The world of sports is not immune to criminal activities, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and harassment, DUI, etc. Have allegations or convictions of criminal activity involving professional players reduced fans’ interest in those players or their teams?

In our study of Americans who follow at least one sport in season, we asked respondents how much they agreed or disagreed with the following statement: The allegations or convictions of criminal activity involving professional players (e.g., domestic violence or DUI) have reduced my interest in those players or their teams.

Forty-six percent of respondents overall said that they somewhat or strongly agreed that the allegations or convictions of criminal activity involving professional players had reduced their interest in those players or their teams.

Females (48%) were only slightly more likely than males (45%) to agree somewhat or strongly.

Those with children in the household (39%) were less likely to agree somewhat or strongly with the statement than those without (53%).

Whites (51%) were more likely to somewhat or strongly agree than Latinos (41%), Asians (38%), and African-Americans (29%).

Those aged 65-74 (62%) were more likely to somewhat or strongly agree than those in the following age groups: 55-64 (57%), 35-54 (43%), those younger than 18 (43%), 25-35 (42%), and 18-24 (34%).

Those with the most yearly household income (more than $125K) were more likely to agree somewhat or strongly (56%) than those with the following more modest yearly household incomes: $100K to <$125K (49%), $50K to <$75K (49%), $25K to <$50K (49%), $75K to <$100K (47%), <$25K (33%).

Those with post-graduate degrees were more likely to agree somewhat or strongly with the statement (63%) than were those with less education: college degree (55%), some college or associate’s degree (44%), high school degree (38%).

Those in the Northeast (51%) and West (49%) were more likely to agree somewhat or strongly than those in the Midwest (46%) and the South (44%).

Those divorced/separated/widowed were more likely to somewhat or strongly agree (57%) than those who were married or with a domestic partner (48%) and those who were single (39%).

And those who were moderate (49%) and casual (47%) fans were more likely to somewhat or strongly agree than intense fans (40%).

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December 10, 2018