How to Protect the Interest of the Criminal Athletes - Essay Example

1)How far do some universities go to protect the interest of their criminal athletes?  In today’s fast pace business world, it is no doubt a “player’s league” in all aspects. The world of college sports is filled with drama of recruiting players, coaches, and investing funds in athletics. Some universities literally rely on their athletic programs to build their reputation. Hence, it only seems logical that some universities push limits to protect their athletes in any manner possible. A recent study conducted by Northeastern University, which was published by SeattleNewspaper.com states, “Male athletes comprised 3.3 percent of the undergraduate student population but were charged in 19 percent - 13 of 56 - of sexual assaults reported to campus authorities. Researcher Todd Crosset stressed that his data were limited, but also wrote, "To suggest that all of these cases are simply a result of athletes being targeted because of their high profile status denies reality. The best interests of institutions cannot be served until those working within the institutions admit that a problem exists." Clearly, the universities do not make any effort to recognize a problem, and then to punish their star athletes for their horrendous actions. 2)Should student athletes with criminal records be denied free-ride?  Without a doubt, student athletes with criminal records should not posses free-ride scholarships for various reasons. A student playing for a university is a privilege and not a right. If a student is immature and lacks decision making skills, then clearly the student does not deserve a free-ride scholarship. Furthermore, a student who is disciplined in his behaviors and ethics deserves a free-ride scholarship more than an athlete who does not value a free-ride scholarship. 3)Do agents play the race card to retain black athletes?  In this competitive business, agents play the race card in order to retain black athletes. With so much propaganda brewing from the media, playing the race card usually yields success for agents. A classic example of “playing the card” was portrayed in the trial of OJ Simpson, an ex-football athlete accused of murder as Roger Simon writes, October 1995 “"Why was playing the race card necessary in order for O. J. Simpson to go free? The race card was instilled because it was the only way for the defense to deal with the massive physical evidence against him." 4)Do black agents say, "I can relate to you better?" and do white agents say, "I can get you what a black agent can not"?  This is a tough scenario since these statements are not always made by black and white agents. For instance, if a white agent grew up in a poor town and family, they will say this statement. In a lot of cases, background plays a vital role. Some black athletes are born in prestigious families while most come from poor neighborhoods. Being a successful sport agent means that an individual must possess a good network and maintain strong relationships with other. Hence, the statement made by white agents is not necessarily true. 5)Is ethics simply acting in accordance with what one ought to do?  No, in essence ethics extends to more than simply acting in accordance with an individual’s principles. Ethics is not always same as feelings since feelings are just a gateway for individuals’ ethical choices. Since most people have a hard time understanding they did something wrong, habits tend to guide their feelings and their principles. 6)What are the consequences of winning and losing?  Winning and losing comes with playing the game. Winning boosts self-confidence, builds unity within team, and motivates players to perform in their highest level. However, winning can have detriment effects. For instance, it gives a false feeling of complacency to athletes, who stop putting the hard work needed to win at a collegiate level. In addition, losing tends to result in “finger pointing,” and makes the team lose focus and leadership. 7)How much is commercialization in sports today? (last year NFL made $18 billion deal with media)  Clearly, a lot is invested in commercialization in sports today. Professional sports is a multi-billion dollar business, and has becomes the focal point of commercialization. Sport team owners benefit in a huge way when sport fans are willing to watch their star athletes play in the spot light, and to buy merchandise that is endorsed by these athletes. Before 1977, $1 million dollars were a rare myth. However in the new era of sports today, earning a $1 million has become a price floor as stars such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Arnold Palmer make at least $14 million. This trend will continue as star athletes such as LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh will continue to demand huge salaries along with pricey endorsements from companies. 8)Do success strategies and ethics always conflict?  Even with the complexity of issues present in the modern world, strategies and ethics don’t always have to conflict. Often good strategies are founded upon good ethics especially in sports. Sports teach valuable lessons regarding teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Although doing the “right thing” may seem as a wrong business strategy, it often builds trust and responsibility, and therefore enhances an organization’s reputation. 9)How many white athletes employ the service of black agents?  In reality, black agents struggle to be employed as Marc J. Spears writes, “only 11 percent of white athletes are represented by African-American agents.” Sadly, African Americans make up 70% of athletes in NBA along with 67% of the athletes are African-Americans. in NFL.  10)Is there conflict of interest in sports journalism?  As mentioned above, the leagues and players dominate the world of sports. According to Justin Rice, member of the Harvard University’s Nieman Journalism Lab, examined the trend in sports. After careful observation, he reached the conclusion that often media tends to becomes the “creators of coverage.” As times have changed, newspapers, radios, and televation stations who used to depend on other sources for coverage, have left that staretegy and often provide their own sports coverage. Works Cited “Agents of change see slow progress in sports.”ESPN.com. Web. 12 June 2010. < http://espn.go.com/columns/aldridge_david/1342031.html> Cunnings, Dennis. “Examining the Future of Sports Journalism.” Web. 12 June 2010. < http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/sports/2009/july/Examining-the-Future-of-Sports- Journalism.html> "sports." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 12 June 2010  . “The Commercialization of Sports.” Hubspsorts.com. Web. 12 June 2010. < http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Commercialization-of-Sport> Read More