I played football in high school and it continues to be part of my life today. I'm a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan (stop grumbling, Steven). I'm saddened by what we're witnessing in professional sports today.
Where are our role models? I proudly sported my #12 Roger Staubach jersey in middle school back in the middle 70's. I still show off my baseball cards, many of which I began collecting at age 6. The big names in sports we worshiped as kids were Staubach, Bradshaw, Montana, and later on, Michael Jordan. Now, these guys weren't perfect. In fact, with the exception of Staubach, the aforementioned suffered through failed marriages and infidelity scandals. But what Vick did defies explanation.
We are talking about a guy that generates tons of money in merchandising for the NFL and Nike, as well as being a role model to thousands of kids in the U.S. In light of his plea agreement and subsequent impending sentencing next Monday, I'm wondering how kids will view this.
I see students at my middle school wearing the familiar red and black Falcons jersey with the big number 7 right under the name Vick. My first thought when the true story of Michael Vick's deeds emerged was of these impressionable kids. What must they be thinking and how will it affect the way they view athletes and adults, in general?
Back in my first year teaching there was another art teacher in the district that was fired for having pornography on his computer. As the news got out and shockwaves rippled throughout the district, one of my sixth graders asked me, "You ain't go no porn on your computer, do you?" I wanted to find that guy and wring his neck for the darkness he cast on me and my colleagues.
When I look at Michael Vick all I see is a waste of God-given talent. He had it all and he blew it. The only person that knows what will come of this is Vick, himself. Even though he faces prison time, a huge fine, and public scorn, he can turn this thing around and right the ship that is his life. He has that choice and I hope he makes it.
The Bible says we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We all deserve a do-over. I've done a lot of things in my life I'm none too proud of. And I got a second chance. But I decided I had to do my part and make the changes necessary to heal from those mistakes. Michael Vick must do the same. The ball is in his court.
When I asked where are our role models, well, we have them. The media would rather focus on the bad stuff in athletics, or politics, or schools and not talk about the good men and women out there that positively impact America's youth. There are guys like the Braves' John Smoltz, or Emmitt Smith, or females such as Sheryl Swoopes, and the thousands of great teachers, coaches, ministers, and neighbors that give kids a reason to dream.
I pray that our kids will follow celebrities for the right reasons, for the positive things they do that often times go unnoticed by society. I also pray society doesn't come down too hard on those that have fallen from the pedestals we love to hoist them on. Remember, "Let him without sin, cast the first stone."
That's my confession...what's yours?
God bless you and ever forward!!!
--TFR
2 comments:
I disagree somewhat here. The media pays attention to the good role models. They do put out stories about the great things that Nomar Garciapara has done around Boston, and the things that football players do with the United Way. There are often stories of the players that spend tens of thousands of their own money in setting up youth centers or building up the poor neighborhoods that they came from.
It's just that that kind of thing is a story that's only told once for each person. They are great for the world, but they aren't going to affect a player's career. Someone doesn't get a pay raise or a contract extension because they are a humanitarian.
A scandal affects a lot more. It not only affects the person, it affects the team, the town, and family. That's why it generates so much conversation. In this case the outcome is not just whether or not Vick plays this year. But there are millions of dollars involved. Probably close to 30 million between his contract with the Falcons and his advertising contracts.
I understand what you're saying and totally respect your opinion.
You are right about the ripple effect caused by scandal. It does affect everyone within the community.
Let's just hope this whole incident serves as a wake-up call. As a writer for Fox Sports put it, we've heard it all before. Back when Magic Johnson made his confession he was HIV positive and yet nothing has changed. The writer went on to say the Michael Vick incident needs to be a call to action by everyone and not a platform for racism.
Hopefully, something positive will come of this. And yes, we have lots of great role models out there, both high profile and unsung, that deserve our praise.
TFR
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