In the wake of alleged sexual abuse cases at Penn State and Syracuse, the Star Tribune has published an article, “Sports can act as cover for abusers,” on sport as a particular environment where abuse can occur. The article features commentary from Dr. Nicole LaVoi, kinesiology lecturer and associate director of the Tucker Center, as well as from Tucker Center Affiliated Scholar Doug Hartmann, professor of sociology.
LaVoi and Hartmann are interviewed on the culture of sport and how various factors including the unassailable authority of coaches, a homophobic/machismo environment, and huge financial stakes can provide a fertile ground for sexual abuse that can go largely unreported.