Aggression & Crime in Professional Sports

Heath Benker, Emily Metschke, Cole Stuerke, Brian Bresee

Breakdown● Types of aggression● What leads to aggressive play● General Population vs. Pro Athletes● Correlation between athletic violence and “real

world” violence● Public Views● Crime, Aggression, and Athletes

Introduction● Definition: Angry or violent behavior or

feelings.

● What do you think of when you think of aggression and sports?

● Do you think athletes are encouraged to be aggressive?

Types of Aggression● Hostile: When the main aim is to cause harm or

injury to your opponent.o Anger is involved.o ex: Throwing a punch at another player.

● Assertive: When aggression is used with the prime motive of executing the skill.o Player plays within the rules of the sport at a very high

intensity, but will have no intention to harm an opponent.o Making a tackle in football.

Types of Aggression cont...Four Types:● Brutal Body Contact● Borderline Violence● Quasi-Criminal Violence● Criminal Violence

What Leads to AggressionWhat situations during games lead you to become more aggressive?

What Leads to Aggression● Being fouled● Urged by crowd● Anger● Poor performance● Learned behavior● Poor call by ref● Urged by opposing player

Aggression & Sports● It’s always been a concern in sports.

o In 1906 18 football players died due to the violent nature and even more were severely injured.

● Although sport encourages a healthy release of anger or aggression.o Sporting events are accepted as a setting where everyday

societal morals no longer apply.● To be more competitive players are encourage to be aggressive

o This can lead to the use of performance drugs● “Good” players must have tough and aggressive demeanor on

court.

Aggression & Crime● Can you think of any crimes that are

prevalent in the sports community?

Aggression & Crime ● Rape● Domestic Violence● Murder● Assault

General Population vs. NFLWhich group do you think has a higher arrest rate? Why?

General Population vs. NFL● Average annual assault rate (per 100,000):

o NFL - 4,271o Gen. Pop. - 9,199

● Most common crimes committed by NFL players (in order)o Assault (Non-DV)o Domestic Violenceo Rapeo Kidnappingo Homicide

Public View and StudiesBenedict and Klein (1997)- 217 sexual assault complaints filed

(21% receive no action)- 172 athletes arrested- Conviction Rates

- Athletes = 31%- Gen. Pop. = 54%

Why the Discrepancies?- Victim Consent

- Perceptions

- Sex-Segregated grouping/Mono-sexual environments

- Hyper-masculinity sports

Examples - Hope Solo

- Michael Irving & Eric Williams

- Grambling State Football Team vs. 15 year old girl

- Mike Tyson

- O.J. Simpson

- Bounty Gate

Questions● Do you think the locker room and/or mono-sexual

environment is the major catalyst for aggression outside of the sport?

● Do you believe that the aggressive nature of a sport directly relates to aggressive behavior towards others?

● How much of a role does media have in persuading the general population about athletes and aggressive crimes?

● Do you think the rate of convictions for violent crimes has gone up or down?

SourcesCrist, P., & Miller, S. (2009). The media's treatment of sexual assault by athletes in a post-rape reform era: How do victims fare? (pp. 7-13). University of Delaware. Retrieved March 28, 2015.Ellis, R. (2015, January 22). Hope Solo suspended from U.S. Soccer Team for 30 days - CNN.com. Retrieved from http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/21/sport/hope-solo-suspended/Finn, N. (2015, March 27). Hopo Solo Went Into Therapy During U.S. Soccer Suspension. Retrieved from http://www.eonline.com/news/640469/hope-solo-reveals-she-entered-therapy-to-address-pain-and-anger-during-30-day-suspension-from-u-s-soccer-teamSolo Domestic Abuse Charges Dropped. (2015, January 14). Retrieved from http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/12162480/hope-solo-domestic-violence-charges-droppedStevens, C. (2012). A Review of Literature. In Violence By Male Athletes (pp. 1-5). Plymouth, New Hampshire: Plymouth State University. Retrieved March 28, 2015.

Blumstein, A., & Benedict, J. (n.d.). Criminal Violence of NFL Players Compared to the NFL Population. Retrieved March 30, 2015.

Coakley, J. (2004). Sport in society: Issues and controversies (8th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.