I believe that money does have a corrupting influence on sports today. The
effects have implications for our society in that it affects child-rearing, family values, the
legitimacy of our educational processes, politics and taxes. Really, its tentacles reach
Before I begin I must add two caveats: First, Sports merely mirror society and are
an aspect or reflection of who we are as a people. Sports are not good or bad per se, but
it is the application of our attendant values (or a lack thereof) that corrupt sports.
Secondly, the corruption of sports is nothing new. It may take on new forms as we
promulgate new regulations and it may extend lower and lower (age), yet money has
always had a corrupting influence upon any human endeavor.
Danny Almonte! Need I say more. I am referring of course to the blatant
corruption of Little League. Danny Almonte's father forged his birth certificate so that
he would be eligible to compete even though his age was 2 years senior to any other
player. In addition. It appears that his coach (the founder of this Bronx based league was
probably a culpable coconspirator and to what end? More publicity for the league and
the coach; hence, more money. For Danny, a scholarship, endorsements or a guaranteed
minor league contract. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming Danny Almonte.
Obviously, the adults are responsible for his actions. However, it is also a system that
places values on sports and wining that allows it to be so corruptible.
From my own perspective, I have seen this seamy side of sports by witnessing my
younger sister's involvement with gymnastics. She happens to be a gifted athlete who
has competed and excelled in gymnastics since age 4. The overall competitiveness and
jealousy of many of the other parents was frightening. Many parents would routinely
make unsolicited remarks about College or Ol...