Ethical problems in American sport

This essay examines some ethical problems prevalent in contemporary American sport. Three topics are considered: (1) the ethical principles that should guide sport; (2) the ethical dilemmas that confront various constituencies in sport; and (3) the structural sources of unethical behaviors in sport. Ethical Principles American sport is plagued with problems. Bigtime sport has corrupted academe. Coaches may engage in outrages behaviors but if they win, are rewarded handsomely. Gratuitous violence is glorified in the media. Some athletes take drugs. Many athletes in their search for a competitive edge cheat. Sports organizations take advantage of athletes. In the view of many, these problems result from a morally distorted sport world--a world where moral values have become confused with dollar values. And winning-at-any-price has become the prevailing code of conduct in much of sport (Spander, 1985; Lamme, 1985)