Quote:
Originally Posted by Caymus
Winning not required?
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I'd say emphatically no.
Sportsmanship (the dictionary didn't like "sportsPERSONship" is defined as: "fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest. Ex: "he displayed great sportsmanship in defeat". The key word being "fair". Winning at all costs can often be the antithesis of sportsmanship. A good example (can't remember the specifics) is the New Orleans Saints putting a "bounty" on opposing players injured. That may have won a game or two but to refer anyone involved in that as "sportsmanlike" would be ludicrous. A player on the other hand who refused to go along with that, especially if he did so publicly, WOULD be exhibiting fair treatment toward an opponent and thus, by definition, be exhibiting the qualities of a "sportsperson".