Today's Athlete???

What is wrong with the athlete today? For some reason they think of themselves as unstoppable as Superman. They run around town visiting bars and clubs on game nights, carrying guns and drugs, and think that nothing will happen to them because they are rockstars. Well guess what, YOU ARE NOT A ROCKSTAR! You are an athlete. Someone who kids look up to. A person that has more opportunity to do some good in the world than a damn president could, and what do you do, abuse it. I'm so sick and tired of it.

With the sentencing of O.J. Simpson today I am reminded of what are sporting world has become, a joke. A punchline on late night TV, distraction for their teammates, and much more than this writer has the time to explain. I would like to ask Plaxico why? Why must I see you on TV months after a Superbowl win, not in game uniform catching touchdowns, but in a suit outside of a courtroom. Why are you going to clubs with a gun. How dumb are you? Dumb enough to shoot yourself in the leg and receive the infamous nickname "Cheddar Bob"(a reference to the movie 8Mile). You are probably going to be banned from New York, and that probably won't be enough.

And what about Miami's McClinton? Here you have a up and coming star in college basketball leading a ranked Miami team into the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on national TV, with 19 pro scouts at the game watching you and what do you do? Hit four 3-pointers in a row during the first 8 minutes of the game and then take a swipe at an opposing player. Your ejection of that game could not be more dis-heartening and yet pleasurable at the same time. What a waste of great talent. And that is what it is, great talent wasted. Thousands of people can only wish to be in your shoes for a mere moment and you slap us all in the face with your actions. He will still go on to a pro career and make millions while I for one sit at home watching and wishing.

Athletes today are as careless as a crack head in a grocery store, and believe me, not much separates them besides talent and opportunity. They need to realize this. People look up to you, respect your gift, and watch you daily. Quit F-ing it up!

I would like to give kudos to all athletes that give us hope, give us reasons to continue to watch sports, and give us reasons to love sports because that is what I do. I love sports and watching it all the time. Names like Tebow, Manning, and Wade come to mind. These athletes plus much more are the reason I watch. Why? Because they care. Because they play the game like no one else, and actually take pride in what they do on AND off the court/field.

Thank you to the athlete today that cares, because in times like these, we need your heroics more than ever.