Cecily Zamora
Professional athletes are often seen as role models, with many people looking up to them and following their lead. This means that when a professional athlete breaks the law, it can have a negative impact on their fans and other athletes. Some people argue that athletes who break the law should be banned from their sport, in addition to serving jail time. However, others believe that a permanent ban is too harsh and that athletes should be given a second chance, especially if they are struggling with addiction or other personal issues. There are also arguments that athletes should be treated like any other employee, and that if they break the rules, they should be subject to the same consequences as employees in other industries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Athletes are role models | They set an example for other athletes, including students |
| Athletes are given special treatment | If they break the law, others will follow |
| Mistakes are made | Athletes are human and can make mistakes |
| Addiction is a factor | Drugs can take over someone's life |
| Pressure is a factor | Being a professional athlete has a lot of pressure |
| Repeat offenders | If an athlete becomes a repeat offender, they should be banned |
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What You'll Learn
Athletes are role models and should set a good example
Athletes are often given special treatment when they break the law, which sends a message to their fans that they are above the rules. This can have serious consequences, as seen in the case of O.J. Simpson, who was suspected of murder but never charged. If athletes are not held accountable for their actions, it gives the impression that they can get away with anything, which is a dangerous precedent to set.
However, it is important to recognise that athletes are human and capable of making mistakes. Banning an athlete from their sport for a single offence may be too harsh a punishment. Instead, leagues and organisations should provide support and rehabilitation to help athletes overcome their issues and set a positive example for their fans. For example, WWE has a strict wellness policy with a three-strike rule, offering rehabilitation after the first and third strikes. This approach allows athletes to learn from their mistakes and make amends, while also holding them accountable for their actions.
By setting a good example, athletes can inspire their fans to make positive choices and lead successful lives both on and off the field. It is important for athletes to remember the impact they have on their followers and to use their influence for good.
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Athletes should be treated like any other employee
Professional athletes are often seen as role models, with many people looking up to them and following their lead. As such, it is argued that athletes who break the law should be banned from their sport, in addition to serving jail time. This is because their negative example could influence others to follow suit.
However, others argue that athletes should be treated like any other employee. If an employee at McDonald's, for example, tests positive for drugs, they may not be able to work at that particular restaurant, but they are not banned from the fast-food industry altogether. They could simply move to a different restaurant or chain. Similarly, athletes who break the law could be suspended or terminated from their current team or organisation, but not necessarily banned from their sport entirely.
There is also the argument that athletes are under a lot of pressure and, as such, are prone to making mistakes. Drugs, for example, can be an addiction that takes over someone's life, and with the kind of money NFL football players make, many fall into this trap. Therefore, athletes who break the law should be given a second chance, just like any other employee.
Furthermore, it is the obligation of each respective league or organisation to provide plans and programs to aid their athletes. For example, WWE has a strict wellness policy with a three-strike rule. The first strike results in suspension, but the company also provides a rehabilitation program. If an athlete is terminated after the third strike, WWE still ensures that the ex-employee is provided with further rehabilitation efforts for free. This approach treats athletes like employees while also holding them accountable for their actions.
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Athletes who break the law may encourage others to do the same
There are arguments for and against banning athletes from their sport when they break the law. On the one hand, it is important to recognise that athletes are human beings capable of making mistakes, and that professional sports are a job and should be treated as such. On the other hand, athletes who break the law may become a threat to their league or organisation, and if they are repeat offenders, banning may be appropriate.
In conclusion, while there may be valid reasons for not banning athletes from their sport after breaking the law, the potential for them to encourage others to do the same through their negative example is a serious concern that should be carefully considered.
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Repeat offenders should be banned
Professional sports organisations have a responsibility to uphold certain standards and values, and repeat offenders can become a threat to the league as a whole. While it may be argued that permanent bans are too harsh, repeat offences indicate a pattern of behaviour that cannot be ignored.
Some organisations have strict policies in place, such as WWE's three-strike rule, which includes suspension and rehabilitation. This approach recognises that athletes are human and can make mistakes, while also holding them accountable for their actions.
Repeat offenders who continue to engage in illegal activities should face consequences, including the possibility of a ban. This sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and helps maintain the integrity of the sport.
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Athletes should be given a second chance
There are many negative sides to banning athletes from their sport. For example, Jamal Lewis would not have signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2007, and he would not have the 3rd most rushing yards of all time. He would not have gotten the Ravens Ring of Honor on September 27, 2012.
Professional sports are a job, so it should be treated as such. Every employee is subjected to his/her employer’s rules. If an employee at McDonald’s takes Adderall and pops on his drug screen, he may not be able to work at McDonald's, but he is not banned from the fast food industry altogether. He could work at Wendy’s, Sonic, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
Athletes are role models to athletes everywhere, from elementary to college students, and they set an example for others to follow. When athletes break the law, they set a negative example for others to follow.
Athletes who break the law may face jail time and be banned from their sport.
O.J. Simpson was suspected of murder but was never charged, and there have been similar cases involving Ray Lewis and Jayson Williams.
Some people argue that athletes should not be permanently banned from their sport for breaking the law, as everyone makes mistakes and being a professional athlete comes with a lot of pressure.
Leagues and organisations can implement strict wellness policies with a three-strike rule, providing rehabilitation programs for athletes who break the law.
