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November 2003
Criminal athletes prove poor role models
By Peach Indravuoh
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Well folks it’s happened again—another professional athlete, another crime. This time don’t expect a Portland “Jail” Blazer, rather five-time NBA all-star Kobe Bryant.
On July 1, a nineteen year-old employee at a hotel in Vail, Colorado accused the Lake of sexual assault, where he was saying after receiving knee surgery. He failed to inform his team of the upcoming procedure or his wife about the imminent adulterous act.
Three days later, he turned himself in, with his wide and $25,000 by his side for “emotional” support.
This ongoing series of athletes disregarding the law has gone too far. Talent and money should not allow an athlete to compromise their way out of mistakes, but unfortunately, that’s the way the world spins.
The constant reports of pro-athletes abusing drugs, abusing their girlfriends or wives and violating others is sickening.
Because of their fame and talent, coaches and the president of their respective organization overlook these behaviors so the accused are given not only second chances, but third and on.
This unearned benefit heightens the ego of athletes, continuing to bolster their condensation towards others and the law. LeBron James’ narcissism likely intensified due to his rise of fame, so wouldn’t veteran athletes be like that too?
One questions whether an owner would rather have a team comprised of law-abiding athletes, while maintaining a losing record or show off a line-up of talented, yet arrogant and, in some cases, criminal athletes?
Professional sports organizations should discourage such behavior by cuts of salary and longer suspensions, instead of giving players a superfluity of chances.
Let them deal with the consequences of their actions. Averaging 17 rebounds a game should not exempt them for the law or other authority.
The patterns of criminal athletes have become so ridiculous, a recently launched website dedicates itself to tallying and analyzing the “bad jocks,” their motto, “where Cops meet SportsCenter.”
Professional athletes are human, yet some choose to take advantage of their status as they think they are privileged with the right to eradicate consequences for their actions.
All too often do athletes seem to sleep through the life lessons that teach one to be humbled by their opportunities.
Convicted criminal athletes make up only less than one percent of all pros, according to the University of Indiana Resource Center. Yet that tiny amount includes famous athletes such as Chris Webber, who was charged with marijuana possession, Ray Lewis, accused of murder, and other household names.
One does not need to be rich, nor famous, to give charitably, nor talented to serve as an admirable role model. However, there are players who personify the decency that should be expressed in the world of sports, with the likes of Joe Montana and Cal Ripken.
If anyone asked of Kobe Bryant a year ago, he would be describes as an immaculate role model. His reputation has since degenerated, but he’s talented and rich, so he can buy it back.
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Andrea Haber