ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the extent of criminality and deviance among college student-athletes and offers theoretical explanations for their behaviors. It focuses on college athletes in the United States. Criminality and deviance among college student-athletes in the United States have been the subjects of media headlines for decades. Empirical research on criminal offending by college athletes began gaining momentum in the early 1990s with several studies on sexual assault, which exemplified the variety of methodologies available for measuring the extent of athlete criminality. Most studies have been limited to male athletes, but several researchers have examined gender differences in alcohol and other drug use. More criminality was reported for male athletes than females in the surveys. Empirical research and anecdotal accounts have illuminated the typical forms of crime and deviance by college athletes. Highly recruited athletes violated more regulations than other athletes, which supported opportunity theory.
