The Professionals?

World sports has been dogged by scandal over the past few weeks, with one question seeming pertinent. Be it Pakistani bowlers or England footballers, what has happened to professionalism in sport?

The News of the World expose of the, currently unproven, deals made with seamers Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir to bowl no balls is certainly damaging not only for the world of cricket but also for the players personally. Regardless of the motives of the two men what remains is the fact both are, at least in theory, professional sportsmen. Any willful under performance is clearly a failure to perform to the best of ones ability. Pride alone in self as well as position ought to dictate that, regardless of financial gain a sportsman must "Play up! Play up! and play the game!".

Similarly captain Salman Butt, a man selected by the Pakistan Cricket Board to not only lead but also be an ambassador for the game of cricket which, owing to a number of difficult circumstances, is troubles in his native land. In being implicated in the scandal he is perhaps a greater failing in terms of professionalism than his two seamers. Since making his debut against Bangladesh in September 2003 Butt has made 33 test, 78 ODI and 25 T20 international appearances, a wealth of experience at the top flight. Clearly, therefore, he should be aware that the role of a captain is far more than to set the field and change the bowlers. He must represent the side as the embodiment of professionalism and the spirit of the game. Butt has failed to do this.

However it is not just members of the Pakistan cricket team are not alone in failing to perform as professional sportsmen. England and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has been dogged by allegations regarding his private life. In spite of this he appeared for the national side, scoring against Switzerland. This is to his credit. However a lapse was evident in Manchester United's Saturday fixture against his former club, Everton based in the hostility of the reception he was likely to receive from the opposition fans. Sir Alex Ferguson is quoted as stating "We are not going to subject him to the abuse he gets here". Rooney is a professional footballer. He is paid, handsomely to play football and to play the game. This should be done regardless of the reception he may or may not experience from supporters.

I suppose the connection between the two cases is money which, rather sadly has in so many areas replaced true professionalism and an understanding of what is right both morally and in the name of the game, whichever sport is in question. This is true for the sake of the game as well as the example being set. Both the Pakistan national cricket team and premier league side Manchester United have huge fan bases, players given the honour of representing either are also role models to countless sports fans, perhaps they ought to remember this.