Throughout the years the image of professional athletes has changed drastically. They have gone from role models and someone's hero to being a "celebrity sports star." As my dad describes, "Back when I was a little boy athletes were beyond reproach, we didn't know them like fans know them today." My dad describes athletes such as, Jerry West, Bill Bradley, Willie Mays and Walter Peyton as ambassadors to the game. They were role models for little boys and the fans loved them; at the same time, did the fans really know these guys? Now a days, fans know exactly where Paul Pierce and Dwight Howard are via their twitter posts. Minutes after Michael Beasley's gets his new tattoo he post a picture of it to his twitter account for all of the world to see. Some people argue that fans know too much about professional athletes. In my opinion there are some advantages and disadvantages to getting an inside look at who these athletes are. One one hand, sporting fans can now see that athletes are human and have just as many problems, if not more, than they do. Instead of turning on Sportscenter to watch highlights of their game, some athletes find themselves on TV discussing their recent run- in with the law. Plaxico Burress, Donte Stallworth and most notably, Michael Vick all find themselves in this position. Athletes today make last generations' athletes look like saints. In reality, the media today is everywhere and watches these athletes' every move. For example, TMZ now follows Manny Ramirez to his favorite restaurants in LA. As I said before it can be a good thing that fans now know who their favorite players really are, but like anything, there is a downside.
With the accessibility of the media today, you now have people who feel free to express their opinions about whoever they like. Instead of pursuing a traditional journalistic route, many are choosing to simply blog and have the freedom to say what they like without their editor yelling, "You can't say that!" With so many bloggers expressing their opinions, and at times tearing apart athletes and their performances, damage can be done. In pointing out athletes' fault the fans realize they are not gods that people so often put on a pedestal. They are in fact human and being human they are not perfect and they are going to make mistakes. Aside from their lives off the field, all athletes struggle in their sport. They are going to have bad days, weeks, or a year. Dontrelle Willis is a perfect example of how harsh comments damage an athlete. This summer, the Florida Marlins put Willis on the DL for an "anxiety disorder." Not too long ago Willis was one of the most exciting, young pitchers in baseball, but after he signed a big contract with the Marlins and then failed to perform media outlets and the fans jumped all over him. Commentators and writers began to express their doubt in the young pitcher and the fans flooded message boards with negative comments. Psychologically Willis is struggling to stay confident and he has stepped away from baseball at the moment.
Sports and the Media have a very unique relationship, one that provides access to your favorite athletes and these athletes can let the world know what they're all about. However, some athletes grow to despise the media and the way in which it forms its own opinions about athletes and puts them out there for the world to see. I will be discussing this issue weekly and would love to know what you think!
