Tony Parker, Brett Favre Sexting Scandals: What Has Gotten Into Athletes?

With allegations against San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker for sexting the wife of an ex-teammate, Erin Barry, along with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre and his sexting accusations with Jenn Sterger, athletes have been spending a great deal of time on the negative end of the news. 

What has gotten into athletes where they are making such poor decisions removed from their sport? Rarely does a day pass where the sports news doesn't mention some kind of drama taking place—now more than ever—especially in terms of the "sexting" craze.

By now, society understands that athletes aren't just about their sport. They have an image that carries away from the field, court or arena. Lately, it seems like athletes are forgetting about this second life they're required to live.

They are acting in ways unbecoming for someone in the spotlight and that ultimately has negative effects on not only themselves, but society as a whole.

Players can quickly lose endorsement deals when any negative press is exposed (sometimes literally) to the public. Companies want to maintain a positive image in the world and will not be represented by someone who can hurt that.

But this also has an effect on the young athletes looking up to these players as heroes.

It's a tough time to be growing up. Sin is just a mouse-click away, and recently, a text away. Sexting has grown in staggering numbers in recent years and for the youth of America to see their favorite players engaging in such behavior doesn't help the "Stop Sexting Now" cause.

I understand many athletes don't ask for the press, but it comes with the territory, and players who can't handle both worlds should question their desire to enter it.

It's no longer an excuse.

These athletes have become examples for aspiring athletes.

Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game. A look into his life illustrates difficult times within his health and family, all overcome by an admirable perseverance.

All of this is now tainted by his recent adventures with Sterger. Photographs sent for a quick thrill have now tarnished his name as he comes closer and closer to an imminent and hopefully permanent retirement.

Was it really worth it for Favre?

Now looking at Parker's marriage problems with famous TV star Eva Longoria, he was recently accused of sexting with the wife of an ex-teammate. Articles claim that before the sexting surfaced, Longoria's and Parker's marriage already ventured beyond the point of no redemption .

It still doesn't take away from the despicable behavior.

Athletes are called to be better than this, especially while under the scrutiny of a very fragile youth constantly under the pressures of society and modern technology.

We are certainly not asking for them to rectify these pressures, but they can make it easier by refraining from any behavior that condones it.

After all, is it all worth the risk?

Laura Falcon is a Featured Columnist for the Pittsburgh Penguins and a college writing intern for Bleacher Report.   Follow her on Twitter or email her at [e-mail] with any comments.