Where felonies don’t matter
Did anyone watch the interview with Plaxico Burris? He says he will return to the NFL. What about Michael Vick…I feel the same way. Even Ray Carruth. The list of athletes who are convicted of crimes is huge…probably much larger than most people realize. Or, similarly, celebrities. But, I don’t think that it should go without discussion. Should Americans be dismayed at the ease of acceptance of these athletes who have been in serious trouble?
I still have serious concerns about the elevated status that athletes enjoy. Everywhere in the world, they are idolized beyond our world leaders and in some instances, even spiritual entities. But, the US has a wealth of athletes. Basketball, Football, Baseball, Hockey, Olympiads introduce several thousand athletes into our society. And, our society loves them. Therein lies a problem. We have elevated them to a status that makes them believe that they are superior to everyone else and even above the law in some instances. We give them millions of dollars as young adults, incapable of self control. When they get into trouble, society just “writes it off”. I won’t even dig too deeply into the incompetence of so many athletes.
So, what happens when you get into trouble at work? Do your peers just “write it off”? Do your customers just say “ah, he’s having a bad day”? Maybe you have been “doping” steroids to be a better postal carrier? Or worse, what happens if you go to prison? Will you be able to find work when you are released? Sure, your “debt to society” is fulfilled, but that is likely just the start of your problems. But, athletes don’t endure the same exemptions. But, shouldn’t they? Do you think that if you were pitted against Plaxico Burris for a non-athlete job that his felon status would keep him from beating you out of a job? Many of theme are not even held to the same academic standards as other students. Is the acceptance of these athletes back into an idolized role really their fault, or ours? I believe that they are people and they should be able to find a job. But, their job seeking should be on the same playing field as anyone else in a similar circumstance.
Now, I am going to get ready for the Olympics starting in less than a week. And, I wonder if the Swedish Curling Team is going to harry a handgun into a nightclub or if the US Figure Skating Team will get busted for hosting a cock fight.
Categories: Business
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February 11th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Actually(to continue where i left off on SH), the owners engineered the price hike. The athletes saw that the execs were making money hand over fist at the cost of their health, family, and futures and not being able to make a decent living after sports because of the toll it had taken on their bodies. So they began demanding more money and the owners sure as hell weren’t going to take a loss on their end so the passed the buck onto the fans. That’s why an authentic football/baseball/basketball/hockey jersey runs about $200. So in a way, i guess the fans are to blame. We are willing to pay these outrageous prices for tickets and memorabilia. But what is the alternative? Boycott the sports we love. I don’t think i can do it. Hell, i don’t think i could attempt to miss a single football season. I know that sounds pathetic but sports are a big part of my life…what can ya do?
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March 3rd, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Reference;
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/11/03/petscol110309.DTL#ixzz0h8bCB06K
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Vick-s-dream-team-and-his-likely-suitors?urn=nfl,225528&cp=7#comments
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