Deviant behavior may appear to be very common in sports. Negative behavior from athletes, coaches, spectators, parents, and other members of the sports community are frequently publicized in the media. For this discussion, we are going to examine some of the deviant behavior that occurs in our sports world and identify the effect of the behavior on sports and our society.
For this discussion, you will research references that address deviant behavior involving one or more of the following: 1) athletes, 2) coaches, 3) sports media members, 4) officials, 5) athletic administrators, or 6) spectators. Then, please answer the following questions:
What was the deviant behavior?
What was the punishment, if any?
What are the ramifications on sport and society due to this particular situation?
Is this behavior a common theme in sports? If so, what has been done or should be done to manage this problem?
Full Answer Section
Spectators engaging in violence or harassment. This could include things like throwing objects at players, making threats, or using racial or homophobic slurs.

The punishment for deviant behavior in sports can vary depending on the severity of the offense. In some cases, athletes may be suspended or banned from the sport altogether. Coaches or officials who engage in unethical behavior may also be suspended or fired. Spectators who engage in violence or harassment may be banned from attending games.
The ramifications of deviant behavior in sports can be far-reaching. For athletes, it can mean losing their scholarships, their careers, and their reputations. For coaches and officials, it can mean losing their jobs and their livelihoods. For spectators, it can mean being banned from attending games and being arrested for their behavior.
Deviant behavior in sports is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. There are a number of things that can be done to manage this problem, including:
- Educating athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators about the dangers of deviant behavior.
- Creating stricter rules and penalties for deviant behavior.
- Enforcing the rules and penalties consistently.
- Creating a culture of respect and sportsmanship in sports.
Deviant behavior in sports is a complex problem, but it is one that can be solved. By taking steps to educate, enforce, and create a culture of respect, we can help to make sports a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.
Here are some specific examples of deviant behavior in sports and their ramifications:
- In 2015, Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after it was revealed that he had been using PEDs. This scandal had a major impact on the sport of cycling, and it led to a loss of public trust in the sport.
In 2016, Baylor University's football team was put on probation for five years after it was revealed that there had been a culture of sexual assault and harassment within the program. This scandal led to the firing of the head coach and the resignation of the athletic director.
These are just a few examples of the many cases of deviant behavior that have occurred in sports. These cases have had a negative impact on the sport itself, the athletes involved, and society as a whole. It is important to address this problem and to create a culture of respect and sportsmanship in sports.
Sample Answer
Deviant behavior in sports is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on the sport itself, the athletes involved, and society as a whole. Some examples of deviant behavior in sports include:
- Athletes using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). PEDs are substances that can artificially enhance an athlete's performance. They can give athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors and can also have serious health risks.
Coaches or officials engaging in unethical behavior. This could include things like gambling on games, abusing athletes, or making inappropriate comments.