91吃瓜

F. Clark Power, a professor of psychology and fellow in 91吃瓜鈥檚 , has some advice for NCAA president Mark Emmert in responding to the recent firing of Rutgers鈥� head basketball coach.

鈥淚n his press conference yesterday (April 4), Emmert said that he found the videotape of Mike Rice abusing student athletes 鈥榩retty appalling,鈥欌�� Power said. 鈥淗e declined to suggest a remedy, but he promised that he would open up a conversation on the way in which coaches should treat their athletes: 鈥業 think it requires us to have a conversation,鈥� Emmert said when asked if there needs to be a better solution for athletes in an instance like this one at Rutgers. 鈥業 don鈥檛 want to suggest there鈥檚 some immediate policy that can deal with it, because I don鈥檛 know what that is. But we need to talk with the coaches association, with the ADs, to see what we can do to make sure that young men and women aren鈥檛 being exposed to abusive behavior by coaches. That鈥檚 just uncalled for and inappropriate.鈥�

鈥淢ark Emmert may want to start that conversation by revisiting the letter of inquiry he sent to Penn State following the allegations of Sandusky鈥檚 history of blatant abuse. There he cited Article 19 of the NCAA Constitution, which points out that because coaches are 鈥榯eachers of young people,鈥� the NCAA holds them to a higher ethical standard than 鈥榣ess critically paced individuals.鈥�

鈥淓mmert might also invite athletic administrators and coaches to discuss Article 2.4 of the NCAA Constitution. The Principle of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct, which reads, 鈥楩or intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in society, student-athletes, coaches and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility.鈥�

鈥淚t is up to all of those involved in athletics at university, high school and youth sport levels to address the physical and verbal abuse that has become an acceptable part of our sports culture in the United States,鈥� Power said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 time for organized sports, particularly in colleges and schools, to take responsibility for the way in which coaches are educated, mentored and evaluated.鈥�

Power has worked in the area of moral development and culture for the majority of his academic career. Ten years ago, he formed 91吃瓜鈥檚 for youth and high school sports. The program is a forum for coaches, athletic administrators and parents to address issues such as bullying and character development within a team.

Contact: F. Clark Power, 574-631-7343, F.C.Power.1@nd.edu