In the sporting world athletes have always been held in high regard and marveled for their physical prowess and skills. Athletes have always been a major part of american society, celebrated and revered. In today’s society it seems that athletes are targeted more know than ever before, whether it be by fans, media, or jealous people. Athletes walk around with a large bullseye on the chest and back. Some of it is warranted because athletes are public figures and with that title comes much responsibilty, scrutiny and backlash for their perfomances in their sports and behavior off it. With this age of 24 hour media coverage athletes need to understand they are under a form of constant attack. That form of attack is not only trying to get inflammatory statements but, publicizing their personal lives and how much money they make and what they spend it on. I understand wanting to know about social habits of players and making sure they are conducting themselves properly and with class. The thing I take issue with is why when reporting on athletes the media always seem to find a way to mention their salary and bonuses included in it. How is this relevant to what their reporting? The media very rarely talks about the philanthropic undertakings these athletes participate in, so that is not the media’s angle. All this does is make people pass judgement on people they don’t know. I hear people all the time saying “if I made that much money I would.” This only creates jealousy and anger towards high paid athletes. With the thought that since their salaries are high they need to fit into a certain invisible box of behavior and do always do and say the right things. This is an impossible standard to try to hold athletes to. People need to first understand athletes are not infallable people who are not impervious to the constant pressures of playing sports and life and sometimes do and say things in the heat of the moment. Later most of the comments athletes wished they didn’t say or phrased better. The same athletes who are loved and admired for their intensity, dedication and competitive nature are often judged for emotional comments made after a game. Then the soundbite is played repeatedly and in many cases taken out of context by various sports news outlets. The media then prodeeds to use the clip as fodder to start a back and forth between teams and/or players. The end result is media using these opportunities to try to exploit athletes and paint a bleak picture of their character.

The much more pressing issue and growing concern with athletes being targets is the growing number of fatalities, attacks, and robberies that have taken place over the past few years. The two most common have been home invasions and night club shootings. You’re going to have those who say the athletes are at fault for what happens at night clubs, because they know what type of crowd will be there they are easily recognizable and will be targeted. So athletes are suppose to now not go out and enjoy themselves or the benefits of their success. What needs to be realized is that no matter where athletes go or what the do they are targets. It is almost to the point where athletes in certain cities need to hire a security detail to aid in their safety. That’s sad that it has come to having to hire personal security personnel as a means to feel safe. Even with that said how often do you hear of other people with money shot or having to endure home envasions? Me personally, I can’t even remember a case. So those that say athletes aren’t targeted, and these unfortunate events are just part of an ever eroding society. They also say athletes shoulnd’t flaunt their riches. Then why is this not a problem with other rich and famous people, the same statements aren’t made about them. You should be able to enjoy your money and success without fear or trepidation of being robbed or killed. I know this isn’t a reality right now, but this isn’t to say it shouldn’t be.