I also think that tanking is a huge black eye on professional sports. It compromises the integrity of the game. Teams should be severely punished for tanking. Additionally, think of the athletes themselves. You work your entire life to reach the pinnacle of your chosen profession. You have to be incredibly competitive and you know your time is short in the league. Yet, some brainiacs in suits choose to intentionally lose games. Changes are made and all of a sudden you are out of a job. I have zero respect for anyone who believes that intentionally losing games to improve their draft position is a sound strategy. It's a huge tarnish on the game, much like Shoeless Joe Jackson and the Black Sox.
Could not disagree more. You do whatever you have to do within the rules of the game to get better. In the case of the NFL, you cannot win without a QB. You do whatever you have to do to get one. In the case of the NBA, you cannot win without a top 5 player. You do whatever you have to do to get one. There aren't any rules being broken here. If people don't like it, change the rules.
As for the players themselves, they are responsible for their own play. You can still work hard, play great, improve, and prove your worth on losing teams. That's how you guarantee longevity. If you're good, your career will continue.
