Campus News

Rockford, Ill., — Assistant Professor of Philosophy Shawn Klein, Ph.D., has been asked to participate in a number of media appearances focusing on the nation’s latest sports obsession with under-inflated footballs. Dr. Klein teaches courses in sports ethics and philosophy at Rockford University. He also regularly posts about relevant sports topics for his blog, Sports Ethicist.com and has weighed in on several high-profile sports stories that raise questions about ethics in sports.

‌The recent controversy surrounding deflated footballs and allegations of cheating by the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots has captured the attention of media outlets and their audiences across the country. “Deflate-Gate, an unlikely controversy, has stirred national awareness about not just football PSI, but also the importance of rules and fairness in sport. The Patriots may ultimately be exonerated for any wrong doing, but this controversy has started wider discussions about the role of rules and how far is too far in striving for victory,” says Dr. Klein.Dr. Klein’s unique expertise in the area of sports ethics has led to several requests for comment regarding this most recent debate. Following is a list of recent engagements:

ESPN The Classroom, Marist College Center for Sports Communication. 1220 ESPN. January 24, 2015. Web (podcast)

Huffpost Live “The Latest on Deflate Gate” January 23, 2015. Web:

CNN Newsroom with Carol Costello. January 23, 2015. Transcript.

Maese, Rick. “Patriots, Bill Belichick walk, sometimes cross, line between competitiveness and cheating” Washington Post, January 22, 2015. Web:

Spewak, Danny. “Science Claims Deflategate Was No Accident!” WGRZ, Buffalo, NY. January 22, 2015.

Alesia, Mark. “Sports ethics experts analyze Belichick, ‘DeflateGate’” Indianapolis Star, January 22, 2105. Print A1; A6. Web:

“Sports Ethicist Sees Honest Lesson in Deflategate” A Discussion between Dan Lothian of Heart Beings and Shawn Klein of The Sports Ethicist.