Participation in sports involves different racial and ethnic groups; however, the identity of a person may influence the involvement of the individual. In most cases, either ethical or unethical decisions in any business setting can have far-reaching implication because an enterprise has a collection of various individuals from different backgrounds. The New Orleans Bounty Gate scandal is an example of unethical decisions and dealings with enormous impacts.
Summary of the Case
Based on an article retrieved from SportsBusiness Journal (2012), players, as well as management staff were suspended due to Saint’s bounty scandal. In the year 2010, New Orleans won their first ever NFL Championship. It was all well in the city for some time until 2012 when news revealed that there was a bounty program for players-The players were paid for injuries inflicted on opponents. NFL disciplined the coaches and officials at the Saints. Williams was suspended indefinitely, Payton given a year suspension, Mickey Loomis; General Manager; awarded eight years’ suspension, and Joe Vitt given six games suspension. The court held that a fine of $500,000 was to be paid by the Saints, and they would forfeit the 2012 and 2013 second round NFL draft picks. Other consequences were that some players were called derogatory names such as thugs due to their actions in the field. The line of respect was lost between players, fans, and coaches. It was an embarrassment for the team, and fans lost their respect for the game and the team.
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Negligence in the Case
The New Orleans Bounty Gate scandal had some specific negligence matters arising from the club’s management. The situation raised lots of ethical issues in the entire team. Specifically, NFL is an organization, and it relies on certain rules and regulations, which every team must follow. One negligence issue, as revealed by the court involved awarding players an amount of money worth $1000 for cart-offs (opponent injured and removed on a stretcher from the field) ( Pacifici, 2014). Second, one was to give players $1500 for knockout cases (Player injured and unable to return to the rest of the game). Third, one would be given $100 bonus for downing a kick returner within the receiving team’s 20 yards. Fourth, bounties were revealed to have existed for specific players such as Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback players. Even though the management did not use the club’s money to fund all these unethical practices, it deteriorated the image of the club.
Prevention
The case raises a lot of ethical matters-isssues that could have been prevented. Even though every team would desire to win every game, it is not morally right to injure other players to reach the desired goals ( Hanna, 2012). Therefore, the whistleblower would have reacted in time, and stopped the entire operation through advising the team’s management ( Deubert, 2015). Also, the players would have objected to the need to injure others as it put opponents’ lives in danger. One of the worst case scenarios would be death to the opponent players, and the players, as well as management, were supposed to be moral enough to identify such implications. All in all, it was unethical to orchestrate such bounty programs in such a lucrative club.
Steps to Stop Future Occurrence
Preventing any future occurrence in a similar case involves insightful thoughts. Therefore, I would utilize steps to prevent anything of this kind from happening if it were in my ability. First, before indulging in the bounty program, I would establish the facts about it and how it would benefit the team. Second, I would determine both legal and ethical matters that may arise from that kind of decision. Third, I would assess the possible consequences. Fourth, I would determine options. It would then be essential to choose the best option then implement it. In this case, considering the repercussions would be harmful to the team, I would avoid the program altogether.
Conclusion
On the whole, the bounty program at the club was detrimental to the entire team as well as to the opponents as it put the lives of players at risk. It is unethical to intentionally injure others in the process of playing games. The club was fined cash amounting to $500000, which was a lesson for other teams that may get involved in the same kind of activity. Also, few players were suspended for injuring others, which then indicates it is proper to air sentiments as a player in such cases.
References
Deubert, C. R. (2015). A Summary of the NFL's Investigation into the New Orleans Saints Alleged Bounty Program and Related Proceedings. DePaul Journal of Sports Law , 9 (2), 4.
Hanna, J. M. (2012). Concussions may prove to be a major headache for the NFL. NY St. BAJ , 84 , 10.
Pacifici, A. (2014). Scope and authority of sports league commissioner disciplinary power: Bounty and beyond. Berkeley J. Ent. & Sports L. , 3 , 93.
Sports Business Daily. (2012). Amid Tagliabue's Decision, Goodell Said That He Doesn't Owe Saints Players an Apology. The Sports Business Daily Journal.
