A New Era in Sports...I Hope!

A new era of sports is merging upon us, and I am loving it.

Ron Artest, Marcus Vick, Latrell Spreewell, and Terrell Owens are all examples of what has been wrong with sports for many years. The spoiled, ME-first attitude of the athlete has been nourished and, at times, encouraged by fans, coaches, agents, and other people of impact. However, the limits of what a star can get away with are becoming more clear and the world will be better for it.

First, Ron Artest. Yeah, he is kind of like Dennis Rodman, who I support and would like to see back with the Bulls. However, I never saw Rodman punch a 16-year-old kid after getting hit with a plastic cup. In no way was Artest in danger. No one would be in danger from that cup. A security guard could have removed the out of line fan. Instead, Artest punches THE WRONG FAN, starting the ugliest fiasco in the history of American sports. In spite of all that, Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers stood by and supported Artest and welcomed him back with open arms in 2005-06. Then, Artest stabs them in the heart by openly asking for a trade. So, the Pacers did what was painful, but right, and deactivated Artest. They may pay a price financially as well as in victories, but I think the Indiana, and all NBA fans, should applaud the Pacers for their strength and backbone and moral code.

Second, a young man I cheered and booed at times this year. I love my Hokies, but now I, and all Hokie fans, have a big black eye thanks to this spoiled brat. Marcus Vick has had a tough act to follow being in his brother's shadow. However, there comes a time when Michael can no longer baby his little brother and Marcus must grow up. Marcus refused to grow up. He flipped-off WVU fans, elbowed a coach, choked when the season was on the line versus Miami, and then stomped on the leg of Elvis Dumerville in the Gator Bowl. All this caused me to doubt his character and leadership ability, things required to be a successful quarterback. His off-the-field exploits further diminish his attractiveness to fans and NFL scouts alike. And, after Virginia Tech, like Indiana with Artest, gave Marcus one more shot, he stabbed them in the heart by not growing up. So, they, too, had to cut their losses and replace a great talent. With this kind of baggage, the negatives become longer-term than the successes, so Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech did what was hard, but right, and cut him loose.

Now to Spree. Mr. "I-have-a-family-to-feed," turned down $21 million because he couldn't feed his family on that salary. What is he feeding them? Rare 50 lb. lobster and filet mingon everynight? There are millions of minimum wage burger flippers that find ways to feed their family on $150 a week. This guy turned down $150 per breath...so, the Minnesota Timberwolves let their problems and a major contributor to their success go and the rest of the league has stayed away. I applaud the NBA execs for not picking this guy up. He has serious issues and does not deserve the privilege to play in the NBA.

Last but not least, for this blog, is TO. TO got exactly what he deserves. I just feel bad for the town of Philadelphia and Donovan McNabb. McNabb has put up with all sorts of crap and still stands strong and leads. He plays through pain. He tried to maintain a civil lockerroom. However, TO would not allow that. He had to get his dollars. He had to get his, Eagles be damned. So, Andy Reid and the Eagles said, "Adios!" and TO was no mo. TO will play again, but his value is extremely diminished because of his selfish, team-disrupting attitude and behavior.

I applaud these teams and leagues for beginning to turn the tides. Keep turning the tides against these spoiled, selfish athletes. They are by far some of the most overpaid people on the planet, but I won't complain as long as they give 100% on the field to their team. And is it THAT hard to ask these athletes to ACT like they are civilized human beings? Part of the job of pro athlete is the fact you are a role model. It comes with the territory. Its an occupational hazard. If you don't want to be a role model, get a job in an office building somewhere.

So, in being a role model, could you please, as an athlete, set a decent example for the kids who love, adore, and emulate you?