At the high school level, athletes are expected to uphold higher standards than the average student. Every time they step onto the field or court, they represent their school. Therefore, if an athlete is involved in criminal activity, they should be held accountable.
Some schools worry that harsh punishments for athletes could reflect poorly on the institution, leading administrators to be more lenient. However, reducing punishment for athlete misconduct sends the message that some students are above the rules.
High school athletes should not only face legal consequences, but also consequences from their schools. Whether that means suspension or removal from a team, being an athlete should not excuse participation in criminal activity.
Tony Smith, the high school boys track coach, offered a different perspective. He believes schools should allow the legal system to handle punishment rather than impose additional penalties through athletics.
“I don’t think high school athletes should be punished more by a team because that team is part of the high school,” Smith said. “The high school has a code of conduct for all of its students in extracurricular activities including athletics.”
Cooper Reynolds, a boy’s soccer player, believes the issue begins at the professional level.“I think athletes are definitely role models for young people whether they are attracted to sports or not,” Reynolds said.
If professional athletes appear to avoid serious consequences for criminal activity, younger athletes may begin to believe the same standards apply to them.
Because of this, accountability must be enforced at every level of sports. “That said, this can lead to the young people looking up to them and seeing them doing illegal actions as “cool” or just having fun making it normal for them.”
Professional and high school athletes alike should face consequences from their teams and organizations when involved in criminal activity.
