And basically what that is, is that any act deemed not legal by law outside of game time, not only does the actual law get involved, but the organization in which that player plays for will also be punished by that organization. Collective bargaining agreements of the major sports leagues contain provisions that ultimately grant the commissioners the authority to discipline players for acts deemed not in the "best interest" of the sport. “The "best interest" clause developed in Major League Baseball (MLB) in response to the Chicago Black Sox scandal during the 1919 World Series, where gamblers bribed players to throw the coveted baseball championship.” (YOUNG KIM & PARLOW 575). All they want is to make the sport seem like it's a perfect place with no problems and those who break the rules, will be deemed by such actions taken from the head boss. Their was this case of former NBA star Latrell Sprewell, and how arbitrators, which are basically the middle man who hears both sides and offers input the only difference with this that because both parties agree to introduce them, they must take the option that they …show more content…
This potential problem maybe, be increased media attention that athletes' criminal activities receive. In light of this situation, it is understandable that commissioners will lay down the law on these players a bit thicker, without making significant damage to other parts of the organization and keep the fans best interest at heart. Finally, leagues are also concerned with the individual character of their athletes. Because these athletes are being broadcasted on tv, players are role models for the kids out here. The public criminal justice system takes this into account which could be the reason they sometime goes light on punishment, but they also sometime send a message in the words of just because you're a superstar, doesn't make you immortal or immune to the law. Sports leagues also recognize the public status that athletes enjoy, and attempt to maintain a good image through regulatory measures such as background checks and dress codes. When commissioners punish players for criminal activity off the court or field, it reinforces the requirement of good character that is projected to the