Sports Team Gang Rapes: Are We Breeding Sexual Offenders?
When athletes are treated as though they are above the law, it makes perpetrators and other athletes more likely to offend or re-offend. One might ask whether the idolization of athletes creates an environment where rape and sexual assault committed by these players are not considered punishable.
Can education help? Perhaps athletes, coaches, and all those involved within the athletic arena should be educated on sexual assault, gang rape, and rape prevention. Varsity athletes are required to complete online tests and watch videos educating them on performance enhancing drugs and alcohol, making it clear that substance abuse is inexcusable and denounced by athletic organizations. The same consideration may be given to rape awareness.
Most of all, there needs to be accountability. Regardless of athletic status, any athlete involved in these crimes should be suspended from play immediately and punished regardless of championship titles, scholarships, or town pride.
Only then will bystanders, team mates, and coaches think twice before turning a blind eye.
More: Sports Team Gang Rapes: Are We Breeding Sexual Offenders?