Athletes, Do As You Please

The rapid development and expansion of social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube has attracted several athletes from all ends of the sports spectrum. From basketball and football to mixed martial arts and cycling, athletes all over the world have started participating in the phenomena known as social media. Athletes are posting their feelings about their latest performance, updating fans about their personal lives, interacting with other athletes, and keeping others informed about themselves through these outlets of communication. This opportunity to easily communicate and express themselves through the internet has provided excellent publicity for professional athletes, but many critics seem to believe otherwise.

Some athletes have found a new way to put a stain on their promising careers. Even though what is posted on the internet is at the athlete’s personal discretion, many are continuing to make poor choices. Professional basketball player, Michael Beasley, recently posted a picture of his new tattoo. Also in this picture was a bag of marijuana, which would clearly suggest he is involved in the use of narcotics. Beasley was not forced to post this picture, but instead he still chose to attach this picture to his Twitter. Instantly, Beasley is frowned upon by the general public, and received harsh criticism from several critics. NBA players, J.R. Smith and Eddie Curry, fed a live streaming video of them being pulled over by the police. After being cited for their violation, the players laugh and joke about the incident and make it seem as if they are above the law. The players were fully aware of the situation, and also understood the consequences of displaying this video on the internet, but they still chose to allow the world to watch.

These incidents give athletes an overall poor reputation, and society has labeled professional athletes as a stereotype. In today’s society, an athlete is considered an over paid, egotistical person who is bound to slip up and ruin his or her reputation. Society thinks so little of athletes and expects the least from them. When that athlete does make that expected mistake, the public strangely seems shocked and appalled by the athlete’s actions. Society has the lowest expectations for athletes, but when the athlete is at his or her worst, the public eye suddenly expects more from that athlete and is disappointed. Doesn’t this seem a little contradictory?

As a fan of sports in general, I can say that I could care less about what an athlete is doing in his or her spare time. The only time I am interested in an athlete is when that athlete is on my television screen, doing what he or she does best. As long as athletes continue to show up on game day and perform, then I will continue to be a sports fan for the rest of my life. Athletes are paid millions of dollars to play sports; they are not paid to develop a strong social connection with the media or public, be strong role model figures, or to live a clean, personal life to satisfy the public. Sports fans have forgotten why it is they even pay any attention to an athlete.

Athletes are constantly under the spotlight, and it would be in their best interest to keep a clean image. There is virtually no incentive for portraying a negative image, but athletes should have the freedom to get away with such acts of mischief. The sports nation expects too much from athletes, and should be less critical about how an athlete conducts his or her personal life. Athletes should be appreciated for the excitement they bring to watching the ESPN channel, and not hated for their latest tweet on Twitter. I have one message for athletes all over the world, who are worried about keeping everyone happy. Athletes, do as you please.