The fallout from the skirmish between Ohio State and Michigan football players in late November is still affecting the landscape. The clash erupted when jubilant Michigan players attempted to plant their team flag on Ohio State’s turf, sparking a massive brawl.
Is the $100,000 fine imposed on each team a sufficient deterrent in the high-stakes world of college football? Did the police handle the situation adequately? Should flag-planting be banned altogether?
Regrettably, the altercations on the football field mirror a troubling trend in America: a CEO was tragically shot on the street, media professionals face mounting threats, and an assassination attempt was made on a presidential candidate. Alarmingly, 23% of Americans now feel that violence might be necessary to “save our country.”
The intense nature of football routinely faces scrutiny for contributing to the wider culture of violence. Criticized as “unspeakably violent” and steeped in “machismo, militarism, swagger, and patriotism,” one writer takes a stand. Another points out that violence is central to football’s essence.
While football undeniably pulsates with gladiatorial spirit, the growing effort to mitigate the game’s long-term health risks—especially its ties to brain injuries—serves all who engage with the sport. As bowl games and college playoffs unfold, it’s crucial to remember that too much is learned from football to dismiss it lightly.
Athletic fields—whether they be football, baseball, basketball, or tennis venues—are where millions of Americans gain discipline, respect for opponents, and an understanding of teamwork. Sporting events act as a training ground for democracy, nurturing the civic engagement vital for a resilient society. Sports, even those involving contact, should be seen as part of the solution, not the problem.
Engaging in sports nurtures a commitment to fair play. Both players and fans recognize that victory loses its meaning if won through deceit; cheating erodes the game’s integrity. Disdain grows for those who resort to foul play, whether by sign-stealing or using performance-enhancing drugs. The same principles apply in civil society—when rules are breached, the whole system suffers. The fair play integral to sports mirrors the value of fairness and rule adherence in a democracy.
Our government is sustained not only by elected representatives but by steadfast processes—separation of powers, checks and balances, the rule of law, and the smooth transition of power through fair elections. These are the game rules; democracy cannot thrive without them.
Sports foster civility. The traditional handshake after a grueling match is a tribute to the other side’s effort, skill, and sportsmanship. Fans admire LeBron James, but it’s his fellow athletes who truly appreciate his greatness, having invested countless hours in training themselves. They comprehend the dedication high achievement demands and honor him for it. This respect is evident even on the Little League fields.
Such attitudes are essential in civic life, especially when faced with rising polarization and hostility among political adversaries. When division persists, gridlock ensues, and resentment grows. Effective policymaking requires not only respect for differing opinions but also an understanding that well-meaning individuals can hold opposing views at the core. Navigating these differences is essential in a diverse society.
Lastly, sports teach the value of teamwork and coordinated action. No athlete thrives in isolation; every football victory is a collective effort, no gymnast excels without coaching support.
In a rapidly changing world where mobility leads to opportunity, and Americans often move far from familiar surroundings, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Sports, akin to other communal activities, unite us and reinforce the importance of collective endeavors. They help prevent withdrawal into self-isolation and the paranoia that currently plagues our time.
When critics label football as irredeemable—merely “pure violence as entertainment,” according to two sociologists—they overlook the transformative power of the game. The intensity of sports uncovers a deeper connection, teaching us to respect ourselves and others when we meet on the field.
Frederick J. Ryan Jr., who directs the Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy, is an alumnus of USC. James Washington, president of the Rose Bowl Institute and a two-time Super Bowl champion, graduated from UCLA.
