Adolescent sports, violent delinquency, and being processed through the criminal justice system: A longitudinal analysis of males

Abstract

There is some evidence to suggest that youth who are involved in sports might be at-risk for displaying certain negative outcomes, particularly adolescent delinquency. The studies bearing on the association between sports and delinquency, however, have produced mixed results. The current study sought to add to the existing literature on this topic by examining whether males who participated in baseball, basketball, and football were more involved in violent delinquency and were more likely to be processed through the criminal justice system than males who were not involved in such sports. To do so, data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). The results of the analyses revealed that preexisting levels of violence were associated with the decision to play baseball and football. However, only playing football was associated with subsequent violence and with being arrested and incarcerated. Playing baseball and basketball were unrelated to adolescent violent delinquency and with being arrested, convicted, and incarcerated.