As this volume reminds readers, sports influence nearly every sphere of American life. Topics begin with sports and American youth, exploring how health and sportsmanship are fundamental aims of athleticism. Title IX, which marked forty years in 2012, is the most important legislation in American sports history, defining the terms for equity among men’s and women’s athletics. Each year, the biggest college sports programs generate multi millions of dollars for their universities and conferences. A chapter will consider the relationship between college athletes, education, and economics. Also covered is the rise of fantasy sports among spectators, which has produced big business as well as debates on gambling. The two most controversial issues of the past few years are findings on concussions and revelations on doping. These chapters cover stories on the culture of doping, from bicycling to baseball, and new studies on head injuries in youth and professional sports.
