ERIC ED377127: [Violence in Sports].

17 Pages·1994·0.61 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
.ED 377 127
SO 024 610
AUTHOR
Degelman, Charles, Ed.; Hayes, Bill, Ed.
TITLE
[Violence in Sports]
.
INSTITUTION
Constitutional Rights Foundation, Los
Angeles,
Calif.
PUB DATE
94
NOTE
17p.
AVAILABLE FROM
Constitutional Rights Foundation, 601
South Kingsley
Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90005.
PUB TYPE
Guides
Classroom Use
Instructional Materials (For
Learner)
(051)
Guides
Classroom Use
Teaching
Guides (For Teacher) (052)
Collected Works
Serials (022)
JOURNAL CIT
Sports & the Law; v8 n1-2 Win 1994
EDRS PRICE
MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.
DESCRIPTORS
*Athletics; Citizenship Education;
Elementary
Secondary Education; *Law Related
Education; Social
Studies; *Violence
ABSTRACT
This teaching resource presents
articles that draw on
young people's natural interest in sports
to stimulate their
involvement in law-related education.
An article on violence in
sports explores the causes of this
violence--the physical contact
inherent in many sports, the desire
to win at all costs, the urging
of coaches, and the negligence
of referees--as well as
measures
proposed to restrain players, including
safety equipment, fines and
suspensions, criminal charges, and civil
penalties. In a lesson plan
that follows, students are assigned
the roles of either referees,
league administrators, or criminal
prosecutors and asked to
propose
solutions to several hypothetical
violent episodes. In the coach's
column, a regular feature, Andy Schwich
describes the charitable
activities of Dodger's pitcher Orel
Hershiser and his nomination for
the Roberto Clemente Award for
outstanding achievement
on and off the
field. An article on the outreach
activities of Los Angeles sports
teams describes a midnight basketball
league, educational support
programs, and community youth support
programs. In an interview,
retired Los Angeles Raider's
safety, Mike Davis, describes his
activities as executive director
of the NFL Youth Education Town,
which encourages inner-city athletes
to focus on their education.
(JD)
**********************************************************************
Reproductions supplied by EDRS
are the best that can be made
from the original document.
***********************************************************************
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THE
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Violence in Sports
Coach's Column
Reaching Out For the Long Run GOALS Lessons
What Do You Think?
Puzzle
Violenceespecially youth violenceis a serious problem in America. Violence plagues our cities and affects
millions of lives each year. In this double issue of Sports & the Law, we explore some basic questions: What
can
be done about violence on the playing field? What can sports contribute to solving the underlying causes of
youth violence? Can sports figures serve as positive role models for young people? "Viols
nce and Sports" looks
at violence on the playing field, and explores the causes of sports violence, and possible solutions for reducing it.
"Reaching Out" describes efforts that some L.A. pro teams are making to cu!'. youth violence. Sports & the
Law's interview with former L.A. Raiders player Mike Davis reveals why this Super Bowl hero works so hard to
give back to the community. In his "Coach's Column," Sports & the Law Project Director Andy Schwich reviews
Orel Hershiser's response to fame and social responsibility.
Violence in Sports:
example, football, America's most popular sport, re-
quires blocking, hitting, and tackling. While these ac-
Why is Violence a Part of the Game?
ies are violent and possibly criminal off the
ti
playing field, they are acceptable under the rules of
Violence plays a part in professional and amateur
the game.
sporting events every day in America. Players
Boxing is another sport prone to violence. Former
taunt, spear, take cheap shots, and swing fists. To
heavyweight champion Joe Frazier once said about
win, coaches teach dirty tactics and encourage vio-
an opponent: "I don't want to knock him out.
I want
lence. Referees sometimes let excessive play go un-
to hit him, step away,
punished. Fans yell, fight,
and watch him hurt.
and throw objects at each
I
want his heart." In
other and the players.
1962, the welterweight
Television highlights the
championship bout be-
violence on the evening
tween Benny "Kid"
news and in newspapers.
Paret and Emile Griffith
Violence in sports is
L tee
was so brutal that it
nothing new. History pro-
started a movement to
vi
vides many examples of
ban boxing altogether.
games that were more
vio-
On national television,
lent than the games we
Griffith pummeled
play today. Boxers in an-
'4
Paret. Before the refe-
cient Greece wore no pro-
ree stopped the fight,
tective gear and fought
Griffith landed more
their matches to the
than 20 crushing blows
death. The Romans went
to Paret's head. Paret
even further and pro-
Violence is a natural part of many sports, such as football and boxing. But,
slumped unconscious
violence also occurs in sports like baseball, where batters sometimes rush
moted bloodshed as a
against the ropes and
the mound after being hit by a pitch. (UPI/Bettman.)
spectator sport. Thou-
later died from his inju-
sands of gladiators fought to the death in Roman
ries. A string of ring deaths followed Paret's death,
arenas. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs played a
causing several states to consider abolishing boxing.
ball game in which the losing team's captain was be-
Violence in sports is not limited to football and
headed. The native North Americans played baggat-
boxing, but exists in other popular sports such as
away, a predecessor to the modern game of lacrosse,
hockey, baseball, basketball, and soccer. In many of
which often left broken bones, bloodied bodies, and
these games, some contact is necessary and accept-
death in its wake.
able within the rules. But it is often difficult to distin-
Even though sports violence has existed since
guish between violence and normal rough-and-
early recorded history, people are beginning to exam-
tumble play. The line often blurs between foul and
ine the problem more closely. To understand the
fair play.
problem and come up with possible solutions, it is im-
A second factor that contributes to sports violence
portant to consider the many factors that may con-
is the pressure to win. As career opportunities and
tribute to violence in sports.
pay expand, competition grows. Some players will
First, violence is a natural part of many sports.
do almost anything to win. In the quest for victory,
Contact sports are especially prone to violence. For
I think it
great not having to worry about Lemieux.
violence becomes glorified in the minds of some
certainly helped us [win]."
players. Don Atyeo, a prominent sports author,
wrote in his book Blood and Guts: "It is the over-
Referees, like coaches, can encourage sports vio-
whelming pressure to win at all costs that lies at the
lence. Referees often ignore overtly aggressive play.
heart of the escalating level of violence within the
Tackles, blocks, body checks, and other legal blows
games themselves. When the single-minded pursuit
are acceptable forms of contact. But officials some-
of victory is wedded to the games of physical con-
times tolerate aggression that the rules prohibit. The
"
tact, violence is the inevitable result .
hockey fist fight, late hitting in football, high tackling
. .
in soccer, and the brush-back pitch in baseball have
Intimidation, domination, and revenge often enter
been ignored by referees and umpires. Especially in
into a player's mind. Some athletes visualize their op-
playoff and championship games, referees tend tc
ponents as beasts. This allows them to act aggres-
sively without attaching any feelings of
responsibility or concern for another human
being. Many athletes admit they develop ha-
tred for their opponents. Vince Lombardi,
former coaching great of the Green Bay
Packers, said, 'To play this game you must
have fire in you, and nothing stokes fire like
hate."
As athletes feel pressure to be stronger
and faster, some turn to drugs. The abuse of
both legal and illegal painkillers, stimulants,
and anabolic steroids is a major concern in
sports today. Some people believe that
drug abuse increases the level of violence in
Fans contribute to sports-related violence. In 1993 after Montreal won the National
today's games.
Hockey League championship, riots broke out in downtown Montreal.
Coaches also contribute to the problem
(UPI/Bettman.)
of violence in sports. Aggressive behavior is
employ a "let the players determine the outcome"
often learned on the practice field where players will
philosophy, and are less strict in calling penalties.
do anything to please their coach. Many coaches fa-
Spectators may also contribute to sports-related
vor players with a "killer instinct." Harvard psychia-
violence. Fans send messages of approval to players
trist Chester M. Pierce states, 'The coach must have
when they cheer "bone crushing" hits and raucous
his men feeling that they not only can kill but that
brawls. Sports psychologist Jeffrey Goldstein of Tem-
they should kill."
ple University has found that "people watching an ag-
Some coaches admit that there is little regard for
gressive sport are likely to become aggressive
safety or respect for the opposing team, even in prac-
themselves they sense or see aggression and
. .
.
tice. In fact, aggressiveness is often the primary attrib-
then they act aggressively." It is not uncommon for
ute that coaches look for in a player. Since coaches
riots to occur after soccer matches in Europe and
are under great pressure to win at any cost, encour-
South America, resulting in thousands of injuries and
aging violence becomes a means to that end. Coach
deaths. Sports-related riots have occurred in the
Lombardi coined the popular phrase, "Winning is not
United States as well. After the Chicago Bulls won
everything, it's the only thing."
the NBA championship in 1991, thousands of crazed
Coaches' obsession with winning may even cause
fans took to the streets in violent celebration.
them to direct violent activity at certain opposing
Sporting events can also contribute to domestic
players. As reported in Sports Illustrated, during the
violence. Statistics show that violence against
1992 National Hockey League Playoffs between the
women increases on Super Bowl Sunday. On that
New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, Rangers
day, a woman is beaten every 15 seconds, according
Coach Roger Neilson instructed his team to "be
to the Coalition of Battered Women's Advocates.
physical" with Penguins star Mario Lemieux. In
The Los Angeles Police Department sets up a special
game two of the series, Adam Graves of the Rangers
domestic abuse hot line in response to the increase
dealt Lemieux a blow that broke his left hand and
of assaults on women during the $upei Bowl.
knocked him out of the playoffs. Speaking about
Finally, television plays an important rose in the pro-
Lemieux's broken hand, Coach Neilson stated: "It's
motion of violence in sports. Television coverage
4
tends to highlight violent behavior on the field. With
Ciccarelli of the Minnesota North Stars was the first
the advent of instant replay, these images are played
NHL player to go to jail for an on-ice assault. Cic-
over and over again in living rooms across the coun-
carelli hit Luke Richardson of the Toronto Maple
In order to be featured in the highlights of a
try.
Leafs several times in the head with his stick. Richard-
game, players learn they must play aggressively. Net-
son received no injuries, thanks to the protection of
works claim that these highlights draw large audi-
his helmet. Ciccarelli was sent to jail for a day.
ences and that they are only broadcasting what the
Ciccarelli's behavior was not uniquely aggressive,
public demands.
but the judge in the case wanted to send a message
Reducing violence in sports will be a difficult task
to the NHL: Violence in hockey would no longer be
to accomplish. In contact sports, it is virtually impos-
acceptable to society. Even with the short sentence,
sible to eliminate all violence from the game. In re-
some people were upset with the outside interfer-
cent years, however, several attempts have been
ence of the judicial system. Traditionally, police and
made to decrease violence. These have included bet-
the courts had not enforced the laws in hockey
ter safety equipment, more league-imposed penal-
arenas. Moreover, Ciccarelli had previously been pe-
ties, and occasional
nalized internally by
legal action.
the NHL and served
a 10-game suspen-
Better safety
sion. Some thought
equipment has de-
his suspension was
veloped over the
sufficient punish-
years. Today most
ment. Others dis-
athletes wear pro-
agreed, believing
tective gear. But
that criminal interven-
sports-related inju-
tion in sports was
ries are still com-
IN
long overdue. In the
monplace. Each
face of so many inju-
year thousands of
ries, they argued,
professional and
sports should not be
amateur players suf-
exempt from the
fer torn ligaments,
laws that govern our
shattered bones,
Sports violence seldom results in criminal c
harges against athletes. On-ice assaults in
everyday behavior.
and even paralysis.
hockey, for example, are rarely pursued in
the courts. (UPl/Bettrnan.)
Some observers be-
Another violent on-
lieve that protective gear actually has madeathletes
the-court incident that landed in civil court involved
more aggressive. This is because players develop a
the NBA. In 1977, Rudy Tomjanovich of the Hous-
false sense of invincibility.
ton Rockets received serious injuries from a punch
by Kermit Washington of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Most recommendations for reducing violence in
Tomjanovich tried to break up a fight between Wash-
sports have focused on greater self-regulation, such
ington and another Rocket player. Washington
as increasing penalties, fines, and suspensions for ex-
threw a punch at Tomjanovich, who received
a frac-
cessive violence. Both the NBA and the NHL have in-
tured skull, nose, and jaw; a brain concussion; facial
stituted strict anti-fighting rules in an attempt to
scratches; leakage of spinal fluid; and other serious
reduce violence.
complications. The legal defense argued that vio-
Few people have looked to the courts to decrease
lence is inherent in the game: This type of injury was
sports violence. Legally, sports violence has usually
part of the risk of playing professional basketball.
been considered different or in a "world of its own"
The court disagreed, found Washington's actions
ex-
and therefore exempt from criminal charges. Violent
cessive, and awarded Tomjanovich $3.3 million for
assaults that would be illegal under the general law
his injuries.
of the land are commonly accepted by sports authori-
Courts are more willing to intervene and regulate
ties. Athletes often believe they are free to act vio-
high school or college sports because they feel a
lently on the playing field wit...out serious
greater sense of responsibility for amateur athletes.
consequences.
High school coaches have been held responsible for
Thus, criminal charges for on-the-field conduct are
directing injured athletes to play and for failing-to in-
rarely pursued, and when they are, they are usually
struct on safety techniques.
unsuccessful. Most of the cases that have gone to
criminal court involve NHL players. In 1988, Dino
Situations:
Violence in sports is a complicated issue because
there are many contributing factors. Since some
Alex is a professional tennis player who has been
1.
sports are inherently violent, it will be difficult to com-
known to throw her racket when angry. The um-
pletely eliminate all violence. But other factors also
pire has warned Alex to stop this behavior. Dur-
enter into the equation. Athletes want to win at all
ing the match, Alex cannot return a smashing
costs. Coaches teach aggressive behavior. Referees
serve. In disgust, Alex thro, her racket.
It
look the other way when it occurs. Spectators cheer
bounces and injures a line judge. Alex claims that
it. The media broadcasts it. What can be done to de-
she was upset, but says she did not intend to hit
anyone with her racket.
crease the violence in sports? Most current efforts
have focused on improving safety equipment, in-
2. Terry plays receiver for a professional football
creasing league-imposed penalties, and taking legal
team. The ball is thrown to Terry who catches it
action. In order to significantly decrease sports vio-
and is tackled hard by Dale. Terry gets up and
lence, it will take the combined effort of everyone in-
hits Dale in the back of the head causing Dale to
volved to take responsibility for their part in the
fall to the ground. In faring, Dale twists his knee
equation.
and cannot play for the rest of the season. Terry
admits acting out of frustration and anger, but
For Discussion
says he did not intend to injure Dale.
What factors do you think lead to violence in
1.
3. Sandy is a pitcher for an amateur baseball team.
sports? Which do you think is the most impor-
In the second inning Sandy pitches to Casey who
tant?
hits a home run. In the fifth inning Sandy pitches
a fast ball to Casey that hits him in the elbow.
2. Should more violence be allowed in professional
Casey rushes the mound and starts a fight with
than amateur sports? Why or why not?
Sandy. Casey suffers a bruised elbow and misses
the next couple of games. Sandy has a few
3. What, if anything, do you think should be done
bruises. Sandy says he did not intend to hit
about violence in sports?
Casey; he says it was merely a wild pitch.
Activity
4. Pat plays second base in an amateur softball
Divide the class into small groups of four to five
league. Tracy is on first base and runs to second
members. Each group will take one of three roles
base when a teammate hits a grounder toward
and rule on the six situations below. After each
Pat. Pat picks up the ball, tags second base, and
group decides, regroup the class and discuss the deci-
throws to first base to make a double-play. Tracy
sions.
continues to run at Pat who is now standing five
feet in front of second base. Tracy collides with
ROLE 1: You are referees or umpires at each sport-
Pat and hits Pat in the chin, breaking Pat's jaw.
ing event. Decide in each situation whether the ath-
Tracy says that she ran at Pat to try to obstruct
lete should be penalized immediately. You have the
her view of first base.
power to expel the athlete from the game or penal-
ize the team. For example, in a football game you
Leslie plays forward for a professional soccer
5.
team. Several times during the game, Leslie has
could give a yardage penalty or in a basketball game
rushed the goalie. Once she was yellow carded
you could call a foul.
for unsportsmanlike conduct. Once again, Leslie
ROLE 2: You are the governing body of each league,
gets the ball near the goal. The goalie dives and
such as the National Football League or the National
grabs the bail. While the goalie lies on the
Hockey League. Decide in each situation whether
ground covering the ball, Leslie keeps driving in.
the athlete shouk be penalized after the fact for vio-
She kicks the goalie several times. The goalie suf-
fers three broken ribs and can not play the rest of
lating the rules of the game. You have the power to
the season.
fine the player or the team, suspend the player from
future games, or expel the player from the league.
6. Jaime and Corey are professional ice hockey play-
ers. During a skirmish to get control of the puck,
ROLE 3: You are criminal prosecutors. Decide in
Jaime pushes Corey into the boards. Corey re-
each situation whether the athlete should be charged
sponds by tripping Jaime with his stick. When
with the crime of assault and battery. The definition
Jaime gets up, he skates toward Corey. A fight en-
of assault and battery is any unlawful touching of an-
sues. Corey needs 10 stitches above his eye and
other which is without justification or excuse. A per-
Jaime has a sore back. Neither player has to miss
son need not physically touch another but may
any games, iue to his injuries.
cause an object to touch a second person.
6
series, he almost single-handedly beat the Dodgers
with a tremendous display of the five skills that
scouts look for in a ball playerthrowing, fielding,
base running, hitting for average, and hitting for
By "Coach" Andy Schwich
powet.
Sports & the Law Program Director
I have watched Orel Hershiser pitch on several oc-
Orel Hershiser
casions, however, the first time left the most lasting
It was in 1988 on a cold September
impression.
night, typical of Candlestick Park in San Francisco.
Orel Hershiser, pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodg-
The Dodgers and Giants were locked in a tight divi-
ers, is one of the few major-league baseball play-
sion race and ace Orel Hershiser was
heduled to
ers who has served on the same team for more than
pitch. Hershiser was working on a remarkable re-
10 years. Service is a word that is synonymous with
cord-setting string of consecutive scoreless innings
Orel Hershiser, on and off the playing field.
and shutouts.
In 1993, Orel was nominated by the Dodgers for
Dressed in ski clothes, I found my field-level seat
major-league baseball's Roberto Clemente Award,
down the third-base line. Ten feet in front of me, just
which is presented annually to the player who best
beyond the railing, stood
represents the game both
Hershiser, slowly warming
on and off the field. The
up with some soft tosses.
award is named for Cle-
While watching Orel com-
mente, a Hall of Fame out-
plete his pre-game bullpen
fielder with the Pittsburgh
routine, it became obvi-
Pirates, who was killed in a
ous to me why Dodger
plane crash while deliver-
manager Tommy Lasorda
ing supplies to earthquake
had nicknamed him "Bull-
victims in Nicaragua in
1;-
dog."
I marveled at his
1972. Asa player,
concentration and determi-
Roberto Clemente shared
nation.
I was astounded
the spotlight with such all-
by his ability to hit the
time greats as Willie Mays
catcher's target with every
and Henry Aaron. As a hu-
go.
A
pitch. Most important, I
manitarian, this native of
was ecstatic that I didn't
Puerto Rico was in a
have to face Hershiser on
league of his own in his ef-
that chilly night.
I actually
forts to advance Latinos in
felt sorry for the Giants'
major-league baseball and
hitters who did.
x'"
to provide opportunities
Orel succeeded in shut-
for youngsters.
ting out the Giants
.. at
Both Clemente and Her-
night and proceeded to
shiser will be remembered
pitch 59 consecutive
for magnificer perform-
scoreless innings, a major-
ances in the World Series.
league record. His 23 vic-
In the minds of many base-
tories in the regular
ball fans, Clemente's per-
season led the Dodgers to
formance in the 1971 Fall
the 1988 division title.
Classic was the greatest all-
© Copyright 1993
Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc.
Orel's mastery continued
around exhibition in modern World Series history.
into the post-season as the Dodgers captured the Na-
He not only hit .414 with two home runs, but his
tional League pennant and World Series champion-
base running and outfield play propelled the Pirates
ship. He received the National League's Cy Young
to victory over the Baltimore Orioles in seven games.
Award, which is given annually to the outstanding
In the 1988 World Series, Hershiser was voted Most
pitcher in each league.
Valuable Player after he recorded two wils in the
It has often been said that a person's true charac-
Dodgers' victory over the heavily favored Oakland
ter shows in times of adversity. Orel Hershiser was
A's. In game five, he clinched the crown for the
put to the test in 1989 after major reconstructive sur-
Dodgers with his second complete game of the se-
gery on his right shoulder. While he worked hard to
ries.
overcome this career-threatening injury to his pitch-
I had the opportunity to watch both Roberto Cle-
ing arm, he became more involved with several chari-
mente and Orel Hershiser play baseball.
I saw Cle-
table community organizations and events. Orel's
mente during the summer of 1970. In a four-game
(Continued on page 10.)
7
r
Reaching Out For the Long Run
T os Angeles professional teams make a different
4.
L kind of "assist" when they reach beyond the play-
ing field. The Kings and the Ducks, the Clippers and
the Lakers, the Rams and the Raiders are all making a
AL-
serious, long-term bid to assist some of their most en-
4'
the young people of L.A.
thusiastic fans
.
. .
Matthew Valenzuela, age 12, heads for the
Hollenbeck Youth Center most afternoons.
Hollenbeck is close to Matthew's home, and
walking distance from school. Matthew de-
scribes his neighborhood as "rough," ruled by
gangs and taggers. At Hollenbeck, he can
play basketball, volleyball, and football with
his friends in what he describes as "a positive
environment." "It's tough to avoid the gangs
and taggers," says Matthew, "but the center
gives me something to do instead."
, -
Over the years, many young people have benefit-
Magic Johnson takes some time out from his busy schedule with his
ted from the generosity and concern of prominent
traveling team to speak to some Sports & the Law students from Long
sports figures. 1960's Olympic track star Rafer
Beach Jordan. (CRF photo.)
Johnson, boxer Muhammed Ali, and "sketball he-
Violence is not
young males under the age of 25.
are just a
roes Magic Johnson and Michael Jet
new to America. Since the days of the frontier,
few sports celebrities who have poured passion,
Americans have often settled issues with a gun. But
time, and money back into the neighborhoods that
today, our youth seem more vulnerable than ever.
cheered them to victory.
Since the 1980s, the ravages of drug addiction
Many pro sports )rganizations take advantage of
and violence caused by competition among drug
their place in the spotlight to sponsor fundraisers.
dealers have taken a high toll on young people.
For example, in the fall of 1993, the Mighty Ducks
Youthful unemployment and homelessness have
and the Kings joined showbiz personalities to play an
brought kids at risk into painful focus for many Ameri-
exhibition hockey game. Proceeds went to benefit
cans. The riots that swept through Los Angeles after
the victims of the recent brush fires in Orange and
the Rodney King beating trial demonstrated the frus-
Los Angeles counties.
tration and anger felt by many young people. As the
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner, described L.A.
angry fires cooled, several pro teams joined with
hockey's response to the fires. "NHL players have a
community-based police efforts, the Los Angeles Uni-
strong tradition of community service. Our athletes
fied School District, and local businesses to extend a
will always give more when it's needed. We are
helping hand. The goal: to develop service programs
proud to support their efforts helping the victims of
that might really address the hopes, fears, dreams,
this terrible tragedy."
and needs of children neglected for too long.
Tough Times in Los Angeles Trigger a
The Los Angeles Clippers
Different Kind of Response
Steve Swayne, community relations director, Los An-
L.A. has suffered civil unrest, fires, floods, even
geles Clippers, has said: "The Clippers realize that their
earthquakes. Individual athletes and pro teams have
success is dependant upon the support of the commu-
often been there to help. But professional sports fran-
nity and the fans. It is a priority and an obligation for
chises are also looking long and hard at a different
the Clippers to give back to their supporters."
kind of crisis. Tough times have fallen on many of
According to Swayne, drugs, guns, and violence
America's youth. Neglect, abuse, and violence most
are issues of great concern to the Clippers. Repre-
often strike first and hardest at the people who are
sentatives from the Clippers meet regularly with local
. young
people.
America's biggest sports fans
.
.
educators, business and community leaders, police,
This year, juvenile homicide has surpassed teen
and social service experts. They discuss how the
pregnancy as America's greatest youth problem.
Clippers can deal with some of the problems that
Sixty percent of all violent crimes are committed by
The Los Angeles Rams
kids are struggling with in Los Angeles. Here are a
few of the projects that came out of these meetings:
After the Los Angeles riots in May 1992, two L.A.
Rams football players stepped forward to support
Neighborhood Pride: ARCO petroleum and the
peacemaking efforts between two Los Angeles street
Los Angeles Clippers have teamed up to repair
gangs, the Crips and the Bloods. Todd Lyght and
and maintain 30 basketball courts in the Los Ange-
Robert Bailey toured South Central neighborhoods
les area. The goal is to provide L.A. youth with
with L.A. gang members and learned firsthand what
safe places to play.
it is like to live under the instant threat of violence.
Stay in School: Working closely with Vons and
Lyght and Baily never forgot what they learned. Both
Nabisco, the Clippers have established Stay in
players have returned many times to the neighbor-
School programs in 75 schools in Compton and
hood to support L.A. gangs in their efforts to stop the
Los Angeles. Next year, the Clippers plan to bring
violence.
Stay in School to 500 junior high schools from
Other Rams players maintain a close tie with the
Pasadena to Long Beach.
First AME Church in South Central. They donate
Midnight Basketball League: This is a unique pro-
money annually to the Christmas Fund and sponsor
the Feliz Navidad program where players and cheer-
gram to keep %/r- 'ngsters off the streets at night.
AR, the Clippers keep the doors
Aided by L.A.
leaders provide entertainment and give away free
open and the Hots on at numerous L.A. basketball
toys and food. The Rams fund raise and donate
courts from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. to offer a healthy
money to the Anaheim Police Department to help
alternative to the mean streets.
fund youth crime and drug prevention programs.
The Rams also contribute to the Youth Education
Town run by the National Football League in Comp-
The Clippers are also hoping to provide a "Guns
ton.
for Tickets" program in which people can exchange
weapons for free tickets to Clippers games.
The Los Angeles Raiders
Gil Hernandez, a spokesperson for the L.A. Raid-
ers, believes that the economy puts many L.A. kids at
risk. "A major problem today is the inability to make
income, particularly at the lower socio-economic
level of society." Hernandez feels that many doors
are closed to poor youngsters, so they search for
other ways to be successful. "They look to be ac-
cepted by someone, and gangs will usually accept
them," he said.
The L.A. Raiders believe they can help stop the vio-
lbw
lence by promoting positive alternatives for youth.
"The Raiders have a tough and mean image on the
field, but off the field, the players are responsible law-
The Los Angeles Raiders believe they can help stop the violence by
abiding citizens who play by the rules. The Raiders'
promoting positive alternatives for youth. Gil Hernandez, public
logo stands for poise and excellence, not lawbreak-
relations executive for the Raiders, speaks to a group of students during
a Sports & the Law conference. (Andrew Costly /CRF photo.)
ing."
The Los Angeles Lakers
Hernandez described some of the Raider efforts to
grapple with critical L.A. youth concerns: education,
The Los Angeles Lakers joined forces with Ralphs
drug use, gang violence, and vandalism.
supermarkets, McDonald's, and radio station 92.3
("THE BEAT") to urge L.A. youngsters to stay in school
Raiders Educational Support Program: Hernan-
and complete their high school education. Students
dez and the Raiders tour schools all over Califor-
pick up Stay In School report cards at local businesses.
nia, urging young fans to set scholastic goals and
They must stay in school for 30 consecutive days and
gain self-confidence.
display a good attitude to receive a "passing grade." A
Raiders Community Youth Support Programs:
student who submits a report card will receive a certifi-
Working with the L.A. Board of Education, the
cate, a gift discount card, and a chance to attend a
Raiders help sponsor several organizations that are
huge Lakers' Stay in School Jam, full of basketball stars,
striving to deter gang activity. For example, the
recording artists, and prizes.
Raiders work with the Gang Risk Intervention Pro-
9
cious playing field. "At any given time, Monday
ject as it reaches out to elementary school kids to
through Thursday," Davis says, "we have six to eight
convince them to stay out of gangs.
tutors to assist the kids...We're prepared to teach any
The Raiders also support anti-drug, anti-vandalism,
subjects from A to Z, just as long as the kids bring
and AIDS awareness programs that promote good
their textbooks. That's the price of admission. You
health habits, address some of the underlying
must bring homework, and you must bring a text-
causes of tagging and youthful drug addiction, and
book."
offer the prospects of shelter and healing to at-risk
Most important, Mike Davis and his dedicated
youth.
staff have long-term plans for the kids who come to
L.A. Teams Sponsor Long-Term Efforts to
Youth Education Town. "Instead of an F or a D, you
Support Young L.A. Fans
see a B or an A. I feel really good about that. But I'm
quick to tell the staffHey, we're only into the first
Mike Davis is a former player with the L. A. Raid-
five minutes of the ball-
ers. Today, Davis keeps a
game. Our success
busy schedule as executive
will come when we
director of Youth Education
have these kids ac-
Town, a well-equipped edu-
cepted into college.
cation and recreation cen-
Then we'll feel good
ter located in South Central
aboutthings."
Los Angeles. Mike spoke
to Sports & the Law about
Another long-term
the center and why he
project to help young
works with young people.
people is the Hollen-
He remembered an inci-
beck Youth Center, lo-
dent from high school that
cated in Boyle
influenced him: "Hall of
Heights near Dodgers
Famer Willie Davis came
Stadium. Since its be-
Duane Cooper of the Los Angele s Lakers contributed to the success of the
out and spoke to our high
ginning in 1976, the
first annual "Junior High lam" in
1992. (Andrew Costly/CRF Photo)
school football team. Mr.
L.A. Dodgers have sup-
Davis spoke strictly on the value of an education.
ported the center's efforts to provide opportunities
I
wanted to be like him and give to the community."
and a safe haven for East Los Angeles youngsters.
[See "Interview With Mike Davis," pg.131
Sports & the Law spoke with young Manuel Galle-
After a fulfilling career on the playing field, Davis
gos at the Youth Center. Boxing takes up a lot of
coached at Cal State University Long Beach. "Every
Manuels' time. After a rigorous training session at
time I would come to the inner city,
I would see
the Hollenbeck Youth Center, Manual has time only
these magnificent athletes. Unfortunately, we
to shower, eat dinner, do his homework, and go to
couldn't touch them.
They didn't have a grade
bed. Manual hopes to fight in his first amateur fight
.
.
point average strong enough." Davis had athletic
soon. He likes his new-found sport because it gives
scholarships dedicated to the inner city, but he
him a chance to vent his frustrations and anger posi-
couldn't give them out to players who were so weak
tively. He likes working out at Hollenbeck because
academically. When Davis took a look at the gen-
it is free and close to his home.
eral student population, he saw that many students
Manuel's trainer, Ruben Palmerro, constantly en-
needed help.
courages youngsters like Manuel to stay away from
When the National Football League approached
the bad influences of gangs and taggers, and to work
Davis to run Youth Education Town, Davis set out to
hard in the ring and at school. Neighborhood gangs
design a program that would motivate kids to deal
and taggers have put heavy pressure on Manuel to
with life in the 90s. Today, YET offers fully integrated
join their ranks Boxing at the center gives him an al-
academic, athletic, job training, and community serv-
ternative. "If more of the kids in the neighborhood
ice programs. It helps kids develop practical skills
got involved in the activities offered at the center,
and motivates them to care about their families, their
there would be less gangs and taggers."
friends, and their community.
The Hollenbeck Youth Center shows that building
The NFL, 40 corporate sponsors, the United Way,
self-respect and self-reliance is the best way to help
and several showbiz personalities have contributed
at-risk youth. The center offers indoor sports, such as
to the opening of a Youth Education library, a com-
basketball, volleyball, weightlifting, karate, and box-
puter lab, a media center, a fitness room, and a spa-
ing. Baseball, soccer, track, and swimming are also