After hearing more on the rape accusations of Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston, I felt the need to speak my mind.
If there’s a point that I really want to drive home, it’s that athletes of all levels need to be held more accountable for their actions, because the last time I checked, no one is above the law. Not Aaron Hernandez. Not Michael Vick. Not even O.J. Simpson.
Growing up with a father who played collegiate football at East Carolina, I heard fables about the partying and shenanigans that occurred off the field, and when I heard ESPN’s report of allegations surrounding the Seminole quarterback, I was unsurprised.
I’m not here to talk about whether Winston’s accusations are true or false, I’m just noticing a trend.
It’s not just college athletes finding themselves in controversy. Inappropriate off-the-field behavior starts at the top with the professionals and goes all the way to high school athletes, who all need to understand that they are not bigger than the law.
In 2009, professional wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth drove and killed a man while he was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol. He was found guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 1,000 hours of community service.
I’m not saying I know everything, but being a high school athlete, I even witnessed first-hand the unsuitable behavior inside and outside the locker room.
Locker boxing, fighting, drinking before practices, sure it’s all “tradition,” but these all lead to trouble.
Of course, I don’t want to stereotype, because there are players such as Houston Texans’ J.J. Watt and quarterback Andrew Luck, who are upstanding citizens and give back to their respected communities, but it’s a few, such as Winston, whose actions give players around the country a bad rap.
Although he has yet to be found guilty of any crimes, the Heisman hopeful’s off-field controversy is a distraction to his Florida State team that is sitting first in the BCS standings.
Athletes finding themselves on the wrong side of the law have been a problem for years now and will continue to be prevalent as long as we deify and immortalize them.
lr514812@ohiou.edu
@Lukeoroark
