kids Are Raised To Win by Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 23, 2009; A Generation On The Sidelines: Why Minnesota Kids Are Leaving School Sports Behind by Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 23, 2009; A Generation On The Sidelines: In Youth Sports, Money Can Mean Who Will Play The Game by Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 23, 2009; and A Generation on The Sidelines: To Revive Participation In School Sports, Let Kids Be Kids by Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 24, 2009.
Washington Post's Special Report on Youth Basketball In the US - 2006
2006 - Washington D.C. - Follow the Washington Post's 2006 Series, The Player Chase, which examines youth basketball in the United States.
