Violence in sport is not only physical. The answer is probably yes. Some studies suggest that victims of abuse often become abusers. A related issue is the verbal abuse of athletes by coaches. Athletes who have committed violent and other crimes are often given a second, third, or fourth chance in sport essentially because of their skills.
Violent behaviors are also common among spectators in some sports.
This is most evident in soccer riots in some parts of the world. Violent behaviors also occasionally occur in association with some high school competitions and after victory in a major championship. Verbal abuse or taunting of athletes, especially those of visiting teams, by spectators is also not uncommon. And, occasionally a player responds physically to such verbal abuse. Reports of violent behaviors among adults at youth sport events, specifically by parents and coaches, are increasingly more common.