Taboo Issues in Sport: Racism & Assault

It's been a fortnight where sport has been confronted head on by two major issues: assault (sexual, physical included) and racism.

I won't dwell too long on these as much has been devoted to these issues already. However, I will just say a bit on each one.

1) Assault

Former Penn State coach Joe Paterno

I'm going to include both sexual and physical in this case as we've seen one major sexual assault case in the USA, i.e. the case against now-former Penn State Nittany Lions assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky which saw long-time coach Joe Paterno depart too, and it was sexual allegations against Peter Roebuck that probably resulted in his suicide in South Africa.

There's been one major physical assault case involving our own Zac Guildford.

It is sad to see these men who have been given the privilege to be involved at the highest levels of their sport, act in such a way. Sandusky's crime is certainly inexcusable and definitely punishable by law - what he did all those years to those innocent Penn State students is almost unforgivable. Guildford on the other hand is still young and I believe is a good lad who desperately needs help.

Guildford a bit worse for wear.

In a way, many sensitive issues have been put under the spotlight here: sexual abuse, alcoholism and the vulnerability that comes with getting so much success and fame in sport. Even older heads are not immune to the temptations and pressure that come with glory.

No that does not mean they're role models. I agree with former Tonga international and now media pundit, Willie Lose that sports stars should not be role models because they're as fallible as us. However, the fact they're in the media means we almost involuntarily follow them because they're in the media.

SBW has embraced Islam to his benefit

That's why for me, as a Christian, having the Lord Jesus Christ in my life has definitely helped. I still struggle with temptation and all the sins of this world but at least I know that Jesus is the best and only role model for me. And people may choose to believe other "religions" or deities but it seems to work for those who do.

Look at Sonny Bill Williams for example. Ever since he became a Muslim his record has been immaculate - and I read pass all that media crap when he still hadn't decided on his contract, for I believe SBW is a good guy just like Zac Guildford and that Zac really should try and talk to SBW for advice.






2) Racism

Eto'o has been a frequent target of racial abuse

I'm going to shock people and say that what Sepp Blatter said is essentially right. On the field, things can be heated and people make mistakes and say things they regret later. Once the game is over, shake hands and forget about it. Don't take it off the field.

Blatter was naive though in saying that racism doesn't exist in football - or maybe it was the language.

I think racism is very much around and will be for years to come even if our world is getting smaller and we're more aware of other cultures around us.

 Mark Bright, former Owls striker now BBC pundit

Let's face it things have certainly improved since the days of apartheid or pre-Kennedy days in America when blacks couldn't go where the whites went. There's the tweet former Sheffield Wednesday striker, Mark Bright received from a very stupid Norwich fan when James Vaughan joined from Everton - Bright retweeted it just to get people's attention, and the fan was ultimately banned for life.

The difference between then and now is that people see racism as wrong and a serious offence and take immediate actions against whoever is racist even if it is quite "minor" or in jest. Be thankful for that and long may that continue.