Ethical Issues In Professional Sports Analysis

Summary:

Back in the NCAA football 2014 season, Michigan was defeated by Minnesota. Michigan lost by a score of 30 – 14. The big story that came out of the game wasn't the final score but moreover the safety of the players participating in the game. Then Michigan Head Coach, Brady Hoke, left in a wounded player. That player was Michigan’s quarterback, Shane Morris. For a large portion of the second half, Morris was having difficulty walking after Minnesota’s Cameron Botticelli landed awkwardly on the quarterback’s ankle. Hoke made the decision to keep Morris in the game. It was only two plays later where Morris was immobile to move around in the pocket to protect himself and was sacked. He got up limping but was still left in the game. The commentators calling the game started to show their concern for Morris. ESPN analyst Ed Cunningham said, “At this point, just for the safety of the player, I think you have to get Devin Gardner in there. I know you want to get the guy experience… but it seems a little dangerous to me.” Later on, Morris rolled out for a pass play and was then leveled high by Minnesota’s Theiren Cockran. Morris hit the ground hard and was down for a few moments. He was able to get up
For starters, it is the ethical responsibility of a head coach to protect the safety of his players. Michigan Football was struggling at this point in the season. The game against Minnesota was also Shane Morris’ first start of his career. It is understandable that Hoke wanted to make sure that Morris got as much experience as possible going forward in the season. Sometimes it happens on the field where a player looks hurt but they insist on keep playing. This is a natural instinct for many football players. An injured leg is one thing. However, when one of your players is showing signs of a concussion, the coach has to protect the player from further injuring