Athletes & Examples: A Look Into the Responsibility of Public Figures like Jameis Winston

Looking back at my childhood, most of my "heroes" or "role models" growing up were athletes. Like most (average heighted) white males in America, I (unrealistically) dreamed of one day stepping out on some sort of field or court with millions of people watching as I was awarded an MVP trophy and a National Championship. The closest I got was watching my team win a Spring football game from the bench because of a pesky injury that wouldn't go away.

The older I've gotten the more and more I've realized that most college and professional athletes aren't really the kind of men I would want my little boy (should I ever be lucky enough to have one) looking up to. You can blame this on me being a Gators fan, but recent behavior from FSU Quarterback, Jameis Winston, has got me back thinking on the topic of athletes and the roles they should or should not play as role models to young people.

In case you are unaware, Winston was suspended this week from the FSU baseball team for shoplifting from a local grocery store. He was not arrested for stealing the almost $33.00 worth of groceries, but was cited by law enforcement. His punishment is community service and an indefinite suspension from the baseball team. This article isn't about whether or not Winston should be allowed to play collegiate sports anymore, but about whether or not society needs to do something to keep our young people from looking up to men like Winston.

Charles Barkley is famously quoted as saying "I am not a role model... Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids." Another of my favorite Barkley gems is "I don't care what people think. People are stupid." As arrogant as these remarks from Barkley come across, they should encourage us to give the issue of athlete role models a second thought. It is not Barkley's job to raise our children. He got paid millions of dollars to play basketball, and although that may be something to admire, and work towards, I think we need to leave character development up to people who aren't big name athletes.

My challenge and conclusion on the matter is this. We can't sit by and let anyone set the example for the people we have influence over. Parents need to set the best example they can for their children. When parents aren't setting the best example for their kids to follow, other people in their direct line of contact need to step up and fill that void. I thank God for "famous people" like the Robertson (Duck Dynasty) family and Tim Tebow who are great role models, but I think that their influence and inspiration to the young people around us should pale in comparison to the impact that we make in the lives of young people around us. It will take work, it will take time, and it won't always be easy. But if we step up and lead the young people around us, maybe we can influence a generation of athletes who we don't have to worry about the example they set for those whom God has granted us influence over.

Race & Free Speech: A response to the Silver/Sterling Debate

If you've been on the internet lately you've undoubtedly seen at least one post in favor of, and one post opposed to the punishment handed down from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, to Clipper's owner Donald Sterling. In addition to a $2.5 Million fine, Sterling is banned for life from the NBA. Here are Silver's exact words:

“Effective immediately, I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organization or the NBA,” Silver said. “Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices. He may not be present at any Clippers facility. He may not participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team. He will also be barred from attending NBA Board of Governors meetings or participating in any other league activity... I will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force the sale of the team, I will do everything in my power to ensure that that happens. … I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners.”

The biggest argument I've seen against the punishment is that "This is America, and we have free speech." That is true, this is America, you can legally say whatever you want to say. I actually saw someone post, "This is America. We can hate who we want and like who we want. We can even publicly speak out against the people we hate." It is true. You can talk about how much you hate people until you are blue in the face and the American government can not do anything to you.

However, this situation is completely different. Mr. Sterling represents an organization. That organization has a reputation to uphold, as well as ideals that it feels the need to stand up for. The NBA is one of the most respected sports organizations when it comes to racial equality, and the treatment of minorities in the organization. As an organization the NBA has the freedom to only associate with people who hold to their same values. Free speech does not mean you cannot get fired or punished for expressing your beliefs by your employer. It means that you cannot be thrown in jail for expressing your beliefs.

As a pastor, there are things that I could say that would most assuredly get me fired from my job. Rightfully so. I'm glad that we live in an America that sees injustice and fights it. I hope that Mr. Sterling learns from his mistakes, and really does some soul searching through this process. The whole thing is a sad day for America, for the NBA, and for equality.

Introduction

I tend to have a lot of opinions. Most of my opinions are formed through life circumstances, my understanding of Scripture, and my American upbringing. My goal is to challenge myself, and my readers to look at issues in a way that may be different from that they are used to, and to examine Scripture, current events, and historical events in a way that enlightens us, and expands our current understandings.

Hope you enjoy!