Great to be invited to speak again on BBC Radio 5 Live with Chris Warburton on the topic of cheating in Sport,
Why Do People Cheat in Sports? A Light-hearted Deep Dive into the Psychology of Cheating
Everyone loves a winner—it’s a universal truth. Whether on the pitch, on the court, or at the quirky World Conker Championships, victory brings admiration, fame, and fortune. But as fans, we often wonder: why do athletes cheat? It’s easy to laugh at cheating in something like conkers, but what drives rule-breaking when the stakes are much higher?
This article explores the psychology behind cheating in sports, taking a light-hearted look at some of the most infamous scandals across different games.
The Psychology Behind Cheating
At its core, cheating often boils down to a few critical psycriticallogical principles:
Ego vs. Task Orientation: Athletes are often driven by either ego or task orientation. Ego-oriented athletes crave victory at all costs, viewing competition as win-or-lose. In contrast, task-oriented athletes focus on personal growth and mastering their sport. Ego-driven competitors are more likely to cheat to protect their image or secure a win.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Some athletes cheat due to intrinsic motivation but face obstacles like injury or tough opponents. Others, driven by external rewards like fame or money, may take shortcuts when the stakes are high. The pursuit of extrinsic rewards often fuels a win-at-all-costs mindset, even if it means breaking the rules.
Flow State vs. Desperation: Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s “flow” describes athletes fully immersed in their sport, where time seems to stand still. However, not everyone achieves this state. Under extreme pressure, some fall into desperation, seeking any advantage—legal or not—to succeed.
Now, let’s lighten the mood with some of the most memorable cheating scandals across the world of sports:
Top 10 Cheating Scandals in Sports
Lance Armstrong (Cycling, 1999-2005)
The scandal: Armstrong, once the poster boy for cycling, was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after it was revealed he’d been using performance-enhancing drugs.
The psychology: Armstrong’s competitive spirit and fear of failure drove him to build a complex web of deceit. His ego-orientation made winning the sole focus—no matter the cost.
Ben Johnson (Olympics, 1988)
The scandal: Johnson broke the 100m world record at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, only to be stripped of his medal after testing positive for steroids.
The psychology: Johnson’s need to prove himself as the fastest man alive highlights the risk of cheating when athletes tie their self-worth to victory, leading to catastrophic consequences when they fall short.
The Black Sox Scandal (Baseball, 1919)
The scandal: Eight players from the Chicago White Sox were accused of intentionally losing the World Series in exchange for money from gamblers.
The psychology: Financial motivation and frustration over low wages led the players to cheat. External pressures often play a critical role in unethical decisions.
Boris Onishchenko (Olympics, 1976)
The scandal: Soviet fencer Boris Onishchenko was caught rigging his épée with a button that allowed him to register hits without touching his opponent.
The psychology: Onishchenko’s premeditated cheating shows how ego-driven athletes might go to extreme lengths to maintain dominance in their sport, even if it requires breaking the rules in bizarre ways.
Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” (Football, 1986)
The scandal: Maradona famously used his hand to score a goal during Argentina’s World Cup match against England, later attributing it to “the hand of God.”
The psychology: This moment of spontaneous cheating is an example of how pressure to perform can lead athletes to make split-second decisions to secure a win—sometimes with divine justification.
Deflategate (NFL, 2014)
The scandal: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was accused of using under-inflated footballs during the AFC Championship Game.
The psychology: The temptation to cheat can be vital when minor adjustments can significantly impact performance, especially when players are pressured to maintain a winning streak.
The Fishing Scandal (Ohio, 2022)
The scandal: In an Ohio fishing tournament, competitors were caught stuffing weights into their fish to make them heavier, vying for the $29,000 prize.
The psychology: External rewards can skew judgment, leading to bizarre and creative ways of cheating. Who knew even fish could be used for fraud?
Robbi Jade Lew (Poker, 2022)
The scandal: Lew was accused of cheating in a high-stakes poker game, using a device to predict her opponent’s hand.
The psychology: The competitive, high-pressure environment of poker makes players vulnerable to temptation, especially when large sums of money are at stake.
Thierry Henry’s Handball (Football, 2009)
The scandal: Henry handled the ball in a World Cup qualifier before setting up a goal for France against Ireland, leading to widespread outrage.
The psychology: Similar to Maradona’s “Hand of God,” this split-second decision to cheat reflects how instinctive cheating can occur in high-stress moments.
David Jakins’ “Conker-gate” (Conkers, 2024)
The scandal: At 82, Jakins won the World Conker Championships, only to be accused of using a metal conker. He denied the claims, saying he carried it for fun to trick children.
The psychology: Sometimes, cheating accusations can be more amusing than serious. Whether or not Jakins cheated, this “conker-fuffle” reminds us that even in the most innocent sports, egos can be bruised, and accusations can fly!
The Ego-Driven Athlete
Cheating in sports often stems from one thing: the fear of failure. Many athletes crave recognition as the best. When they fear losing, they may take shortcuts to protect their status. For some, the thrill of victory outweighs the risks of getting caught. Others engage in calculated, deliberate cheating.
But time and again, the long-term consequences overshadow the short-lived glory. The desire for admiration, fame, and fortune can push athletes into risky behavior. Whether it’s conkers, cycling, or chess, cheating can turn a proud victory into a lasting scandal.
Conclusion:
The psychology of cheating is as intriguing as the scandals it causes. From ego-driven athletes like Lance Armstrong to schemes like Deflategate, no sport is immune. The pressure to win is immense, but true champions don’t just win—they win with integrity.