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Summary

Segrave, Jeffrey O (2003). The Off-the-Field Deviance of College Athletes: Problem or Hype? In David R. Karp and Thom Allena, eds., Restorative Justice on the College Campus: promoting student growth and responsibility, and reawakening the spirit of campus community. Springfield, Ill. : C.C. Thomas. Pp. 169-181.

In the news in recent years, the public has heard many stories about deviant behavior by college athletes off the field. The media have reported a number of high-profile incidents involving allegations of sexual assault, drug abuse, gambling, shootings, deceitful academic practices, and more. In addition to harm to victims of some of this behavior, reputations of individuals, athletic programs, and entire institutions have suffered. Many colleges and universities are seeking positive, effective ways to deal with these problems. Against this background, Jeffrey Segrave reviews the recent literature on off-the-field behavior of college athletes, especially in comparison with non-athletes. He discusses theoretical problems associated with understanding deviant behavior among athletes. Then he looks at ways in which athletic associations and institutions of higher education are trying to respond to the deviant behavior of their athletes. In particular he discusses strengths and weaknesses of the three major approaches to this behavior: the deterrence approach; the educational approach; and the structural/situational approach.

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