Report on the Management of Negative Off-field Behavior in Sports

This report examines the management of negative off-field behavior in sports, using the case of Mitchell Pearce as a primary example. It delves into the nature of the case, the behaviors displayed, and potential mental health-related issues, particularly those stemming from alcohol abuse and antisocial conduct. The report analyzes the sanctions imposed, including fines and suspensions, and critically evaluates their effectiveness. It proposes an alternative management plan that integrates lighter sanctions with a robust rehabilitation program, including individualized counseling, group sessions, and potential pharmacological approaches. The evaluation of the program is based on real-time observation and intervention. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of adhering to codes of conduct and the need for comprehensive strategies to address athlete misconduct, highlighting the role of leadership and rehabilitation in ensuring positive behavior.

Management of Negative Off-field Behavior 1
Management of Negative Off-field Behavior
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Management of Negative Off-field Behavior 2
Introduction
It is important for sportspersons to uphold decent off-field behavior; otherwise, they
are bound to face serious repercussions as part of the societal norms. An individual might
have a mental issue, or indulge in substance abuse that results in the deterioration of one’s
mental health. Alcohol has a strong association with psychiatric disorders, but either one
factor can precede the other. Antisocial behavior is often linked to a psychotic disorder;
hence, when one starts to show signs of this behavior, taking effective measures is
paramount. This paper is an analysis of the “lewd dog” scandal on Australian Day by
Mitchell Pearce where alcohol and intoxication preceded irrational off-field behavior that is
attributed to the biological sequence of events triggered by alcohol consumption.
Nature of Case, Behaviors displayed, and Potential Mental Health-Related Issues
Mitchell Pearce, who has been involved in two scandalous events off the field, and in
both incidences, his dishonorable off-field behavior has been linked to alcohol abuse, is the
subject of interest (Australian Associated Press 2016). Mitchell Pearce is reported to have
manifested antisocial behavior in public irrespective of the fact that he is considered a
reputable man. He was involved in alcohol abuse by excessively consuming the substance
and displaying negative sexual behavior. Alcohol triggers the alteration of certain brain
chemicals and hormones, resulting in the onset of mental problems. Among the various
effects that result from alcohol abuse, the one that is relevant to this paper is poor judgment
and the manifestation of aggressive and antisocial behaviors, which are believed to mimic
externalizing disorders, for example, the antisocial personality disorder (Shivani, Goldsmith,
and Anthenelli 2002).
ASPD refers to a set of attitudes and behaviors that show disregard for other people’s
rights and a lack of empathy towards the experiences of others. Pearce disregarded the rights
of women and animals to seek sexual pleasure. In addition, he behaved in a disgusting

Management of Negative Off-field Behavior 3
manner by urinating on a coach. A footage of Pearce’s disrepute sexual behavior shows his
irrational and imprudent behavior of seeking sexual satisfaction in a humiliating manner.
First, he makes advances at a woman, and after rejecting him, he turns to a dog.
Sanction handed out to Pearce
Pearce was subjected to a fine of $125,000 and a suspension from eight NRL games
to give him time to attend rehabilitation and reflect on his decision-making processes
(“Mitchell Pearce fined” 2016). The fine is the heaviest in history, and it is harsh because
similar offenses in the past have not been penalized so heavily. On a different note, the fact
that his career was not halted is a good thing, but a more elaborate rehabilitation program to
overshadow the sanction other than the other way round would have been a better deal.
My Plan and Justification
The fact that this was not the first time Pearce was found in such a compromising
situation indicates that the action taken against him might not be effective. The sanction alone
is not effective if it is not followed by an elaborate rehabilitation plan to help Pearce adhere
to the recommendations of the rehabilitation services. If I was consulted on this case, I would
try to act based on the available evidence. Even though the available evidence is inconsistent,
it implies that individuals that manifest antisocial behavior have anomalies in their reward
and punishment processing systems (Byrd, Loeber, and Pardini 2017). Hence, the use of
sanctions in the case of Pearce might not be an absolute solution considering that alcohol is
the triggering factor. Nonetheless, since Pearce’s antisocial behavior is still in its budding
stage, reasonable sanctions might be effective (McArdle 2011 pp. 11). I would, therefore,
integrate a lighter sanction and reinforce the rehabilitation program to ensure its success in
real-time settings.
The rehabilitation program would go on even after returning to the club. Therapeutic
goals, which would be formulated with the patient, would guide the program. Individualized

Management of Negative Off-field Behavior 4
counseling and group sessions would be used to establish the risk factors and help individuals
learn from each other on how to cope with their problems. Pharmacological approaches
would only be used if the non-pharmacological approaches do not help Pearce to change. An
evaluation would be determined by evaluating Pearce behavior in real-time situations,
especially in situations with a similar environment like that of Australian Day. The only
difference is that this time around, I would be present to observe his behavior and intervene if
there were signs that things would get out of hand (Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental
Health 2016).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is apparent that just like any other organization, Sydney Rosters is
bound by distinct rules and code of conduct that informs sportspersons of their rights as well
as what an organization expects of them. Mitchell Pearce acted contrary to the expectations
of the club and the general public. Therefore, a sanction was imposed alongside a stand down
from eight games as a way of enabling him to continue with his rehabilitation clinic.

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References
Australian Associated Press. (2016) ‘Mitchell Pearce apologises for Dog Video Scandal,
admits Alcohol Problem.’ The Guardian [online] 29 January. Available from:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/29/mitchell-pearce-apologises-for-dog-video-
scandal-admits-alcohol-problem [Accessed 3 October 2018].
Byrd, A. L., Loeber, R., & Pardini, D. A. (2014) ‘Antisocial Behavior, Psychopathic Features
and Abnormalities in Reward and Punishment Processing in Youth.’ Clinical Child and
Family Psychology Review 17 (2), 125–156. DOI: 10.1007/s10567-013-0159-6.
Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health (2016) Guidance for Commissioners of
Rehabilitation for People with Complex Mental Health Needs [online]. Available from:
http://www.jcpmh.info [Accessed 2 October 2018].
McArdle, A. (2011) More Effective Responses to Anti-social Behavior. London: Home
Office.
‘Mitchell Pearce fined, suspended for eight NRL games over Sydney Roosters star’s lewd
video scandal.’ (2016) ABC [online] 3 March. Available from
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-03/mitchell-pearce-fined-suspended-sydney-roosters-
lewd-video/7217550 [Accessed 2 October 2018].
Shivani, R., Goldsmith, J., and Anthenelli, R. M. (2002) Alcoholism and Psychiatric
Disorders [online]. Available from: https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh26- 2/90-
98.htm [Accessed 3 October 2018].