by the coaches caused most of the athletes to drop out of school without receiving a degree. In fact, of the twenty-six players in Meggyesy’s class, only he and two others received degrees. (Meggyesy, 1970)Meggyesy also observed the treatment of athletes as machines whenever they sustained an injury. In such an instance, he contended that the coaches and the team medical staff were more concerned about getting the athlete back on the playing field at the expense of the mental and physical well-being of the athlete. When Meggyesy once hurt his ankle, the team trainer told him it would take time for the injury to heal. However, when the coach confronted the trainer and asked if Meggyesy would be ready to play the next game, the trainer gave his assurances that he would be ready to go. This put Meggyesy in a difficult position since the burden would now be on him if he did not play. It would be a question of his courage and whether or not he had the guts to play. If he decided to play, he would likely re-aggravate the injury and spend more time in rehabilitation. However, if he decided not to play, he would be cut off and ignored by the coaching staff since he could no longer contribute to winning. (Meggyesy, 1970)Conflict theorists also study how sports can be used by those in power to coerce and control people. (Coakley, 1998) Meggyesy acknowledged this power when he broke team curfew in high school and was suspended by the coach for one game. (Meggyesy, 1970) He said, “…I recognized the unlimited power those in control had, and I wanted to make sure they didn’t get me again.” (Meggyesy, 1970, p. 14) Meggyesy also tells of how a teammate of his with the Cardinals, who had suffered a series of knee injuries during the season, was unexpectedly called in by the coach to receive a punt, which was something he almost never had to do. (Meggyesy, 1970) Because of this demonstration of control by the coach, Meggyesy...
