1. Chapter 18 Deviance and Sport20
Deviance and Sport
Chapter 18 Deviance and Sport

2. Chapter Outline Performance enhancement through drugs
Eating disorders in sport
Hazing in sport
Gambling and sport
Chapter summary

3. Types of Deviant Behavior
Not conforming to the group’s rules and norms
Overconforming to the group’s expectations

4. Discussion
How has overconformity made cheerleading more dangerous?

5. Performance Enhancers
Some athletes use steroids or other drugs.
Increased use and scandals (e.g., Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun)
Random drug testing in the Olympics and some professional leagues (MLB congressional hearings)
Usage is not a new phenomenon but does get more media exposure now.

6. Types of Drug Used by Modern Athletes
Prescription and OTC: Promote healing, mask pain, carry long-term risk.
Stimulants: Increase arousal and energy; have been in use for decades.
Anabolic steroids: Increase muscle size, speed, strength, and ability to train soon after exhaustion.
Others: Include HGH, doping, amino acids.

7. Anabolic Steroids Increased muscle size, speed, and power
BALCO scandal
Increased drug testing

8. Results of Recent Drug Testing
2012 Summer Olympics: 5,000 tests, 9 positives
2014 Winter Olympics: 2,453 tests, 8 positives
$10 million IOC research fund to develop new technology for drug monitoring
MLB penalties for drug use—toughest in major U.S. leagues

9. Potential Issues With Drug Use
Long-term health risks (e.g., female infertility)
Bad example for youth athletes
Rejection of sport by fans, parents, kids
Marginalization of non-using athletes
Withdrawal of corporate financial support
Futile if bar is raised by genetic engineering

10. Discussion
Do you care whether your favorite athletes use performance-enhancing drugs? Why or why not?
How might performance-enhancing drug use in sport be analyzed differently from different theoretical perspectives? Give two examples.

11. Eating Disorders in Sport
Types are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, disordered eating, and compulsive exercise.
Up to 33% of female athletes report having an eating disorder (more than nonathletes).
The percentage for male athletes is 10%.
Athletes’ discipline and determination can lead to eating disorders if taken too far.
(continued)

12. Eating Disorders in Sport (continued)
Eating disorders have increased since Title IX was enacted (more female participants).
These disorders can be encouraged inadvertently by coaches and parents.
Female athlete triad:
Disordered eating
Amenorrhea
Osteoporosis

13. Figure 20.1

14. Discussion
Why might an eating disorder go unnoticed in a female athlete but not in a male athlete?
How can we reduce eating disorders among both males and females?

15. Hazing in Sport
Hazing is any action that inflicts mental or physical harm or anxiety or demeans or degrades—regardless of intent or consent.
Hazing is seen by some as a rite of passage.
About 75% of college athletes report having been hazed.
All athletes are at risk.

16. Hazing Versus Bullying
Both involve an imbalance of power and status.
Bullying is always marked by aggressive behavior intended to harm.
Hazing may involve some of the same qualities but is less frequent.

17. Discussion
Why have many people been reluctant to speak out against hazing?
What is the role of a coach or athletic director in regard to hazing?

18. Gambling in Sport
Perennial issue for sport organizers: If the public doubts the integrity of the game, the game’s popularity declines.
Athlete examples: Chicago “Black Sox,” college basketball, Pete Rose
Referee examples: Tim Donaghy (NBA), World Cup, soccer match fixing

19. Gambling on Sport: Fans
All but two U.S. states allow some type of gambling.
Some $2.5 billion is bet illegally each year on March Madness.
Roughly $85 million is bet legally each year on March Madness through Las Vegas.
The NCAA and professional sport leagues oppose legalized gambling.

20. Gambling on Sport: College Students
College athletes have a higher rate of problem gambling than nonathletes.
In 2008, 30% of male athletes and 7% of female athletes admitted betting on sport events.
Students with a gambling problem tend to have other issues (e.g., binge eating, heavy drinking, tobacco or marijuana use).
(continued)

21. Gambling on Sport: College Students (continued)
Male students are more likely to gamble than female students.
Nonathletes are more likely to bet at casinos.
Typical gambling debts range from $100 to $5,000 or even more.

22. Gambling Facts From the NCAA
The Internet has made it easier to gamble.
Student athletes are viewed as easy “marks.”
The NCAA prohibits athletes and athletic department personnel from any type of sport wagering.

23. Discussion
Is it hypocritical for the NFL to officially oppose gambling while promoting fantasy football and publishing injury reports? Why or why not?