the INTRODUCTION
In opinion of many fans, deviance and criminality are rampant among athletes in todays
power and performance sports. Onlookers feel that it has gotten worse in recent years. Take for
instance, last months Pistons/ Pacers spectacle in which five NBA stars were charged with
misdemeanors. A highly publicized event, the fight gave further publicity to the very actions that
many deem disappointing. Furthermore, recent publicity raised questions regarding guilt. Many
blame the media. Some blame the commercialization of sports Regardless of guilt, the
standards and morals practiced by the NBA showed, at least that particular evening, a
compromise.
Purpose of Paper
The purpose of this paper is to compare the deviance of a high-profile athlete to Jay Coakleys
Sport Ethic. The athlete being studied is the infamous, Iron Mike yson.
Background Information
Born June 30, 1966, Mike Tyson was an experienced mugger by age 13. He became a
professional boxer by 1985 and for many years he would enter the ring wearing a blac, black
trunks, and black shoes, cultivating an executioner image. By 1988, Tyson was the heavyweight
champion of the world after giving Michael Spinks his only career loss. His quick rise to the top
was characterized by 1st Round knockouts, some within two minutes. At times he was called
the most dangerous fighter in the history of the sport (no pun intended). Famous boxing trainer
Cus DAmato once boasted that Tyson could land three punches in under one second. Many
people appreciated Tysons boxing abilities. His comeback fight in 1995 generated over $90
million. In 1996, Tyson fought Holyfield bringing in $14 million, the highest revenues from a live
gate in the history of boxing.
Tysons professional resume doesnt stop in the ring. In other words, Tyson has an impressive
record, both in the ring and at the police station. His problems became public after he beat
Michael Spinks when he intentionally crashed his car in a suicide attempt. That same year,
Tysons wife, actress Robin Givens, divorced him because he repeatedly beat her.
In 1991, Tyson was convicted of rape and sent to prison for a six year term. After his release in
1997 and in his returning fight, Tyson bit Holyfields ear, resulting in the revoke of his Nevada
State Boxing License. Then, his victory against Andrew Golota in 2000 was changed to nocontest by Michigan officials because Tyson refused a pre-fight drug test. Afterward, he tested
positive for illegal narcotics. Finally, Tyson has appeared in court for numerous offenses ranging
from public drunkenness to assault and battery.
Significance of Study
The significance of this study hinges on the comparison of Tyson to the Sport Ethic. Coakley
describes the Sport Ethic as, a set of norms that many people in power and performance sports
have accepted as the dominant criteria for defining what it means to be an athlete and
successfully claim an identity as an athlete. (Coakley, p.168) The four core norms of the Sport
Ethic are: athletes make sacrifices for the game, athletes strive for distinction, athletes accept
risks and play through pain, and athletes accept no limits in the pursuit of possibilities.
Does Tysons deviance outside of the ring reflect his unconditional acceptance of the norms of
the Sport Ethic? It is possible that Tyson felt that his future success was solely dependent on his
boxing career. Are Tysons athletics experiences so invigorating that he cannot to help continue
violence outside the ring? Violence or deviance occurring outside of sport arenas often shows
that athletes are trying to demonstrate their merit, or pursuit of greatness. What about his
violence towards women? Does it reflect something larger than his psychological problems,
maybe a problem with boxing itself? Its possible that Tysons behavior outside of boxing doesnt
reflect his efforts in the ring. Tyson could have learned violence before entering the ring.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Review : An Illustrated History of Boxing
This text provided great objective insight into the life of Mike Tyson. The authors provided
facts about the type of person Tyson was. The text covered boxings major fighters with a
concise outline of the major times of their lives. Comments and quotes accompanied the
illustrations, Tyson had five stints in boys homes and jails before he even started boxing, the
author replied. (Andre, p. 435) The text also commented on Tysons state of mind. The death of
Cus DAmato had a tremendous affect on Mike. He attempted suicide after the death of his
beloved trainer. (Andre, p. 437)
Review: A sit down with Mike Tyson
This article spoke volumes about the problems Tyson was facing as a person and athlete.
He felt that for his Holyfield fight he was up physically, but not mentally. (Kellerman, p. 35)
Tyson also discussed the pain and torment experienced in his life. So every now and then I
kick your ass and stomp on you and inflict some of the pain on you because you deserve to feel
the pain I feel. (Kellerman, p. 37)
Review: Saturday Today
Tysons latest interview seemed to show a Tyson thats more careful with his words. A Tyson
that seems to be regretful of some of the decision hes made in his life. If I could just be who I
am, Mike Tyson, and be more responsible than I have in the past. (M. Potter, personal
communicaton, Jul 31, 2004)
CONCLUSION & SUMMARY
In conclusion, athletes arent the only people involved in acting violently at sporting events.
There have been instances of coaches reacting violently in practice and game settings. Fans
have torn down goal posts, attacked each other and athletes during competition. Although they
take place at sporting events, the Sport Ethic isnt always the reason. In my opinion, since
sports are social constructions, an individual sport cannot be judged by one athlete alone, even
when he or she commits acts of violence. Group dynamics had no part in Tysons criminal
behavior, therefore, I feel Coakleys Sport Ethic is not applicable when describing his conduct.
Tyson had no special bonds with anyone, including his former wife Robbin Givens. The Sport
Ethic may be applicable when describing his training routine, and pre-fight rituals, but not his
violence outside of boxing.
Tyson was found by trainer Cus DAmato while serving time in an upstate New York detention
center. DAmato, like other trainers, was looking for violent guys. Gus found that Tyson had
what a potentially great boxer needed, a mean streak. Although criminality is not the norm in
professional boxing, it does tend to draw its participants from the lower socioeconomic strata.
Youngsters like Tyson, who grew up in the alleys adept with their fists, are taught to channel
that aggression into the boxing ring.
Tyson clearly has issues with violence and aggression, but they do not come from his
experiences inside the ring. They come from his upbringing and criminal lifestyle.