(Originally published by Chuck Gallagher and Bruce Wolk, January 2022)
As a speaker and consultant on Sports Ethics, I am frequently asked what can be done about seemingly out-of-control behaviors that have literally brought down or threatened programs. In my consultations with coaches, athletes and programs, I make it clear that as a keynote speaker on sports ethics, the number one problem that no one wants to face is unethical behavior.
It’s 2022 and so…
The calendar has just turned 2022 or as we sports fanatics like to say, we’re nearing the start of NFL playoffs, the heart of the NBA and NHL seasons, and the same for collegiate programs nationwide.
Sports Ethics LLC can’t guarantee who will win but unfortunately before the seasons are said and done there will be sports scandals, sports fraud and (though we hope not) stupid off-the-field behaviors that will lead to tragedy, lawsuits, shame and losses of reputation. Of that, we can almost guarantee.
As a Sports Ethics consultant, I know this: every choice has a consequence. Unethical behavior carries unexpected consequences almost too numerous to list.
Ironically, if I was to ask coaches, AD’s or conference executives to name their top 10 challenges, it’s almost a bet that “Sports Ethics” would be #11 or worse. Athletic departments usually view any mention of the word “ethics” like Superman viewed kryptonite.
Worse…ethics (when it does come up) is usually addressed in one of two ways: either someone from “the conference” shows up at a team meeting to speechify, or an ex-athlete of some note who royally screwed up will stand up at a podium, shake hands, give winks and tell people not to screw up the way that they did. After a lot of those speeches, the ex-athlete will then head to lunch “with the guys” and talk about their career.
Both approaches flop because the messages flop.
In 2022, it’s time to elevate sports ethics to where it belongs: the top of the challenge list, not the bottom.
From Cheating to Sexual Assault
In 2021 alone, the sports world witnessed cases of blatant unethical behavior among athletes and sports executives from PPP abuse to sexual assault to drug-induced vehicular accidents. In each case, more than just an athlete was affected, but programs. leagues and conferences.
The cost of sports ethics training and follow-ups are minimal compared to the damage unethical behavior can inflict. Much more than that, if programs are truly interested in developing people, and strive for individuals of high character, why is ethical behavior assumed and not instilled? Poor off-the-field choices can damage a young man or woman for life?
Don’t believe me? Think of an unethical choice made by an athlete and invariably you can link it to her or his team.
Unfortunately, young men and women are all too often brought into programs who have not been made aware of the importance of ethical behavior. Unethical behavior can follow them into their professional careers and personal lives. When I talk to groups of athletes about sports ethics, I hope it causes a few to “Blink.” I hope the message stops an intended unethical action, or at least causes one of them to reach out to me. And yes, I am highly accessible.
Who is Chuck Gallagher?
The president of Sports Ethics LLC is Chuck Gallagher, Hall of Fame speaker, sports ethics keynote speaker and consultant. To be honest and straightforward, my sports career amounted to running track for a small college plus the usual intramural sports.
However, it is what happened to me after collegiate sports that left a mark in my life. I joined the business world and was a rising star with a young family, incredible career and the respect of a large social circle. I was not much older that an NFL veteran when I decided to commit to an unethical scheme to cheat many good people out of their money.
I thought of myself as the best and brightest in the room. I know from speaking with many athletes, they are also led down the path to feel the same way.
The law quickly caught up with me. I was imprisoned for 18 months and then was required to be in a half-way house. Worse, I lost my family, friends and reputation. It was in prison where some really decent people talked sense to me. I decided, more than 25-years ago, to devote my life to teaching people to avoid the mistakes I made.
I love sports but I’m built like an average half-miler nevertheless, Sports Ethics became my passion and mission.
My sports ethics talks and counseling are straight to the point and no-nonsense and yet, I am compassionate and understanding. I never judge but I explain, truly, that a dumb choice, like ripples in a pond, can spread out to poison a life.
I am always available to talk to programs, conferences, school districts, athletes, coaches and sports executives. My private line is: (828) 244-1400.
Note from Sports Ethics and Business Ethics Keynote Speaker Chuck Gallagher: Our new book, Monday Morning Ethics, features 31 sports scandals across 75 years, with ethical discussions of each case.
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