As a reader of Deadspin and other sports blogs for more than a year, I have learned athletes aren't perfect human beings. Athletes were always known, thanks to the media, as perfect human beings who couldn't do anything wrong.
When I hear that an athlete like Adam "Pacman" Jones is being arrested for "making it rain," or when Matt Leinart goes to parties and drinks like there is no tomorrow, or when Roger Clemens is outed as a steroid user, I have to admit I get happy. This is because I know now that athletes aren't angels sent from above, as cheesy as that sounds.
When I was younger, I idolized athletes because of their talent. I always thought of them as innocent people who are living the dream. Now that I know what athletes do year-round, I am okay with athletes having tarnished images.
In history, even Achilles had a flaw: his heels. Every human being has a flaw, whether it be cheating in the profession, drinking excessively, gambling or drug addiction, bad personality traits, etc. So it makes sense, then, that athletes have their flaws.
Michael Vick may be the fastest quarterback in the world, but he still got caught by the police for dog fighting. Kobe Bryant could sink as many shots as he wants, but he has a terrible and violent personality. Pete Rose may have the most hits in baseball history, but he bet on baseball. Even Michael Jordan, who changed how to market a sport, is a gambling addict. I could go on and on about athlete's flaws, but I think you get the point.
I still idolize athletes, for their dedication to their respective sports, and hope that my favorite players are true to the public, whether it be steroids, gambling or whatever the vice. I just want them to know I forgive them.
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3 months ago
At least you had the courage to admit your own flaw in taking happiness from the failures of others.
For my money (which is what professional sports are all about after all), I choose not to support athletes that engage in unethical or criminal behavior. Athletes that are just jerks and idiots can be forgiven, and can even be sympathetic or entertaining in their foibles, but I'll prefer the well-adjusted athlete most of the time. I'd rather spend my time watching the second or third best athlete with the character and integrity to match perform than watch a better athlete who doesn't measure up as a person. But that's just me.
from 3 months ago
Trust me, I have worse flaws than the happiness from failures of others. I respect your opinion though.
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