Pro Athletes and Violent Crimes

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The competitive nature of today's sports associations calls for athletes to be aggressive and forceful , both physically and mentally. This aggressive mentality stays with some athletes off the field, and may explain why so many athletes are committing violent crimes. Society calls for athletes to give flawless performances in the stadiums and arenas. The fans have grown accustomed to high flying, hard hitting shows of athleticism and finesse, and oftentimes an athletes success gains them a elevated status in society with special privileges that you and I can only dream of. As there careers get bigger and bigger they fell that they should be shown a certain respect by fans when not on the field, and many athletes become angered when they feel that they're status isn't being respected, oftentimes leading to confrontation. So the question becomes whether or not the nature of today's sports holds the explanation for the rising number of sports stars being convicted and accused of crimes. The aggressive nature of the athletes who deal with the emotions brought about through the competition in violent sports, such as ,Football, Boxing, and Rugby lies within the conditions or circumstances which they were raised. Aggression is defined as a form of animal behavior characterized by an assault or attack by one animal on another. In humans aggression is a learned behavior as opposed to an instinctual behavior, it is learned in childhood, and as one matures into an adult, these aggressive behaviors develop and become part of one's personality traits. Children learn aggressive behavior by watching others behave aggressively, and acting on or imitating those observed behaviors, such as a young child bullying another to get a... ... middle of paper ... ...ing violent crimes today, reaching from drug abuse, and stress to deep psychological issues , and although many sports organizations are setting up workshops an counselors to talk to the athletes about drug abuse and domestic violence issues, the responsibility lies within the athlete themselves to make a change for the better and get rid of the negative perceptions associated with today's athletes . Works Cited "Aggression." Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia.. 1998. Bender, David, and Bruno Leone. Sports in America: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven press, 1994. Brubaker, Bill. Violence follows some in football off field. Washington D.C: The Washington Post, Nov. 13, 1994. Khon, Alfie. "No Win Situations". Women's sports and Fitness Magazine, July/August 1990. Leo, John. "Phys Ed, or Self-Esteem?". U.S. News & World Report, May 31,1993

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