Maturity

More and more athletes these days are turning their attention not at their craft but with what comes with it. Namely, the freebies, the leverage and pretty much everything under the sun. What’s alarming is that, parents of some of these “stars” also join in the fun and that’s where it could get messy.

When you are a practicing media person tied to a certain institution, it’s hard to write honestly about say, the campus jock or something close to that. You can’t post a comment on how bad he or she has played or performed in a match. All you can do is shower them with endless praises that makes you want to vomit it.

That treatment gives them the power I believe.

Soon enough, if you let one word slip regarding how terrible the athlete performed in his or her last game day, boy be prepared for a tongue-lashing not only from the parents, but also from “die hard fans” and even institution administrations. Where did press freedom go there? I do not know, but you can be sure as hell you’re shut up matter of factly.

See, deep inside, some athletes can’t take criticism.

All they want is fragrant stuff, how they look good, how they do good. But never talk about how they stank in a terrible performance. Do that and you have to deal with their momma.

Maturity, they say. Respect, they say. Professionalism, they say.

It’s about damn time that athletes understand the value of criticism, whether it be harsh or constructive. And also, to not be too quick to label them as haters. Being critical of a person is not the same as hating. And being the butt of all jokes (I think we know who it is), be thankful you are still being noticed as opposed to people who fade into nothingness where mere memory recall can’t give a damn help about it.

Being a hater, well you despise the said person or athlete with gusto and wish for them to fail in all their endeavours. Being critical however, is an entirely different matter. See, there’s a reason why we are critical to someone. In my case, I am critical of basketball players who have all the talent in the world yet refuse to play the right way, or even act off the court the right way. Why do I even bother? Because I see something special. Something that can be done on the court and off it. It may not reach the said basketball player, but if it does reach someone close to him or her (if it’s a lady baller), then well and good, my job is done.

It’s about damn time they act maturely to comments. For not everything is laced with hate. Not everything is useless to them in the long run.

Who knows, when they do apply this change of attitude, things will pan out.

I’m just aying.

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