Tuesdays with Kirstin

Over time, an unfortunate trend has developed in professional level sports. It seems we’ve lost touch of our dignity. And to the public it appears as though we have no grace or self-pride as a nation. Here in the US, we have some of the most talented, skilled, hardworking athletes. Pac Man Jones, had a promising future from high school, voted player of the year in football, as well as All American honors in basketball and track. But in 2007 he was arrested for assault and felony vandalism. In 2006, he was arrested for disorderly conduct, a.k.a. spitting on a woman and shouting profanity. A couple months later, he was arrested again for the same behavior with a different woman. Marijuana possession goes without saying. There was the famous Strip club incident with Nelly which he got arrested for. And he’s back playing in the NFL after a one year suspension. How can people hold the same respect for an athlete after they commit so many crimes? Younger generations, teenagers, look up to pro-athletes like Pac man as role-models. And when we hear about these athletes committing serious crimes or showing poor sportsmanship, our younger generations assume that that kind of behavior is acceptable. It gives a bad appearance to the team, the league and the sport. Not only that, but it makes the United States look immature and disrespectful.

New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress “accidentally” shot himself in the foot the other day. What kind of fabricated story is that? Why would he have a gun in the first place? And in a nightclub? There’s definitely more to the cause of this sudden injury.

Atlanta Falcon quarterback Michael Vick was arrested for state charges of dog fighting and animal cruelty. I don’t understand how someone could be that inhumane. Purchasing dogs to fight for your entertainment? I mean how ruthless can you be?

One month ago Paul Soliai of the Miami Dolphins was suspended for violating team rulers. Today, he was suspended again for the same violation. Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter was fined 7,500 for verbally abusing an opponent when a play was over. Gerard Warren of the Oakland Raiders was fined 5,000 for roughing the passenger against Denver. Athletes have lost their composer on the field. What does that say about our character?

In baseball, we see an overwhelming amount of steroid use. Look at Barry Bonds, breaking Hank Aaron’s home run record of 755. Pretty good but then you have to take into consideration the fact that he was loaded on steroids. Then there is Jose Canseco, another baseball player of the Rays who was put on a 12 month probation for steroids. And McGwire who used steroids as well. And as time goes on, this method of cheating is passed down to younger generations, the cycle becoming endless.

When will professional athletes regain their pride? How long will it take before they come to their senses? There is no excuse for their behavior and actions. They receive more money and benefits than majority of our population. They have special rights and VIP access to certain places or events. Everyone loves and respects them because they are constantly on television. Therefore, as role-models, pro-athletes and superstars, they should be more than willing to represent our country with nobility through their actions, on and off the field.