Final answer:
Deviant behavior in sports encompasses actions by not just athletes, but also coaches, team managers, and fans. Actions like mild gambling may be illegal but not necessarily seen as deviant, highlighting the complexity of deviance in the context of sports and law. The commercialization of sports significantly impacts societal perceptions of deviance within the industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering deviant behavior in sports, it is not limited to just athletes; individuals like coaches, team managers, and even fans can display deviant actions. For example, a coach may manipulate game outcomes through illicit means for personal gain, or fans might engage in violence during or after a game, demonstrating the broader aspect of deviance in sports.
In terms of legality and morality, there can be confusion, such as with gambling. Sometimes what is deemed a social norm may still be illegal, and vice versa; actions like moderate gambling might not be considered deviant socially, but could be illegal depending on state laws.
This raises the question of whether breaking a law necessarily constitutes deviance if the act itself is not perceived negatively, such as betting in friendly sports pools. Furthermore, societal perceptions and the commercialization of sports also play roles in how we view deviance.
The business aspect of sports has significantly shifted from early days when it was a pastime for the wealthy to observe less privileged athletes, to a modern scenario where sports is a major industry with wealthy, celebrated athletes and a broad, often not wealthy, audience.