Data presented in the chapter show that felony rates among NFL players are which of the following compared to comparable men in society?

Data presented in the chapter show that felony rates among NFL players are which of the following compared to comparable men in society?

• A. Lower than they are for comparable men in society as a whole.
• B. Higher than the general population.
• C. Approximately the same as the general population.
• D. Not enough data to compare.

Answer: (A)

The main concept is how deviant behavior in sports compares to similar people outside of sports, using matched comparisons to control for age and socioeconomic factors. The data show that NFL players have lower felony rates than comparable men in society. This can be understood through selection and social controls: entering the NFL involves extensive screening for behavior, and once in the league, players operate under strict codes of conduct, with teams and the league actively monitoring behavior and enforcing penalties. The high personal and financial costs of misconduct—risking a lucrative, high-profile career and public reputation—create strong incentives to avoid felonies. Resources, coaching, and structured environments also support law-abiding behavior. While there are notable exceptions, the overall pattern supports a lower rate among players. The other options don’t fit the data: higher rates, about the same, or insufficient data are not what the chapter presents.

The main concept is how deviant behavior in sports compares to similar people outside of sports, using matched comparisons to control for age and socioeconomic factors. The data show that NFL players have lower felony rates than comparable men in society. This can be understood through selection and social controls: entering the NFL involves extensive screening for behavior, and once in the league, players operate under strict codes of conduct, with teams and the league actively monitoring behavior and enforcing penalties. The high personal and financial costs of misconduct—risking a lucrative, high-profile career and public reputation—create strong incentives to avoid felonies. Resources, coaching, and structured environments also support law-abiding behavior. While there are notable exceptions, the overall pattern supports a lower rate among players. The other options don’t fit the data: higher rates, about the same, or insufficient data are not what the chapter presents.