Don’t Hate The Player Hate the Game
In 2021, Bishop Sycamore, a high school football team, made headlines when they faced off against the powerhouse IMG Academy on ESPN. But the story behind Bishop Sycamore was far from ordinary. It turned out to be a fake school created by Leroy Johnson, who also served as the head coach. The documentary "BS High" reveals that Johnson loosely copied the blueprint of other preparatory high schools like IMG Academy, all in the hopes of helping young inner-city athletes reach their college dreams. However, allegations surfaced that Bishop Sycamore had players who shouldn't have been on the team, faced food shortages, and surprisingly lacked teachers for a supposed high school.
Leroy Johnson, as an adult, seemed to take advantage of kids who believed in his vision for a better future through football. But how different is he from coaches and corporations that do similar things every day? The model Johnson followed has been seen in recent sports history, with the key difference being that no one believed in his plan. While the fame gained from being a high school football coach may seem minimal, one might argue that Johnson's intentions were good, despite his poor execution. What if someone had guided him and Bishop Sycamore toward legitimate pathways before the infamous IMG Academy game?
The fallout from their ESPN appearance led many to ask, "How could someone do this to kids?" The answer may be simpler than we think: because it was allowed. Leroy Johnson didn't technically break any laws, although his actions were unethical and widely condemned. This situation isn't so different from some major companies and sports organizations. The NCAA, for instance, calls its players "student-athletes" and doesn't pay them, instead offering scholarships for a college education. But what's the true value of a college diploma in today's world? Who benefits most from this system, and who loses out?
We must also acknowledge companies like Apple, Nike, and Nestlé, which have faced accusations of using child labor in their supply chains. These allegations highlight a broader problem: the exploitation of vulnerable workers, often in distant and impoverished places. It's crucial to understand who holds the power to exploit in such situations. If we collectively condemn Leroy Johnson and Bishop Sycamore, we must apply the same scrutiny to the entities that provided the blueprint for their actions.
The Bishop Sycamore scandal serves as a wake-up call, reminding us to remain vigilant, whether in sports or business. We need robust regulations, responsible oversight, and the courage to speak out against exploitation. It's not just about one rogue football team; it's about a much larger issue that extends beyond the field. This scandal underscores the importance of ethics in youth sports and the business world. While holding deceptive organizations accountable is vital, we must also reflect on how these issues exist in more significant institutions. It's up to all of us to ensure that youth sports and global supply chains are fair, respectful, and provide opportunities for everyone involved, especially the kids who simply want to enjoy the game they love.
