Oh Adam why? Why did you have $80,000, in ones, at the Vegas strip club? Why do you look like you smoke an ounce a day? Why have you behaved in such an ignorant and embarrassing way? First it was Ron Mexico and now this!
I caught bits of Pacman Jones' interview with my favorite bama (Deion Sanders). Interesting stuff indeed! First off, why did Deion look like the Burgundy Bandit? *sigh* he hasn't a clue. But, seriously, the interview was actually very entertaining. I cannot say that I believe Pacman has learned anything but why would I? Why would anyone believe that? Why would anyone expect these athletes to be saints?
A little background for those who are oblivious to what I'm talking about…NFL/NBA ballers can't stay out of trouble! Most recently, two guys, with Atlanta ties, have received a lot of local (Atlanta) and national attention. The biggest story involves Pacman Jones, an Atlanta native and current NFL player for the Titans. He was allegedly involved in 10 criminal incidents over the past two years. He is now facing a stiff penalty with many calling for indefinite suspension. Then there is Michael Vick, the starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons. He has had a few brushes with the law himself! After his water-bottle incident, people were calling him a "thug" and saying he should be suspended
Our society has set them up on a pedestal and allows them to get by in too many ways. Given that our society overlooks things like school performance and violations, in favor of having the players play, how can we expect good behavior? This question is especially valid when we consider many players come from less than perfect circumstances (broken homes, crime-ridden neighborhoods, poor families, etc.).
If you take an immature teen/young man, who has never had money (and/or much stability), give him millions and treat him like he's above everyone else, how can we balk when they do stupid things like bring a trash bag full of $80k to a strip club or sneak marijuana on a plane?
I think the leagues have done a poor job in mentoring and getting players acclimated to this new lifestyle. I am reminded of how the NBA changed its rules and now requires players to wear suits to games. The commissioner was concerned the league was developing the wrong image (too much hip-hop/urban influence.) That may sound good to some. But, in my mind, he was barking up the wrong tree. What the players wear makes little difference when they are acting like hooligans.
It's time we stop treating players like they are above everyone else AND for the leagues to take more responsibility for these young men. Yes, it is ultimately up to the players to behave. But, a normal employer runs criminal background checks and consults references. If the NBA/NFL wants to hire troubled youth or those with limited exposure to civility or wealth, it becomes their responsibility to help these players….especially if they/we EXPECT them to behave!
I caught bits of Pacman Jones' interview with my favorite bama (Deion Sanders). Interesting stuff indeed! First off, why did Deion look like the Burgundy Bandit? *sigh* he hasn't a clue. But, seriously, the interview was actually very entertaining. I cannot say that I believe Pacman has learned anything but why would I? Why would anyone believe that? Why would anyone expect these athletes to be saints?
A little background for those who are oblivious to what I'm talking about…NFL/NBA ballers can't stay out of trouble! Most recently, two guys, with Atlanta ties, have received a lot of local (Atlanta) and national attention. The biggest story involves Pacman Jones, an Atlanta native and current NFL player for the Titans. He was allegedly involved in 10 criminal incidents over the past two years. He is now facing a stiff penalty with many calling for indefinite suspension. Then there is Michael Vick, the starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons. He has had a few brushes with the law himself! After his water-bottle incident, people were calling him a "thug" and saying he should be suspended
Our society has set them up on a pedestal and allows them to get by in too many ways. Given that our society overlooks things like school performance and violations, in favor of having the players play, how can we expect good behavior? This question is especially valid when we consider many players come from less than perfect circumstances (broken homes, crime-ridden neighborhoods, poor families, etc.).
If you take an immature teen/young man, who has never had money (and/or much stability), give him millions and treat him like he's above everyone else, how can we balk when they do stupid things like bring a trash bag full of $80k to a strip club or sneak marijuana on a plane?
I think the leagues have done a poor job in mentoring and getting players acclimated to this new lifestyle. I am reminded of how the NBA changed its rules and now requires players to wear suits to games. The commissioner was concerned the league was developing the wrong image (too much hip-hop/urban influence.) That may sound good to some. But, in my mind, he was barking up the wrong tree. What the players wear makes little difference when they are acting like hooligans.
It's time we stop treating players like they are above everyone else AND for the leagues to take more responsibility for these young men. Yes, it is ultimately up to the players to behave. But, a normal employer runs criminal background checks and consults references. If the NBA/NFL wants to hire troubled youth or those with limited exposure to civility or wealth, it becomes their responsibility to help these players….especially if they/we EXPECT them to behave!
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