I believe athletes get a bad reputation in our society. They are often viewed as ego maniacs who are only concerned with their money and selves. Some of us wonder why many athletes can make more in one year than the average person makes in a lifetime.

Unlike most of us, when we leave our jobs it is over until the next morning. As a professional athlete you may have to make public appearances after you leave the court of gridiron, or maybe sign 50 autographs before they retire for the evening. A lot pf people in this country do not regard those who make a living playing sports as a job. Yet many of this individuals believe athletes should usually attempt to accommodate their fans, because they believe they are helping to pay their salary.

My argument has always been that if being a professional athletes is so easy, then why so few of us have the ability. It cannot be easy to see your name in the paper when you make a critical mistake in the game, but it is part of the game. Also, I have witnessed first hand, professional athletes being disturbed at dinner and at the mall, while trying to shop. Athletes generate a lot of money for their respective leagues, and yes they have to work hard. A lot of self-sacrifice goes into being an athlete, and throughout the years we have seen some paralyzed, knocked out, unable to leave under their own will, and even death. Respect professional sports, because it teaches us to love the person who digs deep for that extra burst of speed to the finish line, or that concentration to catch a football, when the defender is waiting to hit you and dislodge the ball.

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