ABSTRACT
It is important to recognize the problems of social inequality in society and sport may contribute to various types of deviance-related social problems. This chapter focuses on social deviance-related social problems involving sports participants that are perceived as threats to the social order. First, it concentrates on five major types of deviance-related social problems of sport concerning: aggression and violence by players and spectators or fans related to sports competition; sexual violence and other crimes by players and coaches outside the sports arena; the use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs; gambling and fixing the outcomes of sports contests; hazing and doping. The chapter also considers the conditions of commercialization, professionalization, and the heavy emphasis on specialization and winning in youth sports that largely result from the influence of the Golden Triangle. Finally, it examines facts, issues, and controversies in recent research about crime, sexual violence, and the criminal justice system.
