NCAA Recruiting Ethics

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College recruiting is something that was created for the good of college sports, but is often used for such unethical actions that will make anyone with a soul cringe. In 2004, University of Colorado’s athletic department used alcohol, drugs, and sex to lure recruits during official campus visits (Gerdy). These actions are immoral on a number of levels, and should not be tolerated. If this type of behavior continues to be seen in college sports, then serious changes need to be made. Illegal recruiting that takes place in NCAA athletics is unethical, gives colleges unfair advantages, and jeopardizes player’s eligibility.

First, illegal recruiting in NCAA athletics is tremendously unethical. “The extremely high stakes of recruiting can sometimes compromise the values that coaches need to teach: honesty, integrity, and loyalty” (Spillane). No matter how high the stakes, there is no reason to put all morals and values aside for the sake of a college sport. Whether it is a low level recruit or a superstar, it all has to deal with the same principle, meaning that if the coach doesn’t regard the two recruits equally he isn’t doing his job right. As expectations for the coach begin to rise and job security decreases, it tempts the coaches to go out and attain the recruits no matter what the cost (Spillane). Although a coach may be susceptible to losing his job, it is better to be fired than to give up all of their morals and integrity. If a person is to give up all of their morals for any reason, it truly shows what type of person they are. Also, as explained in Modern Sports Ethics by Angela Lumpkin, there may not be any moral obligation for a coach or recruiter to make the right choice (66). Therefore, the coach’s character becomes ...

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