Collegiate and professional athletes have more than enough on their plates. They juggle practice, workouts, families, school, friends and most importantly, games. Athletes stand in the spotlight on and off the field. How they handle themselves determines if the spotlight will make or break them.
Recently, Johnny “Football” Manziel and Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez have made headlines for their behavior off the field that have interfered with their performance on the field. The media have scrutinized these players for their mistakes dealing with drugs and rule breaking.
Manziel, Texas A&M sophomore quarterback, had been under the watchful eye of fans and media after winning the Heisman trophy his freshman year. After acting out repeatedly this summer, Manziel has been suspended for the first half of the Aggies’ season opener.
I believe Manziel decided to make poor decisions that led him into the wrong spotlight. The NCAA has a rule that states a player may not sign autographs for profit. There was no evidence found against Manziel, but the NCAA and Texas A&M agreed to a half game suspension.
Rodriguez has been suspended for the remainder of the Major League Baseball season as well as the 2014 season.
After years of being in the spotlight, Rodriguez was caught for something that will taint his entire career: performance enhancing drugs. These have been an issue in the sports world for decades. Rodriguez abused drugs that altered his play on the field and has damaged his image off the field.
I realize a person will make mistakes. It is upsetting to see players with platforms that could be used for good fall under the pressures surrounding them.
Tim Tebow knows how to influence others just by his actions. Say what you will about him, but he knows how to shine in his spotlight. That is what a true role model exemplifies, leading by example on and off the field.
Athletes are surrounded by intense situations that can lead to positive or negative reactions. If athletes like Manziel and Rodriguez can learn to lead by example, we can leave all of the media drama for bad calls from referees.
