Whistle-Blowing in the NFL

As per recent classroom discussion relating to the matter of "whistle-blowers" in business and in our society, I've taken a moment to discuss this matter, in how it's applicable, not only in the business world, but in professional sports as well.
 Jeremy Shockey was the whistle-blower in the NFL’s investigation into the New Orleans Saints pay-for-performance system that resulted in a slew of sanctions Wednesday, according to former NFL defensive lineman Warren Sapp.Shockey, a tight end, played for the Saints from 2008 to '10. In announcing its punishments, the NFL said the Saints, under former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, had an active bounty program from 2009 to '11. The determination led to a one-year suspension of Saints head coach Sean Payton, a suspension of indefinite length against Williams, who was recently hired by the St. Louis rams, and other suspensions and loss of draft picks.

 The 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act specifically addresses whistle-blower retaliation:
“No person shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this act or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding or because of the exercise by such employee on behalf of himself or others of any right afforded by this act." Through an ethical rubric, those who "whistle-blow" against their employers must consider any alligances toward them, as well as the potential consequences of being "outed" within any industry. The resulting action taken by Mr. Sapp in this instance, while not condoned by the league, will unquestionably result in limited employment opportunities for Mr. Shockey moving forward in his career. This instance occurs in all industries, and typically results in an employee being obstratrized within their field. The final outcome to result from this case is still unclear, but we can still take a moment to ask, the "what if's." What is Mr. Shockey hadn't reported the crimes? what if he'd simply turned away? would it still be business as usual? What is anyones ethical obligation to others? do the needs of the people, ie: the "greater good" outweigh those of the individual? All questions that can be asked from this example, and should be asked, by those considering if the consequences of their actions, are really worth the benifits.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Warren-Sapp-Jeremy-Shockey-Bountygate-New-Orleans-Saints-snitch-032112