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Oct. 28, 2005 An NBA game is cut short when two of the players get into an on-court altercation, which later involves fans. Subsequently, fines and suspensions are ordered and legal action is taken against all parties involved. In another incident, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver scored a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens, a team he snubbed earlier that year, and then mocked the pre-game dance routine of Raven’s linebacker Ray Lewis. At a Major League Baseball game a father and son who had one too many beers run onto the field and attack a septuagenarian first base coach. Sportsmanship, once considered the golden rule of athletics has been lost on a whole generation of trash-talking, egocentric knuckleheads who put style and “pub” over the integrity of their respective sports. From end-zone celebrations, to collegians copping Heisman poses after scoring touchdowns, to players who stand at the plate and admire their homeruns—sportsmanship is becoming much like helping little old ladies across the street: A gentlemanly act that is becoming rare. Sportsmanship should be learned at an early age and include learning the rules of fair play, respecting the decisions of referees and umpires and treating opponents with respect. This should not only pertain to the players, but coaches, fans and even and cheerleaders. But too often boozed up parents set a negative example and this is reinforced by star athletes whose behavior is equally outrageous. Psychologist Steve Sanders writes, “Kids learn the basics of sportsmanship from the adults in their lives, especially their parents and their coaches. Kids who see adults behaving in a sportsmanlike way gradually come to understand that the real winners in sports are those who know how to persevere and to behave with dignity-whether they win or lose a game.” Dr. Nicole LaVoi, a sports researcher believes, "As we put these pro-athletes on pedestals, they really begin to separate themselves from the rules of society in general. They start to actually believe they're above the law...” They believe their aberrant behavior will be tolerated and comes without consequences—and usually, they’re right. These athletes antics make local sports highlights and are showcased on ESPN under the guise of “analysis.” Recently the focus has been on the spate of end zone “celebrations” in the NFL. Despite the NFL enacting a “taunting” rule, these dances and other forms of inanity are out of control. In earlier times, NFL touchdown celebrations for the most part, was a simple spiking of the football. There were a few outlandish acts—including Billy “White Shoes” Johnson’s crazy legs routine and Icky Woods’ “Shuffle.” But these moments were few and far between and were not seen as attempts to show up their opponents. But players like Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson and Joe Horn have taken these celebrations to a level of absurdity. There are even team celebrations, which says in essence, “To hell with sportsmanship; we’ll take the fifteen-yard penalty.” Sports Page 43 columnist Shawn Peters believes “When a wide receiver whose initials are "TO" scores a “TD" and signs the ball with a Sharpie, it may not be in good taste, but it does increase his visibility, making him more marketable...These men have millions of dollars on the line and every time Sportscenter replays their exploits, that value goes up.” I say it has nothing to do with marketability, but one’s disdain for the ethics of the game. It is no longer enough to be successful, or win; but one must humiliate the opponent in the process. In the National Basketball Association trash-talking is an epidemic. Writer Jessica Kirschner relates the following tale: “In November 2003, New Jersey Nets Forward Kenyon Martin reportedly taunted teammate Alonzo Mourning by whining, ‘My kidney, my kidney!’ during practice. Mourning, suffering a rare kidney disorder, was later placed on the injured list to await a transplant and Martin apologized for taking typical NBA trash-talk over the line.” Even two gentlemen of the game—Larry Bird and Julius Erving—came to blows when Bird, having a great shooting night reportedly told Erving something to the effect of, “Don’t play me to close, or I’ll score sixty on your ass.” Newspapers across the country published the photo of a scowling Erving with his hand around Bird’s throat. Dr. LaVoi says, "The media definitely pays more attention to the digressions of pro athletes, which is unfortunate because the opposite rarely occurs." According to Kirschner, NBA fines for inappropriate behavior peaked during the 2000-2001 season, totaling over $4 million. The NBA is in fact, trying to clean up its image, beginning with the enactment of a dress code. Even hockey, a sport known for hooliganism and having “enforcers” (players with lesser physical skills, but who are tough and are good fighters), has had its share of outlandish incidents. Two seasons ago Vancouver Canucks player Todd Bertuzzi slammed Colorado forward Steve Moore face-down into the ice, breaking his neck and ending his career. NHL executive Bernadette Mansur, says that penalties are down and that fights occur “one in every three games.” Still, it isn’t the frequency of the fighting, but rather the glorification of the images, which teaches children that they don’t have to play by the rules and that anything is acceptable as long as you “win.” Riots at children’s sporting events, accusations of steroid abuse, fans brawling with players and post-championship hooliganism are becoming accepted behaviors, a la “the boys will be boys.” Players like Rafael Palmeiro and Jose “Hit Me Baby One More Time” Canseco make cheating seem like nothing more than a rite of passage. ------------ About the author: Timothy Stelly is the 46-year old author of "Tempest In The Stone" and "The Malice of Cain". His third novel, "Darker Than Blue" is under consideration for publication. Mr. Stelly currently resides in Pittsburg, California with his three youngest children Dante, Kimberly and Lawrence. Excerpts from The first two books and the first two chapters of his upcoming anthology, "Frankenigga--And Other Urban Tales" can be viewed at: stellbread0.tripod.com Email: stellbread@yahoo.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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