It seems nowadays that you cannot turn on the television without seeing or hearing about an athlete who has done something against the law. Whether it is dog fighting charges, domestic violence, steroid speculation, or gun possession, athletes can’t seem to stay out of trouble. The media and bloggers everywhere cannot wait to rip these athletes to shreds over what they do in their personal lives. But fear not athletes of the world, I am not here to vilify you! I came to the realization a long time ago that you are just like us, aside from the salaries of course.
The rapidly evolving news world has changed sports stars personal lives into public knowledge. Some people seem to know more about Michael Vick than they do about their own families. The fact that news can move at the speed of an email has made it tougher for athletes to live private lives.
The heroes of the past would probably not have been so heroic if they played sports in this generation. Nowadays, our grandfather’s and father’s heroes would be seen in an entirely different light. Guys like Mickey Mantle and Ty Cobb were national treasures during their times, yet we know now that Mantle was an alcoholic and that Cobb once killed a man. When it comes to the issue of steroids in Major League Baseball why exactly is congress getting involved with this mess? Aren't there more important issues for them to tackle?
Vick is a Philadelphia Eagle, get over it. What he did was without a doubt horrible and inexcusable, but like any other person who has served time in prison, he deserves a second chance. Vick needs to not only prove to us, but also himself that he is a changed man. Four years ago he was the golden boy, now he will forever be associated with pit bulls and not pig skin.
Now as far as never letting Vick play again, that is simply ridiculous. For example there are guys like Donte’ Stallworth, who was found guilty in a vehicular manslaughter incident in his off season and he isn’t going to prison for two years unlike Vick. These cases are overlooked as just an accident. This is not only unfair, but gives a mixed message to fans.
Athletes are people too and they make some bad decisions with their lives just like we do. We, as people and fans, should not be so quick to judge. Athletes of the past were considered heroes for what they did on the field of play and very few fans knew what they were like off field. My point is, times have changed and so should our perception of athletes.
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