Each week sports reporters Matthew Lambert and Eric Schroeder will face off on a hot topic in sports. The world of sports is changing quickly and constantly, but we want to slow it down and take a better look at the juiciest gossip, scandal, rumor or issue that is making headlines this week. Lambert and Schroeder will take different sides and battle it out, telling you why you they are right.

This week’s topic:  Jackie Robinson West’s stripped title 

It is not too often that we see turmoil and scandal at the youth level, but the sports world had a bit of a shock this past week. The Chicago Little League team, Jackie Robinson West, was stripped of its U.S. title after it was discovered that they used players from outside of their boundary limits. It was of no fault of the players as management of the team has been removed for purposely fabricating the boundaries that were submitted to the league. But how should punishment for this act be handled? Is it fair to punish the kids on the team as well as management? Let’s talk about it…(Recap by Eric Schroeder)

FROM ERIC SCHROEDER

The issue remains whether or not these 12 and 13-year-olds should be punished or if this is a minor issue that should be ignored. The answer is that it should not be let go.

Are the players at fault? Not at all. But lessons should be taught. Cheating is never okay and at such a young age the lesson is important. If this were overlooked after it has come to light that they cheated, it would reinforce the idea that they can bend the rules in order to be better.

In addition, it is about upholding the integrity of the league. While it may not seem fair to punish the kids for the mistakes and errors of adults, exceptions cannot be made. If one exception is made then everyone will think that they can fudge the rules for their own gains. It sets a precedent that anyone could use an older player or two or go outside of their boundaries.

The moral of the story is that exceptions cannot be made, rules should be upheld and their title should remain stripped.

FROM MATTHEW LAMBERT

Here’s a scenario for you to consider. A teacher lies to their students about changing the test scores of the kids so they can score higher in the state. Would you punish the teacher or all who were involved, including the kids? This situation is what Jackie Robinson West is dealing with now after they were forced to vacate their wins and Little League title.

This team was a real feel-good story. They even received a parade in Chicago, honored during the World Series and met President Barack Obama. Now they will be known as an asterisk because of some overzealous, relive-the-glory-days adults. They forfeit their fame and notoriety because the people they trusted failed to submit to Little League rules.

I don’t think what is happening is necessarily wrong, but did they have to give up their wins? Do you really believe the team that finished second is really that excited to have a title they didn’t earn? Couldn’t they have just fired the people responsible and move on?

I also find it curious that Chris Janes, the vice president of the Evergreen Park Athletic Association, brought this issue to the Little League Association’s attention. This team was beaten 43-2 earlier in the season.

This should also send a message to our society. In a society that is often overly misanthropic in nature, maybe it’s time we let one thing go. Why can’t we go back to being optimistic and hopeful, like we did watching the Jackie Robinson West team?

No matter what, we try to find someone to point the finger at—that’s our culture. The adults knew what they were doing and that they were wrong. The kids didn’t know. If nothing else sticks from this piece, just think about this: they just wanted to play baseball. Is that so complicated?