In the aftermath of Marion Jones’ admission of steroid usage, one of her relay mates says that she should be allowed to keep the bronze medal that the team won in 2000. Passion Richardson says that “I should not have to suffer the consequences for someone else’s bad decisions and choices.” And maybe that’s so – but should she be allowed to profit from them? When you participate in a team event, you’re getting the benefit of your teammates’ skill, but you’re also taking on some responsibility for their actions as well.
It’s a dicey issue, and there are plenty of parallels to contemporary society – I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that I am drawing some benefits from the unjust actions of others, but then what responsibility do I have to correct those injustices?