Editorial: Scandals in Sports

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, May, 2008

Cheating in sports is nothing new. From the 1919 "Black Sox" scandal to today's allegations of steroids use in baseball, bike racing and the Olympics, some athletes will do anything for a competitive edge or an even bigger payday. Usually, the commissioners of the particular sports league in question will confront the issues.

But lately the ability, and willingness, of the leagues to adequately police themselves has come into question. Major League Baseball's slow and tepid response to its steroids scandal is just one example. Recent controversies have also cropped up in professional basketball, football and tennis that make sports fans wonder about the ability of the leagues to correct themselves. Consider the case of disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy. The...