Hawksville University recently unveiled their brand-new softball facility, Sunset Field, in 2018. It is a luxurious facility that features batting cages, concessions, locker rooms, an oversized press box, FieldTurf, 1,100 chairback seats, and an indoor facility. Hawksville is not short on cash.
Unfortunately, multiple members of the Hawksville softball team have been struggling to pay their bills. In addition to paying their own rent and utilities, they’re also helping their families back home. Rumor has it, the athletic department’s top donor has been taking care of the girls under the table. This is a clear breach of the NCAA student-athlete code of conduct. While no one is being harmed physically or emotionally, the ethics of the situation are in question. If word spreads that donors are giving student-athletes benefits beyond their scholarships, you may lose your job. If you call out your top donor, you may risk harming a very valuable relationship. *For this case study, providing NIL opportunities should not be considered as a solution*
Now, put yourself in the shoes of the director of athletics for Hawksville. In this position, you will ultimately make the decision for how to proceed. Discuss your plan of action, knowing what you know about this case. Also, bring in relevant literature to explain why this could potentially be catastrophic for your university. Complete this assignment as if the only people who know of the money exchange are you, the donor, and the student-athletes. Craft a plan to find the truth of this case and remedy the issue in an ethical manner. Be sure to relate your reasoning to the personal ethics and fair play lecture in addition to the literature and videos from this module.
What to consider:
Donor: He or she is your top giver and you do not want to harm that relationship.
Hawksville: A scandal like this would impact the school for years to come.
ATHLETES: GETTING CAUGHT ACCEPTING MONEY WOULD NOT ONLY END THEIR AMATEUR ATHLETE STATUS, BUT IT COULD MEAN THE END OF THEIR EDUCATION.