Judging Athlete Behaviors - Exploring Possible Predictors of Television Viewer Judgments of Athlete Antisocial Behaviors

Stories of athlete anti-social behaviors have been well-document over the last quarter of a century. Off-the-field behaviors that have received news coverage included the use of recreational and performance-enhancing drugs, illegal gambling, sexual misconduct, murder, and more. Although some argue that fans may model these and other behaviors, there is little evidence to suggest that these concerns are valid. Knowing sports fan judgments of athlete behaviors may hold the key to understanding how and why people may model these actions. Additionally, the term sports fandom suggests, to some, an image of crazed fanatics clad in the colors of their favorite teams and athletes. For many, however, sports fandom symbolizes more than fanaticism. This book is unique in that it explores fandom on a continuum, examines sports television viewing activities, and identifies judgments people make about athlete behaviors. Few books exist that examine the role of sports in society. In fact, when sports fandom is examined within these texts, it is usually done so with limited scope. This work fills that vacancy with an exploration of possible predictors of judgments of athlete anti-social behaviors.

Adam C. Earnheardt, Ph.D., studied media effects and communication at Kent State University. He is assistant professor of communication studies and basic course director at Youngstown State University. His current research focuses on sports fandom. He resides in Youngstown, OH with wife Mary Beth and two daughters, Ella and Kate.