Examples of Deviance

 October 31 2013 we discussed Deviance in Sport

In our notes it we wrote the definition of deviance to be any act that differs from the norm especially behavior or attitudes that differs from the acceptable social standards. I would like to specifically focus on the Example of Deviance in sport and in Society. One in particular would be fighting. Why do athletes fight each other? Well in Coakley’s text they have low self-esteem, athletes see sport as there only way to get ahead and be treated with respect also male players who link their identities of being athletes and as a man become one in the same in their minds (Pg. 166). Sad to say but this is all true. If you think about it men act tough in all sports and they also pick on other’s when they feel bad about themselves. They also just do certain activities that’s bad such as hazing for attention. In an article written by Michael J. Stuart, David W. Dodick and Aynsley M. Smiththey talk about how fighting in sport can be bad especially in the NHL. In one section of the article it hits crucial points as to why fighting is an example of deviance in sport. When you fight in the NHL sometimes players don’t have on helmets and they end up hitting their heads off the ice. Situations like this can eventually cause players to have Dementia, psychiatric disease and premature death. This is not an activity I would want my son to play especially because fighting is a major aspect to the NHL .Spectators love going to games to see blood and intense fights. In the notes took in class it says that "Violence and aggressive behavior aren't acceptable social practices but, what about sport where aggression is encouraged".  Even with all of this excitement that fighting has on the NHL it promotes bad leadership skills to younger kids.

Fighting is only one example of deviance in sport not to mention:

·         Academic Cheating

·         Gambling

·         Performance Enhancing Drugs

·         Illegal Recruiting Practices

·         Bounty Hunting

In Coakley’s text there is a quote by Dave Pear a former NFL player who once said “You do whatever it takes to play…you find a way…You just suck it up and push through and if you can’t you’re out (Pg.167).” This was a great reference chosen by Coakely. Athletes are so money hungry and love the game of sport so much they do whatever is needed to become successful.

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