Parents: You Can Do Something About Professional Sports Ethics
Most of us can agree that there is a lack of ethics standards
within professional sports today. The fact that many of today's
sports heroes are ethical is a stroke of luck. The fact is -
many sports superstars are good people, but what about the "bad
apples" that shame their sport, teammates, communities, fans,
and team owners?
Many children look up to professional players as role models.
They copy the actions of their "super heroes," even down to drug
abuse, trash talking, steroid use, bad attitudes, and getting
away with crimes.
Some sports heroes don't like to sign autographs, disrespect the
fans, and do not feel it is part of their job to be a good role
model. They were born with "God given" talent and take
everything for granted. Even better, whatever they get is not
good enough. So, your child is looking in admiration at a
"spoiled child."
What's the average parent to do? You struggle with paying your
bills, and get to listen to a millionaire complain that he is
not making enough. Possibly, he is having trouble making his
child support payments that are a result of one of his many
casual relationships.
Do you want to have your child look up to somebody who says six,
ten, or forty-nine million dollars is not enough? Meanwhile, you
are figuring out if you have to work an extra job, or cutback on
your groceries, in order to pay this month's rent.
If you want to take control of society, it starts with a single
act. The act is for each of us to write the owners of local
sports teams, and local legislators, insisting on a player's
ethics agreement. This would require them to behave as a role
model on, and off, the field. Otherwise, they would be banned
from the sport. It might be nice to see a complaining
millionaire bagging groceries in your local supermarket. A
little humility could go a long way in life.
You might think, this is impossible - the team owners are
motivated by profit. Yes, they are, and profits come from your
pocket. Write them enough and they will take action. Look at all
the corporate sponsors for help. They pay millions in
advertising for these teams and don't want to risk a consumer
boycott.
Let's look back into recent history. The NFL owners came to an
agreement about salary caps for players. The owners came
together for financial survival. Team owners can also react when
there is a public outcry for action. For example: Instant
replay, steroid abuse investigations, and rules committees,
happened in response to public outcries.
The sports team owners can band together, when needed, and the
player's unions will respond to consumers, as well. In fact, the
player's unions will react to mass mail. So, take action while
you can. Our children are impressionable, and all we ask is that
sports teams have good role models on their rosters, for
children to look up to. The end result will be less crime and a
lot more respect.