Off The Field Is Exactly Where It Should Stay

By: Sef Gold

As the entire sports world gave their two cents on Eldrick Woods’ comeback, many members of the media threw out less than reasonable predictions as to how the world’s number one golfer would play. Their conclusion seemed to favor Tiger Woods playing poorly because of his personal issues. Upon further review, all of Woods’ injuries were healed, he was plenty well rested and in arguably the best shape of his life. Two days in to the Masters, Tiger is in a familiar position, two stokes off the lead heading in to Saturday (See the 2001 Masters).

The point here is that despite all the off the field issues concerning Woods, his on the course performance has not been affected one bit. All too often, people seem to connect an athlete’s off the field troubles with their physical play only because they have an unfavorable opinion of the athlete.

New details have been leaked that it is highly unlikely Ben Roethlisberger will be charged with any crime as it relates to his recent troubles. While this is a relief to many Steelers’ fans, there will be a new set of people who hate Big Ben because of this incident and root for him to play bad, yet it is probable that he will be the same quarterback we are used to. Maybe we should stop judging athletes by what they do when not in uniform and start looking at them as regular people whose athletic ability is the entity to be admired.

The reason we watch sports is to be entertained with amazing performances that will be remembered for years to come. When Tiger recently hit his second shot on hole nine that looped around the trees and ended up within six feet of the hole, we were amazed. Later this year when Ben Roethlisberger escapes multiple sacks then makes an incredible throw to hit a receiver in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown, we will watch with excitement.

All too often, we over hype athletes and turn them in to iconic figures who can do no wrong. Then, when anything happens that is contradictory to their “clean as a whistle” image, media and fans alike have personal meltdowns and turn in to witch hunters seeking revenge. Instead, why don’t we stick to the reason we marvel at professional athletes in the first place? We still watch movies staring actors with personal issues and listen to music composed by people whose lifestyles are not exactly G-rated because of the entertainment factor. Let’s view our sportspersons more as brilliant athletic entertainers and allow them to live their lives off the field without society’s extra unnecessary scrutiny.

E-mail Sef: sef@afcnorthtalk.com