Avoiding an Obsession with Sports
Most people, including sports fans, would agree that the way this country emphasizes sporting contests goes way beyond their inherent value. Yes, it requires a lot of perseverance to make it to the big leagues in any sport, but are athletes really more valuable to our society than teachers? Do they really deserve multi-million dollar contracts?
That’s one reason why the articles on today’s sports page were so pleasing. They showcased football players who have made it big yet still find time to engage in other pursuits, perhaps for a career after they leave the game.
For example, Shawn Andrews, a linebacker for the Giants, is well on his way to becoming a professional music producer. He has built recording studios in his homes, taken voice lessons and experimented with music software on three separate laptops.
Yes, his stature is imposing as any linebacker’s in the NFL must be. But his pleasure in more creative pursuits should serve as an image for every aspiring athlete. Sports, even if you make it to the top, provides a limited career option, and you need to think about your post-sports career even before (or if) you excel.
So produce on Shawn. And let’s also see if you can help get the Giants a Super Bowl!
