Tanking in sports is a controversial topic. While some fans of the Vancouver Canucks may want their team to tank in order to secure promising young player Connor Bedard, I have a different perspective. In my view, tanking should be abolished in all sports, not just in the NHL, and measures should be taken to prevent it, whether through rule changes or punishments.

First and foremost, tanking goes against the fundamental principle of fair competition. Sports are built on the idea that teams compete with utmost effort, and when a team purposefully loses, it creates an unfair playing field. Tanking undermines the integrity of the sport, as it disregards the hard work and dedication that athletes put into their craft. Imagine investing your time and effort into honing your skills, only to be told to deliberately perform poorly.

Tanking also disappoints the fans, who invest their time, emotions, and even money in supporting their favorite teams. When a team intentionally performs poorly, it betrays the trust and loyalty of its fans. It leads to a lack of excitement, engagement, and overall diminishes the experience for those who are passionately following the sport.

Furthermore, tanking can significantly damage team morale and dynamic. When a team adopts a tanking strategy, players and coaches may become demoralized, lose motivation, and develop a culture of losing. This not only hampers their immediate performance but also hinders long-term success. It prevents teams from fostering a winning mentality, which is crucial for sustained excellence.

The negative effects of tanking also extend to player development, particularly for young players. Not being part of a competitive and winning team can hinder their growth and limit their potential. Additionally, being involved in a losing culture can instill a mentality of defeat, which can be detrimental to their long-term progress.

Tanking can also damage the reputation of the league itself. It invites public scrutiny, raises questions about the legitimacy of the sport, and erodes public trust. Such repercussions can have long-lasting effects on the league’s popularity, revenue, and overall standing in the sporting world.

While some argue that tanking can be seen as a strategic move to rebuild or restructure a team, it is generally perceived as a negative practice due to its impact on fair competition, fan satisfaction, team dynamics, player development, and the overall reputation of the sport. I firmly believe that sports leagues should take all necessary measures to prevent tanking in the future, ensuring that fair competition and the integrity of the game are upheld.