I lack respect for the majority of professional sports programs and their athletes. Just flip to your favorite sports network and watch as reports of unsportsmanlike conduct consume the news. Yet one refreshing story recently renewed my respect for a particular professional football team.
Thank you, Coach Andy Reid, for having the integrity to suspend Terrell Owens for the remainder of the Philadelphia Eagles’ season. Owens embodies everything I dislike about professional athletes: arrogant, money-hungry players with a lack of respect for their teammates and a bad attitude.
The Eagles’ top wide receiver was benched last week after “he criticized the club, fought with a former teammate and took another verbal shot at quarterback Donovan McNabb,” according to CBS News. Reid emphasized the suspension resulted from a long string of problems Owens had caused on the team.
I want to commend the Philadelphia Eagles for showing America that their organization won’t stand for such behavior. The club’s response spoke volumes to fans and young admirers. How refreshing to see such virtuous actions. Many sports fans join me in applauding the Eagles, but not everyone.
Jesse Jackson believes the punishment was “much too severe.” He thinks the suspension will hurt Owens at the height of his career -Ã and I agree. But should that be an excuse to let him continue acting out without consequences? What kind of precedent would be set by simply excusing his actions without punishment?
Our schools are filled with talented student athletes. Sadly enough, their sporting events often contain unsportsmanlike conduct and bad attitudes from players. These negative characteristics are seen in secondary and college sports and I think these players might have picked up on this behavior from their idols.
Too often professionals feel they are above the rules and this leads to immoral actions. Not only are professional athletes exhibiting bad attitudes, but use of illegal drugs, steroids and prostitution. The title of “professional” does not permit such scandalous behavior. We would all be appalled if our professors, doctors or lawyers carried on in such a manor. Yet they are professional in their occupations.
I know not all professional athletes act this way. I’m sure you can point out many examples of athletes with upstanding character who play because they love the game instead of the money. I thank those players for proving me wrong. I wish more would join them.
Sarah Leverett is a junior marketing and corporate communications & public affairs major. She may be reached at [email protected].
