The Sport Ethics Debate, hosted annually by Dr. Sue Mullane and the School of Education and Human Development, marked its 16th year as a cornerstone of intellectual discourse and professional preparation within the University of Miami’s Sport Administration program. Created in 2007 by Dr. Sue Mullane, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, the debate is a culminating experience for students in her graduate “Ethics and Ethical Decision Making in Sport” course. The debate brings graduate students together to analyze, discuss, and argue the most pressing ethical issues in sports. Competing across four teams and six rounds, students applied ethical theories and real-world research developed throughout the course to present well-reasoned arguments.
On December 3, 2024, Dr. Mullane opened the evening with an inspirational reflection on the
event’s evolution, highlighting its significance in preparing students for leadership roles.
She emphasized how the debate continues to challenge participants to engage deeply with
ethical challenges while showcasing their ability to craft compelling arguments and
respond effectively to counterpoints. Dr. Mullane also paid tribute to the late Gary Shaw,
who served as a judge for the Sport Ethics Debate for many years and was a respected
figure in both education and the international boxing world. Mr. Shaw, a University of Miami
alumnus, was celebrated for his deep commitment to mentorship and storytelling, that left a
lasting impact on the students with whom he engaged. Shaw’s wife, Jude Shaw, was in
attendance and was honored during Dr. Mullane’s heartfelt tribute that recognized
Shaw’s enduring legacy and the inspiration he brought to the event. The 16th Annual
Debate was dedicated to Shaw’s memory, commemorating his invaluable support as a guest
speaker, coach, judge, donor, and friend of the program.
The competition featured Sport Administration graduate students divided into four teams,
Orange, Black, White, and Green, each competing in rounds centered on ethical topics in
sports. The teams are assigned in the first week of the class and spend the duration of the
semester researching the topics and preparing for the event. The Sport Ethics Debate consists
of two rounds of debates, the Preliminary round (without an audience), and the Final Round on
December 3rd at the Shalala Center. In the Preliminary round, the debate topics were NIL and
High School Athletic, the Greening of the Olympics and Worldwide Events, and LIV Golf and
Sportswashing. In the final round, the debates explored the issue of Esports and Mental Health,
where students debated its potential benefits, such as fostering cognitive skills and community,
against its risks, including addiction and anxiety. Another topic focused on the rise of sports
gambling in athletics, where teams addressed its financial benefits for states and programs,
while raising concerns about addiction, underage betting, and integrity. The use of Video
Assistant Referees (VAR) in soccer was also debated and sparked passionate arguments about
its ability to improve fairness versus its potential disruption to the spontaneity and flow of the
game.
After three rounds of spirited competition at the Final round, the Orange Team emerged
victorious, delivering a strong performance in their arguments. The Orange Team featured Tori
Grambo, Mimmi Balaam, Ethan Billings, Jihao Wang, Mark Lemke, Brian Mars, Michael
Muscala, Mekhi Hayes, and team captain Alanna Ardoin. Their precision in addressing
counterpoints, incorporation of ethical theories, and ability to provide compelling evidence
earned them high praise from the judges. While the team’s professionalism, clarity, and
teamwork set them apart as deserving winners, the final scores for all four teams were
extremely close.
Ashley (Woods) Wright, M.Ed., (and a former varsity volleyball player at UM), served as the
evening's emcee and moderator, a role she has held for 15 of the 16 years of the Sport Ethics
Debate’s history. The panel of judges brought distinguished experience and insight to the
competition, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each round. The judging panel included Dr.
Shawn Post, Former Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Dr.
Kevin Jacobs, Chair and Professor of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, Mackie Feierstein,
Executive Director of the Russell Education Foundation and Adjunct Professor, Joshua Cohen,
Principal and Wealth Management Advisor with the Legacy Financial Group and Vice President
of the UM Alumni Association, Dr. Maggie Aldousany, Associate Clinical Professor in
Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, and Torrey Feldman, Assistant Professor of Professional
Practice.
The evening concluded with a reception where students, faculty, alumni, and guests
gathered to honor the winners and celebrate the culmination of the event. The Sport Ethics
Debate not only served as a tribute to Gary Shaw’s legacy but also reaffirmed its role as a
critical platform for engaging with complex ethical issues in sports. The Sport Ethics Debate and
Program Fund is a vital aspect of the Sport Administration program, providing students with
opportunities to engage in meaningful, real-world discussions on ethical issues in sports. To
support our Sport Ethics initiatives, please visit [Find your Cause - Donation Form - University of Miami].
