Dr. Evil arrives in Football

Dublin · 25th April 2008, 10:24

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/apr/25/3

MikeUpNorth · 25th April 2008, 12:37

As the cost and difficulty of genetic profiling continues to fall, I would be surprised if employers didn't start to try to use one as part of the medical. Sporting teams seem likely to be the first ones to make use of this.

To me it could have some major ethical problems. Hiring someone because they possess a gene that makes them statistically more likely to be a good sprinter or a 'hard-worker' for example, may be in danger of falling into overly simplistic genetic determinism. However, it depends on how it is used I guess. It may be no different to a basketball team hiring a person simply because they are tall.

If the insurance companies manage to get their hands on everyone's genetic fingerprint though, we're all in trouble.

DoctorEvil · 25th April 2008, 12:41

Hey, I had nothing to do with it!

Dublin · 25th April 2008, 12:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorEvil

Hey, I had nothing to do with it!

You should sue!

The Hairdryer · 25th April 2008, 13:18

Don't really see how this is "evil". Good luck to the idiot who drops the next genius like Paul Scholes cause he doesn't have the a3cn gene or whatever.

RedKaos · 25th April 2008, 19:33

Quote:

An unnamed football club have approached a leading sports scientist in an effort to apply genetic research to their players. It is the first known instance of football exploring genetics in order to gain sporting advantage.

According to Aberdeen University's Dr Henning Wackerhage, the club were seeking to gain "an edge" by attempting to discern through a genetic test their players' suitability for sprinting.

kuanteen · 26th April 2008, 01:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeUpNorth

As the cost and difficulty of genetic profiling continues to fall, I would be surprised if employers didn't start to try to use one as part of the medical. Sporting teams seem likely to be the first ones to make use of this.

To me it could have some major ethical problems. Hiring someone because they possess a gene that makes them statistically more likely to be a good sprinter or a 'hard-worker' for example, may be in danger of falling into overly simplistic genetic determinism. However, it depends on how it is used I guess. It may be no different to a basketball team hiring a person simply because they are tall.

If the insurance companies manage to get their hands on everyone's genetic fingerprint though, we're all in trouble.

Exactly. I think it would be foolish, in a practical aspect, to determine these things based on genetics only anyways. After all, there is the environmental factor... So these companies would be attempting to make very complicated judgments based on simple, single gene factors? Its ridiculous to think that to be a good footballer involves only sprinting... That club must have a very poor scouting network.

25th April 2008, 10:24	#1 (permalink)
Dublin ....wise choice for a Username or not? Discuss. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: I'm going to Old Trafford next year! Posts: 686	Dr. Evil arrives in Football http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/apr/25/3

25th April 2008, 12:37	#2 (permalink)
MikeUpNorth Wobbles like a massive pair of tits Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,760	As the cost and difficulty of genetic profiling continues to fall, I would be surprised if employers didn't start to try to use one as part of the medical. Sporting teams seem likely to be the first ones to make use of this. To me it could have some major ethical problems. Hiring someone because they possess a gene that makes them statistically more likely to be a good sprinter or a 'hard-worker' for example, may be in danger of falling into overly simplistic genetic determinism. However, it depends on how it is used I guess. It may be no different to a basketball team hiring a person simply because they are tall. If the insurance companies manage to get their hands on everyone's genetic fingerprint though, we're all in trouble.

25th April 2008, 12:41	#3 (permalink)
DoctorEvil Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: "ut biberent, quando esse nollent " (if they will not eat, then they will drink) -- Publius Claudius Pulcher Posts: 828	Hey, I had nothing to do with it!

25th April 2008, 13:18	#5 (permalink)
The Hairdryer Crikey that stung Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Hello Posts: 10,738	Don't really see how this is "evil". Good luck to the idiot who drops the next genius like Paul Scholes cause he doesn't have the a3cn gene or whatever.