It seems that recently, NFL players are catching themselves caught in some pretty harsh legal positions. Everywhere you turn you hear of another player being brought in to face the justice system. So, why is it that so many footballers find themselves on the wrong side of the law? Well, I think there is a lot of complex factors that can contribute to these unfortunate events.
First off, let’s look at the money. NFL players are highly paid. They make more money than most other sports stars and they often have more time and resources to invest in more powerful cars, homes and possessions. Having these kind of items becomes a major status symbol and that in turn can draw attention. But, I think it’s more than just the money. I think, in part, it’s the occasional lack of preparation and overall respect some of these players have for their accomplishments.
NFL players, no matter how amazing and talented they are, can still suffer from a mental block or a lapse in judgement. I think sometimes the stress and physical intensity of the game can combine to create powerful emotions. These emotions, combined with greed, power and substance abuse can create a concoction of volatile emotions, feelings and actions that sometimes result in poor judgement and arrests.
So, what’s the answer? How can players better protect themselves and their careers from getting caught up with the authorities? Well, first and foremost, as a player, you have to understand the position you are in and the obligations that come along with it. You have to be aware of the risks you take as a professional athlete. You also have to remember that when the fame, money, fame and power hit, it can be hard to come back to level ground.
I also think players need to realise how privileged they are to have such great opportunities and they need to respect that. They have to remain focused on the game and their responsibilities and take stock of how valuable their time and energy is. They should also maintain strong relationships with their support groups and be mindful of the people they associate themselves with. Being surrounded by people who are of good influence and character can go a long way to helping these players stay on the right side of law and in turn, helping them to reach their full potential in league.
Another important factor for players to keep in mind is that there are many resources out there that are available to them such as agents, player associations, and various sports psychologists. These resources exist to help provide players with guidance and help them make better choices. Whether it’s dealing with money, managing emotional problems, or simply seeking guidance in life; having somebody neutral to talk to can be of great benefit to NFL players.
Finally, I think it is important for players to stay away from any kind of illegal activities, substances and carousing. This is the kind of behavior that can easily get a player in trouble and even jeopardize their career in the NFL.
Now that we have touched on why do so many NFL players get arrested, let me elaborate on the topic more. It is no doubt that fame can be a powerful thing. It can bring out the best in some, while blinding those with not such a clear mindset. This aspect has been more evident since the social media era as well, as the network actually encourages temptation amongst some of these players. Even though they all are aware of the terms and conditions of stardom, they still end up getting in trouble due to their own carelessness.
Taking the example of some of the highest grossing players, often the athletes that put in the time and effort on the field, become victims of their own success. The more attention they receive from fans and media, the more press conference they must attend- which in turn takes away time from focusing on their own personal lives. That being said, this does not in any way justify their wrongdoing. As stars in the NFL family, they must be more ethical and abide by the terms of their contract. Thus, such players should be disciplined and exemplary role models.
Walter Payton gave a brilliant perspective on this matter, he said “I’m looking for the same thing from every player – a hard effort on every play. If you hustle and give it all you have, no one can ask for anything more. Fans, coaches, the media, your teammates and your opponents all respect that”. His insight brings to light that no matter how great a player’s physical capabilities are, their performance on the field should always be complimented by discipline and dedication. This goes for both physical and mental performances.
In the end, every person can learn a valuable lesson from the mistakes of others. It is always wise to not mimic the actions of others, especially if they are making bad decisions. Thus, when you put yourself in the public eye whether it be in the NFL, making a video, or sharing something on any social media channel, think twice about the potential negative affect your decisions might have and remember that you will have to bear the consequences of whatever you do. This applies to all.