Did the headline of this story shock you? You may find it unbelievable. However, it’s true. And your disbelief is understandable.
The media would have us all believe that athletes are nothing more than meatheads who go around killing dogs, sending pictures of their genitals to women, and splurging on prostitutes behind their pregnant wives’ backs (Wayne Rooney, I’m talking to you).
All of these things are true. But, there are athletes out there who do no such things. Why don’t we hear about these athletes? These are heroes and role models. These are the ones whose mundane, yet unselfish, and often philanthropic acts, should be praised, reported, and talked about at the water cooler. Yet, can you name five sports stars who’ve donated thousands of dollars to charity? I didn’t think so.
For example, did you hear about Eli Manning? OK, so the Giants lost in heart-breaking fashion to the Eagles and did not make the playoffs this year. Eli Manning is the quarterback, the leader, and the highest paid player on the team. Of course you expect him to act like a baby, throw a hissy fit, and curse out reporters. Let’s not forget the timeless tradition of getting drunk, crashing his car into a police vehicle and getting arrested. But that’s not what Eli did.
Manning reported for his press conference, as usual. He was calm, quiet, patient — even humble. There was only one problem. The press was nowhere to be found. Still, this wasn’t Eli’s problem; he had a job to do. Eli Manning waited until finally one person showed up. It was someone who looked like an amateur college student, toting a backpack and notepad. Eli then approached the podium and let the young man fire away.
Did you hear about this?
If you did, it’s possible that you ridiculed Eli’s humility like ESPN’s football analysts did. They actually insinuated Manning was above that and that he didn’t have to wait around to answer one person’s questions.
So now we want athletes to ignore their responsibilities? What is wrong with this world?
How about this one? Did you know that every year, LaDainian Tomlinson, running back for the New York Jets, personally passes out holiday meals outside of a Wal-Mart parking lot? Or that his Touching Lives Holiday Program gives away more than 2,100 books, toys and videos to children at local hospitals? Probably not. The controversy-loving media didn’t have time to share that story in between reporting on how much the Patriot’s players hate the Jets, or how Brett Favre is still undecided about his retirement.
We know one thing for certain; we can’t control the biased media. They’re going to report what gets them the most ratings. So, when Tiger Woods is getting ready to tee up again this year, get ready for coverage on his harem of extramarital floosies. And how the best golfer in the world is going to attempt to overcome all that “adversity.”
Just remember, you can control what you watch and what your kids watch. And you can decide which athlete they’re going to look up to. Will it be the one having parties and getting DUI’s after winning the Superbowl? Or will it be the one who lost the Superbowl but congratulated every player on the opposing team and held his head up high without destroying his character? It’s your choice.
