An examination of criminal arrests and convictions of football student-athletes at Atlantic Coast Conference institutions as reported by the media

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and nature of criminal arrests and dispositions of football student-athletes at Atlantic Coast Conference institutions as reported by media outlets. The population examined included all football student-athletes appearing on varsity football rosters during the 2003-2007 seasons at Atlantic Coast Conference institutions. Data was collected through quantitative content analysis of news reports. A small fraction (2.3%) of football student-athletes in this study were arrested on criminal charges. Overall, the highest reported arrest rates were in charges related to physical violence and alcohol-related crimes, and second and third year football student-athletes were the most likely to be arrested. The charges brought against football student-athletes were most likely to be disposed through a plea agreement or by having the charges dismissed. It was unlikely that a football student-athlete would be dismissed from the football team following a reported arrest.