Why are Athletes Making Bad Decisions?

 

Source: nextimpulsesports.com

Athletes have been making bad decisions both on and off the field since the beginning of sports. When I say ‘bad decisions’ I don’t mean throwing an interception or missing a three pointer to lose the game, I mean getting in fights with opponents, breaking team rules, or even breaking the law.  We hear about athletes making bad decisions all the time, we even hear about their coaches making bad decisions, so, why are these athletes, who so many people look up to, make such bad decisions?  Roy Hadley, in his article titled Too Many Good Athletes are Making Bad Decisions from Savannah Now, a local newspaper in Savannah, argues that athletes make bad decisions because athletes believe they are above the law and can do as they please because they are good at their sport.  In his article he states, “We have seen it again and again - bad decisions have bad consequences and athletes, sooner or later, have to realize that they are ultimately held to the same rules and standards as everyone else.” Roy Hadley is arguing his point that athletes have a predetermination that they are above everyone else in the world. However, they are not, and when athletes come to face with their consequences for their actions they need to realize it.  

As an athlete, I have experienced my fair share of bad decisions on the field and I can definitely understand athletes, who are in the heat of the moment, getting in a little stand off with their opponents. I know how when you are out under the lights and under immense pressure, you don’t think, you listen to your body. However, off the field altercations are a different story. I don’t understand why an athlete would ruin his or her reputation by going out and partying and doing drugs or getting into bar fights.  Roy Hadley states, “As a pro athlete, you are always in the spotlight. You know it, your fans know it, and the media know it. Lesson in life for all athletes - you have to act like you are in the spotlight, which means you can't get into fights in bars. It is just not a good look.” Pro Athletes are followed by many people including children and when they do something like getting into a bar fight, it hurts their reputation because the story will be all over SportsCenter and could hurt their career drastically.  

Athletes who think they are above the law need to learn that they aren’t.  I have never felt that because of my athletic talents, I can break rules and get away with it.  I am not a professional athlete however, so maybe if you are a professional athlete you become influenced with the idea that you are above the law.  We need to get inside these athletes to understand why they make these bad decisions.