psugrowler asked this question on 2/28/2000:

Why are so many pro athletes committing heinous violent crime today?

clarka gave this response on 3/24/2000:

I have to disagree with previous answers. Media coverage of violence by pro athletes has increased, but only because this is now a newsworthy topic. How often in the past was crime reported on the sports page? Increased coverage of domestic violence as a crime (due in part to the OJ Simpson trial) also increases the rate to which violent crime by pro athletes is reported in the media.

I doubt that the actual raw number of crimes committed has changed much, but I don't know of any hard statistical evidence. In the past such crimes were often covered up, not reported to police, or "settled" before becoming public matters. I think society is a step ahead now because crimes committed by public figures such as pro athletes are going to be treated much like crimes committed by anyone else.

Given that many pro athletes have lots of money, the intensity that comes with excellence in any sport, and hangers-on that tell them they can get away with anything, the surprising fact is that most pro athletes are so law-abiding. But good news is no news . . . unless you ask an expert.

The average rating for this answer is 5.

psugrowler rated this answer a 5.