AIDS & College Athletes

The first section of this report produces evidence showing the small risk of contracting HIV/AIDS from contact sports. The second section demonstrates that, despite evidence to the contrary, many individuals, including college athletes themselves, support a ban on athletes who are infected with HIV/AIDS from participating in sports. This section also details the subtle forms of discrimination that exist against HIV/AIDS infected athletes. The third section of research compares discrimination and AIDS legislation that is pertinent to college athletes and HIV/AIDS discrimination. The analysis calls for less vague legislation on this issue in order to diminish the potential for discrimination against HIV/AIDS infected athletes.

The conclusion makes some recommendations for the future for dealing with the issue of HIV/AIDS infected athletes and discrimination. Also included are steps for dealing with HIV/AIDS infected athletes for those who are not infected.

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S from participating in sports. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) argues there is no evidence for mandatory HIV/AIDS screening of athletes, “There is no medical or public health justification for testing or screening for HIV infection prior to participation in sports activities. Routine testing of all athletes is unnecessary” (COHIS, 1999, 4). However much the facts should alleviate the fear over HIV/AIDS transmission through sports participation, the fear seems to remain. It remains more than anywhere in the minds of those who participate in sports. Magic Johnson retired twice but not because of health concerns. He retired twice because of fears of other players that he might transmit the HIV virus to them. Doctors met with all team players and explained the infinitesimal risk, however, Johnson’s retirement for good came in the midst of controversies in the press based on rival players concerned about catching the virus. As one official stated, “I guess we can’t underestimate the unreasoning fear this disease creates in people” (Benched, 1996, 22). Fear appears to be the biggest factor in promoting discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS in college sports. While some studies suggest that college athletes a
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1707
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)