Corruption and politics that have been involved in sports
With all the corruption and politics that have been involved in sports over the years both in the U.S. and internationally some might argue that sport is so intrinsically tied to politics that it is naïve to believe that it could ever be free from political actions like boycotts. Others contend that athletes or fans bear the unfair burden for political uses of sport, especially boycotts.
please answer the following:
Choose an instance of a boycott or strike in sports and briefly discuss it (it can be from the U.S. or internationally).
Who suffered in your opinion the most from the strike or boycott?
What ethical constraints, if any, should there be on political uses of sport? Why? How realistic do these seem?
Sample Answer
One of the most well-known examples of a political boycott in sports is the U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. This action came in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. 65 nations ultimately joined the boycott, making it a significant event in Olympic history.
Who Suffered the Most?
Determining who suffered the most is subjective and depends on your perspective. Here are some different viewpoints:
- Athletes: Many athletes, especially from the boycotting nations, lost the opportunity to compete at the highest level and potentially win Olympic medals. This could have impacted their careers and legacies.
- Fans: Sports fans were deprived of witnessing a complete Olympic competition with all top athletes present.
- Olympic Movement: The boycott cast a shadow over the Games, challenging the ideals of unity and peace associated with the Olympics.
- Politicians: Both the U.S. and Soviet governments faced criticism for using the Olympics as a political tool.
Ethical Constraints:
The ethical implications of political actions in sports are complex. Here are some potential constraints to consider:
- Respect for athletes: Athletes should not be penalized for the political actions of their governments.
- Maintaining the apolitical nature of sports: Some argue that sports should be a haven from political conflict.
- Balancing freedom of expression with respect: Athletes and fans should have the right to express their views, but such expression shouldn’t infringe on the rights of others.