Sports are usually thought of as
a force for good, demonstrating values of teamwork, perseverance, and human
achievement. However, sports are as susceptible as any global industry to
criminal activity and corruption, imposing significant costs on the many
constituencies who make up and support the game. Criminality in sports has
manifested in management corruption (e.g., FIFA and U.S. college basketball
bribery scandals), threats to the integrity of the game (e.g., gambling-related
match-fixing in professional tennis), and abuse of vulnerable athletes (e.g.,
Larry Nassar’s molesting underage gymnasts). Although the sports industry has responded
with good governance initiatives and efforts at self-policing, these reforms
have not abated the calls for greater public regulation of sports, including
the imposition of criminal penalties. This program examines what constitutes
sports corruption and criminality that public policy and resources should
address, and what is the appropriate legislative and law enforcement response
to sports world misconduct.
Business meeting at program conclusion.