I can not help but reflect on recent events that have shocked the world of professional sports. I am referring to the meleé that erupted at the Palace of Auburn Hills as several players from the Indiana Pacers jumped into the crowd, pummeling spectators as the fans responded by exercising even less self-control. The brawl has taken its toll on not only those directly harmed, but the very fabric of our society. The actions taken resonated throughout the sports world, and collegiate athletics was no exception. The following day Lou Holtz, the head coach of the South Carolina football team, had his final game with the Gamecocks marred by not one but two fights that erupted during the contest. As a result, both schools announced they would not accept any bowl invitations as punishment. As far as the professional basketball players are concerned, they face unprecedented suspensions with millions of dollars lost in income, pending criminal charges, and lawsuits that are sure to follow. These events have raised the question, what happened to the essential link between excellence and integrity in not only sports but our culture?
Our society has embraced athletes and stars that leave us in awe with their ability, yet all too often come up short as role models. The message has been conveyed that it is acceptable to be without character if you excel at what you do. Investor confidence has taken a tremendous blow in the past couple years as publicly traded companies have gone bankrupt due to corrupt corporate leaders. These are people that have distinguished themselves in their careers enough to have the opportunity to handle such responsibility. One would think that these people would be weeded out as their true attributes begin to show after years of work, yet we still have the Enrons and WorldComs of business. Integrity has begun to become blurred as a nice, but not necessarily needed, attribute in a person. The attitude that accomplishments are the only measure of success leaves a tremendous void in any achievement.
For the first time some business schools are making ethics a required course, and there are a number of other means that exist to combat the problem. The primary objective of most academic honor societies is to instill their members with a sense of integrity in their professional lives. Honor societies and classes only partially alleviate the task that is by the very nature of the quality left to the individual. As young adults, we must work to develop character. Just as studying can prepare you for an exam, or physical training and preparation can get you ready for athletic competition, you must take the time and work into developing values and refusing to compromise them. Cherish the virtue that is too often overlooked. Honor and integrity may never bring you fame or fortune, but in the end it will define who you are as a person.
