Athletes Conduct Away from the Sport? Past and Current Conduct so many ?????

[BisonBacker]

First I want to start off this thread with the following disclaimer. This isn't meant to bash any specific school, sport or individual. It's only meant to discuss and express feelings on this topic. I'm bringing this topic up because of a news story that I heard yesterday about an individual who plays hockey who had some past discretions that came to light and ultimately may cost him not only his college sports but professional sports career. Again this instance just reminded me of many past stories about athletes being punished for things that they either did recently which most examples probably fall under but in the example that prompted this thread it wasn't during his college time but his high school years and before. So many questions that can be asked such as...

1. How far back in an individuals life is acceptable to determine whether or not the individuals conduct should be reviewed, scrutinized and potentially punished for?
2. Who draws that line of how far to go back? Is it the specific school/administration/coaching staff?
3. Is it the boosters and taxpayers who fund these schools?
4. Is it the casual fans who hear about something and make a big stink?
5. When is the punishment acceptable and what is acceptable?
6. Does any of the punishment lead to better outcomes ie does it really produce the results it's intended to atone for?
7. Do the individuals who have been punished change for the better for good or are we kidding ourselves?
8. How does political correctness or current societal trends affect all of these issues in question and is that really appropriate?

Looking at the professional ranks and the indiscretions and illegal activities of past and current professional athletes are we just kidding ourselves that we think we can change an individual by threatening scholarships or playing time to change an individual?

What about those who have had their scholarships and or playing time impacted negatively and later its determined they did nothing wrong? What is their avenue to reparations? It's tough to lift the shadow of negative aspersions that may have been plastered all over news media and social media only to later find out the accusations were false.

I guess in the end there are no guarantee's for an individual at any level or juncture in life. We all could have someone say things about us that aren't true but in the case of higher profile people and yes college athletes at least at the local level fall into this category they in my opinion need to walk a fine line to stay in the good graces of the public. Maybe that's how it should be not only for them but all of us. We all want to be viewed as good people but just as in certain jobs primarily public servant positions college athletes live in somewhat of a glass house. Everyone may see their shortcomings if they walk outside of that fine line. The individual in the news story I heard about undoubtedly did something pretty egregious as a youth. Being a youth was no defense for what he did and he is paying the price big time. In the end it may cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost earnings, maybe more. it just made me think about this topic after reading social media comments on the topic. Man some people would nearly burn him at the stake for what he did. Again not condoning in any way either what he did and his punishment may be appropriate. It's not my call or for me to say. Just thought this was an interesting subject and given the lack of activities right now due to the Rona I wondered how easy it would be for anyone to stray from that fine line right now. Won't surprise me if we hear something about an athlete straying outside the law because of the extra free time they may have due to seasonal play being restricted or canceled.

[OhioHen]

Given that politicians are being called to account NOW for doing something 40 or 50 years ago that was considered perfectly acceptable (or if you prefer, was not questioned) at the time, it's hard to expect that an athlete won't be scrutinized for something 5-10 years in the past especially given that the acts in question would have been just as unacceptable at that time as they are today.

And there is a big difference between a youthful indiscretion and breaking a law.

[bonarae]

Remember Luke Heimlich? The YSU football players? They are under the scope of this discussion. Also coaches (examples below) fall under this scope.

My two cents: The outcome of each player's future is highly dependent on whose programs tolerate their behavior, even in the past. There are some individuals who were forced to live their lives outside of sports (think van Breda Kolff) and others who were forced to wait because other teams passed on them due to their past criminal records (e.g. Matt Bush, Josh Hamilton). But teams, administrations, programs and politicians alike SHOULD NOT scrutinize the past behaviors of their personnel.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Don't people deserve a 2nd chance?

xeyebrowx

Kicking a kid off a team for something said or done in HS or junior high is over the top IMO. If the behavior is still prevalent then no problem.

[OhioHen]

Don't people deserve a 2nd chance?

xeyebrowx

Kicking a kid off a team for something said or done in HS or junior high is over the top IMO. If the behavior is still prevalent then no problem.

Sadly, we live in a society where a past incident is seemingly required to be a reflection of current character. Something improper said by a young teenager is not necessarily indicative of that individual's character as an adult. Should he have known better? Yes (and if he didn't, that's a reflection on both his parents and society). Does it mean he's a bad person? Not necessarily. As you say, current behavior is a better indicator than past events.

[Laker]

We had a girl who was Homecoming Queen, a member of the National Honor Society, a three sport athlete and generally well liked. At the end of her senior year on Awards Night another girl who was very marginal as an athlete and was only in two sports got the female Athlete of the Year award. Everyone, including the girl who won, was shocked. I and a number of others who had voted questioned how this had happened. The superintendent had taken it upon herself to decide the winner. According to her, the girl in question had cheated on an assignment in ag class as a freshman. As the NHS advisor I asked why this had never come to light as they are installed as juniors. The super stammered at that question. At graduation she said that a mistake had been made and that their would be co-winners. I have other examples of retro punishments but you get the idea- how far back do you go?

Politically, you call cry racism but wear blackface, you can eulogize a Grand Cyclops of the Klan- the list goes on and on. It all depends on which party your support. In this case- did you kill or rape someone? OK, kick them out. Did you get into a fight defending your buddy who was getting the crap kicked out of him? Context matters.

[Bisonoline]

We had a girl who was Homecoming Queen, a member of the National Honor Society, a three sport athlete and generally well liked. At the end of her senior year on Awards Night another girl who was very marginal as an athlete and was only in two sports got the female Athlete of the Year award. Everyone, including the girl who won, was shocked. I and a number of others who had voted questioned how this had happened. The superintendent had taken it upon herself to decide the winner. According to her, the girl in question had cheated on an assignment in ag class as a freshman. As the NHS advisor I asked why this had never come to light as they are installed as juniors. The super stammered at that question. At graduation she said that a mistake had been made and that their would be co-winners. I have other examples of retro punishments but you get the idea- how far back do you go?

Politically, you call cry racism but wear blackface, you can eulogize a Grand Cyclops of the Klan- the list goes on and on. It all depends on which party your support. In this case- did you kill or rape someone? OK, kick them out. Did you get into a fight defending your buddy who was getting the crap kicked out of him? Context matters.

Female athlete of the years has nothing to do with 4 years ago.

[Laker]

Female athlete of the years has nothing to do with 4 years ago.

That was what we pointed out to the super. To this day no one knew what her point was. Well she was gone soon after that.