Jay Coakley's Sport Ethic

INTRODUCTION

In the opinion of many fans, deviance and criminality are rampant among athletes in today’s power and performance sports. Onlookers feel that it has gotten worse in recent years. Take for instance, last month’s Pistons/ Pacers spectacle in which five NBA stars were charged with misdemeanors. A highly publicized event, the fight gave further publicity to the very actions that many deem disappointing. Furthermore, recent publicity raised questions regarding guilt. Many blame the media. Some blame the commercialization of sports. Regardless of guilt, the standards and morals practiced by the NBA showed, at least that particular evening, a compromise.

Purpose of Paper

The purpose of this paper is to compare the deviance of a high-profile athlete to Jay Coakley’s Sport Ethic. The athlete being studied is the infamous, Iron Mike Tyson.

Background Information

Born June 30, 1966, Mike Tyson was an experienced mugger by age 13. He became a professional boxer by 1985 and for many years he would enter the ring wearing a black robe, black trunks, and black shoes, cultivating an

There have been instances of coaches reacting violently in practice and game settings. Fans have torn down goal posts, attacked each other and athletes during competition. Although they take place at sporting events, the Sport Ethic isn’t always the reason. In my opinion, since sports are social constructions, an individual sport cannot be judged by one athlete alone, even when he or she commits acts of violence. Group dynamics had no part in Tyson’s criminal behavior, therefore, I feel Coakley’s Sport Ethic is not applicable when describing his conduct. Tyson had no special bonds with anyone, including his former wife Robbin Givens. The Sport Ethic may be applicable when describing his training routine, and pre-fight rituals, but not his violence outside of