Negative Effects on Professional Sports

Professional sports have become an American institution, a favorite pastime drawing in millions of fans from around the world. No matter the economy, it is a thriving business that has all eyes watching its every move. Whether you're a child looking up to athletes like LeBron James, or a retiree rooting for his favorite football team, much of your hopes for the season are pinned on professional athletes and their teams. In addition, while there much good to come from this kind of friendly competition, there are many negative effects that expose the weak underbelly of professional sports.

  1. Sex Scandals

    • Turn on your computer or television. Sex scandals involving professional athletes are no longer clandestine. With today's technology, they have gone viral. Whether you read it on the Internet or watch it on the evening news, the negative effects of sex scandals on professional sports is profound. Whether it is regarding an inappropriate text message, an allegation of rape or an extramarital affair, the behavior of professional athletes is giving professional sports a bad rap, especially when you consider how many people are paying attention.

    Steroids

    • Discourage the use of steroids by talking to your kids about its negative effects, both physically and consciously. Because steroids do enhance one's competitive edge, there have been many professional athletes who have risked a lifetime ban from their sport, along with serious monetary fines, to increase their athleticism. Aside from being stigmatized by both fans and peers, the use of steroids in professional sports can have an even greater impact on young up-and-comers in professional sports by encouraging its use, as these are the athletes that kids admire.

    Trading

    • Avoid taking the trading of athletes so personal. As a fan of professional sports, you -- along with a score of other fans -- can become loyal to a fault, refusing to accept when your favorite player is traded or chooses to play for another team. You have to remember that these athletes are professionals. This is their job and, just like any other hard-working American, they have the same rights as you do to change whom they work for.

    Sports Injuries

    • Consider the extreme physicality of many professional sports, especially football. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, professional football has nearly eight times more injuries than any other commercial sport. Considering that not every player can be Brett Favre, this risk may present a problem for the majority of professional athletes because it can cut their careers short and leave them with very little job security.