In the past few months, we have learned about several scandals in college sports – hazing at Northwestern University, sports betting by Alabama’s baseball coach, and racial insensitivity and misconduct by basketball coaches at West Virginia University and Texas Tech University. Impropriety on higher education campuses is not new, but why does it continue to occur?Scandals occur in college sports for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of factors related to competition, money, pressure, and the complex dynamics within the sports industry. The factors influence leaders to make decisions that do not align with personal, professional or institutional values. Below is a brief overview of the underlying factors that cause scandal in college sports: Competition and Pressure: the pressure to
Scandals in sports are occurring at an alarming frequency. A quick google news quiery reveals there are no shortage of stories: in the NFL, women staff and executives were promised an improved work-place culture that has fallen short; the Washington Commanders were fined $10 million dollars for having a culture that is “highly unprofessional” including bullying, intimidation, and multiple allegations of sexual harassment of women; and in the NHL it was found the Chicago Blackhawks ignorned a 2010 sexual assault accusation. While these cases are not dissimilar, each instance of malfeasance required each organization to retroactively take actions to correct illicit behavior, pay restitution, and adopt new policies. The question that must be asked is, “how do we shift sports organizations’ from being reactive to proactive?”The allure of winning at all costs sometimes motivates actors within sports organizations to violate industry rules and practices. Dismantling this behavior requires sports organizations and teams to prioritiz
In recent years, sports analytics has expanded beyond performance metrics and game strategy to include a critical but often overlooked aspect—people analytics. As we move into 2025, teams and organizations are increasingly using data to enhance team dynamics, optimize talent management, and foster a winning culture. Here are some of the most significant trends shaping the future of people analytics in sports.1. Data-Driven Team ChemistryUnderstanding how players interact and collaborate is becoming just as important as tracking their physical performance. By analyzing behavioral data, communication patterns, and leadership influence, teams can create environments that maximize synergy and cohesion, leading to better performance both on and off the field. At IntelliSport Analytics we continue to partner with clients to conduct high performance reviews to better understand how and why certain sporting outcomes occur. Using original data as our lens, we can inform strategic decision-making that will improve how teams and organizations operate.2. AI in Talent Acquisition and DevelopmentAI-driven scouting and recruitment tools are revolutionizing how teams identify and develop talent. Machine learning models analyze vast amounts of data on players’ psychological profiles, adaptability, and team fit, helping organizations make smarter recruitme