We talk with Wharton’s eminent expert on the business of sports about his new Wharton Digital Press book.
In the upcoming book Sport Matters: Leadership, Power and the Quest for Respect in Sports , Kenneth L. Shropshire, Wharton’s David W. Hauck Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics and director of the Wharton Sports Business Initiative, explores the challenges of achieving an ideal culture of equality and respect within the sports industry from the perspectives of team owners, management, players and fans. What follows is an interview with the author about the book, its inspiration and more.
WHARTON MAGAZINE: Why did you write this book?
KENNETH SHROPSHIRE: In 1996, my book In Black and White: Race and Sports in America was published. So much has happened since then. The issues are more dominant now than ever, but oh so different. Nearly 20 years later, blatant racism, such as the throwing of bananas at black athletes in Europe, is less of an issue. The greater concern is the continuing absence of power by people of color. The deficit exists in ownership and top-level management across sports. In addition to racism, other issues have emerged that must be addressed to further the progress that has been made, from homophobia to sexism. A case like the drama starring Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling shines a light on the obstacles to equality, respect, diversity and inclusion within sport.
