Contemporary Issues in Sport: Scandals, Racism, Diversity,
Barriers, and Transgender Inclusion
Instructions: Respond to the prompts below. Prepare a 5-6 page APA-style document
addressing each numbered item with examples, analysis, and citations.
1) List 4 current coaching scandals and explain how each hurt young people, the
university, and cast doubt on coaches' integrity.
2) Discuss recent examples of racism in sport and how governing bodies, schools, and
athletes can stop racist behavior.
3) Research TIDES Racial & Gender Report Card: why some organizations score better
and initiatives top-graded organizations use to improve equity.
4) Discuss barriers Muslim women face in sport and how this varies by country.
5) If Caitlyn Jenner were to compete today in the decathlon, would she compete in men's
or women's? Discuss IOC and governing body approaches to transgender inclusion.
, 1. Four Recent Coaching Scandals and Their Impact
Below are four recent or ongoing coaching-related scandals (institutional or individual)
that have damaged trust in sport and harmed young people and institutions. Each example
summarizes what happened and identifies harms to athletes, universities, and public
confidence.
A. USA Gymnastics / Larry Nassar sexual-abuse scandal (exposure and institutional
failures)
Although Larry Nassar was officially a team physician rather than a coach, the scandal is
inseparable from coaching and institutional culture failures. Nassar sexually abused
hundreds of young gymnasts over decades, and numerous coaches and officials were later
criticized for failing to protect athletes or for enabling a culture in which abuse went
unreported. The harm to young athletes was profound: survivors reported lasting physical
and mental health trauma, loss of trust in adults, and disrupted athletic and personal
development. The institutions involved—USA Gymnastics and Michigan State
University—suffered reputational collapse, leadership resignations, criminal
prosecutions, and major financial settlements, while the integrity of those entrusted to
protect young people was deeply compromised (AP News; investigative reporting).
B. Penn State / Jerry Sandusky child-abuse scandal (institutional neglect)
The Penn State scandal involving assistant coach Jerry Sandusky (convicted for sexual
abuse of children) revealed failings among coaches and administrators who did not act to
stop abuse. Young victims suffered direct physical and psychological harm; the
university faced severe sanctions, loss of public trust, and long-term brand damage. The
case changed how universities handle allegations and prompted tighter safeguards and
reporting obligations to prevent similar harms. The scandal also raised questions about
the priority of program reputation over student safety (media investigations and court
records).
Barriers, and Transgender Inclusion
Instructions: Respond to the prompts below. Prepare a 5-6 page APA-style document
addressing each numbered item with examples, analysis, and citations.
1) List 4 current coaching scandals and explain how each hurt young people, the
university, and cast doubt on coaches' integrity.
2) Discuss recent examples of racism in sport and how governing bodies, schools, and
athletes can stop racist behavior.
3) Research TIDES Racial & Gender Report Card: why some organizations score better
and initiatives top-graded organizations use to improve equity.
4) Discuss barriers Muslim women face in sport and how this varies by country.
5) If Caitlyn Jenner were to compete today in the decathlon, would she compete in men's
or women's? Discuss IOC and governing body approaches to transgender inclusion.
, 1. Four Recent Coaching Scandals and Their Impact
Below are four recent or ongoing coaching-related scandals (institutional or individual)
that have damaged trust in sport and harmed young people and institutions. Each example
summarizes what happened and identifies harms to athletes, universities, and public
confidence.
A. USA Gymnastics / Larry Nassar sexual-abuse scandal (exposure and institutional
failures)
Although Larry Nassar was officially a team physician rather than a coach, the scandal is
inseparable from coaching and institutional culture failures. Nassar sexually abused
hundreds of young gymnasts over decades, and numerous coaches and officials were later
criticized for failing to protect athletes or for enabling a culture in which abuse went
unreported. The harm to young athletes was profound: survivors reported lasting physical
and mental health trauma, loss of trust in adults, and disrupted athletic and personal
development. The institutions involved—USA Gymnastics and Michigan State
University—suffered reputational collapse, leadership resignations, criminal
prosecutions, and major financial settlements, while the integrity of those entrusted to
protect young people was deeply compromised (AP News; investigative reporting).
B. Penn State / Jerry Sandusky child-abuse scandal (institutional neglect)
The Penn State scandal involving assistant coach Jerry Sandusky (convicted for sexual
abuse of children) revealed failings among coaches and administrators who did not act to
stop abuse. Young victims suffered direct physical and psychological harm; the
university faced severe sanctions, loss of public trust, and long-term brand damage. The
case changed how universities handle allegations and prompted tighter safeguards and
reporting obligations to prevent similar harms. The scandal also raised questions about
the priority of program reputation over student safety (media investigations and court
records).
