What should the NFL do to educate the young players on off the field safety?

Question

Seems like all the playas are just getting got or going to the big house.

Answer 1

I think that would be their mothers and fathers job.....

Answer 2

Presumably, you are speaking of the recent death of Washington Redskin's player, Sean Taylor, per the link, below.

It is truly sad that the "street" has invaded professional sports (i.e., steroids and guns); it is no longer enough that players merely get into bar fights or assault spectators.

Although the whole story will never be known (were the attackers invited in? was it a drug deal gone bad or a crime of passion?), nothing will change until the law and sports make a "one-strike-you're-out" policy. Look at ex-Redskin player Dexter Manley or ex-baseball star Darryl Strawberry, both of whom were given multiple chances, and blew them all. One chance is all anyone should get.

For gosh sakes, if you're making more than most people will see in a year or even a lifetime, why do players feel it necessary to blow it? (Sean Taylor was no saint; again, refer to the link)

So, no "education" or hand-holding is necessary; players know perfectly well that they can do whatever they want until they are caught, and, in most cases, will receive a slap-on-the-wrist for their offenses, just as Britney, Paris, and Lindsay have. Athletes know that the worst that will happen is that they'll have to return their trophies and money (if they haven't sold them or spent the wad, which many do). Worse, most players don't want or need to be told anything, except how to cash their checks, and would probably refuse any offer of help or guidance.

Ultimately, players are responsible for themselves, are presumed to know how to handle themselves in whatever environment they are in, and shouldn't make the team look bad by their actions (again, whether Taylor was an innocent victim or not will probably never be known, but, based on the news reports, I think it's safe to say that he was at fault in some way; and, granted, some players live in environments that are bad to begin with, but if the Williams sisters can make good coming out of Compton, CA, then so can everyone else).

Of course, the "good" news is that all will be forgotten long before the next bad thing is reported. Yes, that was extreme sarcasm, if not cynicism, in case you missed it.

Thus endeth the rant. ;)

Answer 3

The NFL does provide seminars or speeches for new players to help with money and what is expected of them in the NFL. Does it do any good? Most people in their early 20s think they know everything. It all has to start at home. Parents need to raise their kids teaching them morals and values. It doesn't always work, but at least they have the foundation for living right. Maybe that kid will grow up and maybe he won't. But with the right foundation, he stands a better chance.

Answer 4

It needs to start way before the NFL. By the times these guys get to the NFL they already are who they are. They all have big egos and are not going to change, even the very likeable players.

If this type of thing is going to change it needs to start at High School or before.

Answer 5

The NFL is not responsible for off field safety. The NFL has no more responsibly for its employees than any other company.

Answer 6

Lock them up and show their faces. Its not the NFL's job to educate, its parents/teachers job. Its the the NFL's responsibility to monitor and discipline and not cover up.... and run the Prop football league

Its the players responsibility to be responsible or face time or lose their privilege

Answer 7

There's nothing they can do that they haven't already tried or done.

It's up to the individual as to what kind of company he keeps and who he hangs out with and there's nothing the NFL can do about that.

You also have to keep in mind that when you are that young with that much cash it becomes very hard for someone to tell you what to do.

Answer 8

After 16 years of education I'd think they would know that already. Now if people wouldn't idolize them, let them think they can do whatever they want, maybe they'd have some humility and live a normal life.

Answer 9

nothing, they should be old enough to stay out of strip club fights without their employers holding their little hands.