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Gambling has played a big part in the popularity of sports. From placing wagers on games to the immensely popular fantasy sports money changes hands based on the outcome of every popular game.

When the participants in those games take part in the wagering it attacks the integrity of the sport. That damage can be permament and so should the punishment for those found guilty.

Why do we watch sports as fervently as we do?

Some watch because they are in awe of the talent on the field or court necessary to compete at the highest level. Others may watch simply for entertainment.

At the root of every reason we watch sports is the fact that we believe that the competitors are giving their all to win that game. Anything else is cheating the fans.

If a player has secondary motives- like money riding on the outcome- then the motivation becomes a little more individualistic and a little more questionable.

Whether the player has bet on himself to win or lose makes no difference. The fact that the motivation has changed from proving who's best to padding the wallets of the participants cheapens the whole concept.

Now I know there are people who will quickly point out that no professional athlete plays for free. For those of you reading this that immediately jumped out of your chairs, thank you Captain Obvious.

However there's something intangible about the concept of betting that makes it seem less than noble. Each game or match changes from "Let's see who's better" to "Can I make some money because I lost the last three bets I placed".

It has been said that in sports effort should be a given. Wagers placed should have no bearing on whether or not that player plays hard or not. Any professional who admits they would play harder if they had money riding on the game does not deserve that moniker.

The concept of gambling by athletes on sports is one that a league cannot condone. This is simply because the only thing a league can sell itself on is the integrity that each contest is uncompromised by any outside forces. To believe that one can draw the line and let players bet as long as they bet on themselves to win is to ignore the frailty of human character.

There is no place in sports for gambling by athletes and the only rightful punishment is to remove any danger to the integrity of the game- and remove it for good.

Learn more about this author, Keith Grieve.
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