The POWER of KNOWLEDGE

We all know that education is the most important thing in our lives. When it comes to professional athletes, some don’t really care about college education. They just worry about the fame and money; so they work hard in to gain the skills, but not the education they need to succeed in life. Questions go through my mind like: what will happen if they get injured so badly, they cant play anymore, or do they have a college degree? Most athletes don’t finish college; they just get drafted and never think about school again.  Jason Clary (Correspondent) said “The fact is this: these players are student-athletes. Student comes before athlete. These players go to college for an education, not a draft pick.  Although some of these players do end up playing at the next level, the smartest decision they can make is to ensure their future by finishing school”.  Now in the sport industry, they require that an athlete have at least two years of college education before entering a professional sport. It gives them a start on their major so they can have something to fall back on. Majority of pro athletes never even attend college, those that do typically have just a Bachelors. It is extremely rare that you will find a pro with a higher degree; mainly because they go pro after 4 years. However, some have been known to continue their schooling after their pro career is over.  Plenty of athletes have their own business, have a clothing line, and shoe line to make money for themselves and their families. On iseek careers they say “There are no formal education or training requirements for professional athletes. However, a high school diploma or GED is recommended. Excellent performance in the sport is usually the most significant requirement. You develop athletic ability through many years of practice. Some athletes, such as football and basketball players, attend college before turning professional. Participating in college sports is often a good way to increase and display your skills. However, you may choose to skip college and go directly to the professional leagues”.

I think all athletes should finish college first before going pro. An athlete needs an education to fall back on, should their athletic career ends.

http://www.iseek.org/careers/careers/careerDetail?id=8&oc=100425

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/307746-college-vs-pros-should-athletes-be-allowed-to-leave-school-early

Injuries!

Injures in sports today are very common and always expected; especially in physical sports such as football, hockey, and boxing. In all sports player(s) will get banged up with a few bumps and scrapes, but again that part of the game.  Tennis players don’t have protection to keep them safe; the only protection to me that can save them from getting hit by the ball is the rack. Extreme sports play like skate boarding, BMX riding, and rollerblading will get hurt badly with the little protection they have. I was watching the X-games one day and this skate boarding was on this high ramp, and he had so much speed flying high in the sky. He was doing a 360 and he didn’t catch his board on time and he fell straight on the ramp ground. He was hurt so badly. That’s how dangerous extreme sports are. To me the most dangerous sport is NASCAR.  Going around a track with only a helmet while they are in their car is dangerous. Player(s) have died, got badly hurt, or burned while racing. Its seriously, our players or teams should be protected and safe. The most common injury in sports is tearing of the ACL. When the ACL is messed up sometimes you can’t play anymore. The new rules that were enforced its impossible for the game to be played with the enthusiasm of the players and the excitement from the fans. Now the rules are good; it keeps the players safe and protected. In the NFL, if a player is got hit while he is in the air catching the ball is a penalty now, but some of the rules like you can’t hit the quarterback at a certain time are ridiculous. My view is if you can’t hit them; they shouldn’t be playing. They have as much protection from their offensive of line, so it’s okay for them to get tackled. If every player is protected and the rules get better then their wouldn’t be so many injuries in sports.

Helping Others

In the pro athlete contract, they have to do charity work. One thing I don’t like about that is that they have to do it because it’s in their contract. I wish the owners of the teams or individual athletes give them the choice to do it and see who’s all about their money or like to help others that in need instead of themselves. Some sports they go out and read to the disability kids or have a charity event to meet famous players. NFL Play 60 is an event for kids to play with a NFL team or player. During game days they will have a kid come out the field and give the referee the game ball and give out prizes.

One athlete that makes a difference to me is Steve Nash. He has his own charity website to help kids. It’s called the Steve Nash Foundation. Nash has dedicated his time and his money to children in their health, personal development, and education. He is a great role model for kids everywhere in the world. He wants to help people for a reason; he wants to show he’s not all about money. Event though its in his contract, he continues to do it before, during, and after the season. Green to the earth is an event he does to keep the community and the earth clean. The three R’s recycling, reuse, and reduce. He wants you to recycle glass, cans, plastic and etc. I love that he does all these things for the community. He’s not the only player that does charity work; Chris Cooley goes to different schools and gives scholarship money.

Pro athletes help us learn it’s not all about the money and the fame; it’s about helping the community and others that’s in need.