Some years ago Charles Barkley made the statement “I am not a role model“. Not only talking about himself, but athletes in general. I, like most people, beg to differ on that statement. Athletes have always, and will continue to be looked up to, and put on a pedestal if you will. For every athlete that signs a multimillion dollar deal, there is a little kid with their poster on his wall, their jersey on his back, and their shoes on his feet. At the height of Micheal Jordan’s career, everyone wanted to “Be Like Mike”. Kids went out and bought
his Air Jordan’s (brand of Nike Shoes), they ran out and bought his jersey, and whatever they could buy to dress like Mike. Kids in the neighborhood that were tall enough to touch the rim, tried to dunk like Mike. Complete with hanging their tongues out of their mouth. Some years later these same kids would learn that their childhood hero had a massive gambling problem. So how Charles Barkley can make the statement, athletes are not role models is beyond me.
It’s a natural thing for kids to look up to athletes, movie stars, and musicians. Kids used to look up to doctors, lawyers, teachers, firemen, and police officers. Those days are long gone I’m afraid. Sure there are still a small percentage of kids that aspire to be a fireman, police officer, or doctor but nowadays with the millions of dollars being paid to athletes, being a pro (insert chosen sport here) is the way to go. For all the flash, bling, glam, girls, and multimillion dollar contracts there are thousands of kids that don’t make it big.
Now you do have some athletes that came from extremely poor upbringings, and the only way out was to use their god given talent and excel in sports. Then when you hand the kid a signing bonus check on draft day for $10 Million Dollars you get a Pacman Jones. Or you overspend on a player and sign him to a $130 Million dollar deal and you get a Michael Vick. On the other hand you get players that came from the same extremely poor upbringings, you sign them to a big contract, give them a bunch of money and they continue to make the right decisions because they have a great inner circle of people that want to see them succeed. Sadly those type of stories are few and far between in this day and age of the business known as professional sports.
Now all of this brings me to my latest issue with athletes and their role model status. Dallas Maverick Small Forward Josh Howard finds himself in the news yet again for basically, either being really stupid, or just being himself. Either way his actions, and his comments have left a bad taste in most peoples mouths. Josh Howard has made headlines for throwing himself a Birthday Party, during the Mav’s playoff series with the Hornets last season. This is after Avery Johnson asked the team not to go out and party. He wanted his team to stay focused on the series. Next Howard thought it would be a great idea to let the world know he enjoys smoking pot. Now smoking pot nowadays is really not that big a deal, there are worse drugs he could have chosen, but after you sign a $10 Million dollar a year contract, probably not the smartest thing to openly admit you smoke pot. Especially when you run a summer youth basketball camp. Plus factor in the fact that your performance on the court left something to be desired for most of last season.
Then Howard is arrested for street racing. Apparently Howard felt it necessary to race a Volkswagen while in North Carolina. Howard was clocked at 94 in a 55. He would be released the same night after signing a promissory note to appear in court in September. Once again this screams just plain stupid. Maybe he was trying to be like LeBron James.. only problem is James was not arrested for speeding, only ticketed. Now we move on to the latest bout with stupidity, and this is really what fans are having the most problem with.
This video was shot at a charity flag football game hosted by Allan Iverson. Needless to say Josh Howard once again does not get it. If you don’t support the National Anthem keep that to yourself! Especially being a high profile athlete. Why Mark Cuban continues to support this knuckle head is beyond me. I was listening to my local sports talk station, as I do everyday and I heard one of the radio hosts make the comment “If he was playing well on the court, I wouldn’t give a damn what he did off the court”. Well there is yet another problem with sports today. We the fans are not supposed to care what our athletes do, as long as they are playing well? WTF is that?? Once again people need to wake up and realize athletes are role models for our kids! Regardless if we as parents want them to be, or if the athlete wants that responsibility, they are! Right now there is some thug somewhere watching this video and saying “Look at Josh, he is keeping it real”! Or better yet, there is some kid out there with a real chance to make it listening to his coaches, and family telling him do the right thing, watch who you run with, don’t get in trouble.. and he sees Josh Howard out there street racing, smoking pot, and now bashing the National Anthem. This kid probably thinks.. Hell Howard made it, and he is still a knuckle head, coach and my family don’t know what the hell they are talking about!
As soon as that thought enters this kids mind, they have already started heading down the path that Pacman, Vick, and many more athletes have journeyed down before. For some athletes, they never recover from constant trouble with the law, and the inability to control what comes out of their mouth. Freedom of speech is a constitutional right in this country, it also comes with consequences and responsibilities. Yes Josh, you can say whatever you want, hell you can continue to look like a common street thug, that’s your right. Don’t for one second think that your actions, and what you say doesn’t come with a price tag. In closing, this is what all the fans hard earned AMERICAN dollars have done for Josh Howard.
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25 responses so far ↓
1 yvonne // Sep 17, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I totally agree –kids don’t listen to parents for those very reasons–soandso made it big and is doing this–the hell( minimizing comment :}’ )
with what our parents say–etc–they set the examples like it or not–
2 Phil // Sep 18, 2008 at 7:04 am
When you get that far into the spotlight, I do not care if you want to be a role model or not, you are one. Youth today are taught to idolize a glamorous lifestyle, and that is what many athletes have.
Now, I fully support the freedom of speech, but yes, it does come with consequences…everything does. Some are good and some are bad.
What Howard does not seem to realize is he is a spokesman for both the Mavs and the NBA, and each of those organizations can choose what sort of message they want their representatives to deliver.
Honestly, I could go into so many other things as far as what contributes to choices of role models and influences on behavior, but I think that could pull a ways away from this conversation. Ultimately, athletes need to realize that whatever they say is listened to, and they are a lot more influential than they may think they are. As far as statements like Barkley’s “I am not a role model”, you do not get to choose if you are a role model or not, that choice belongs to everybody else.
3 Kate // Sep 18, 2008 at 8:45 am
One warning. Get your act together, or get your ass gone! This guy would have been gone LONG before the most recent BS.
Kates last blog post..Obamarama
4 Liverdamage // Sep 18, 2008 at 10:06 am
“Won’t someone think of the children?!?”
Really, no kid sees Josh Howard as a role model. He isn’t good enough to be a role model. “When I grow up, I want to choke in the playoffs too!”
5 lajitas // Sep 18, 2008 at 10:30 am
They added a caviat to “freedom of speech” sometime back that says you can’t be offensive to others in what you say. Well, Josh, you offended the hell out of me. But what offends me even more is where he got the idea that he doesn’t have to respect the anthem. Wasn’t because a certain Presidential candidate made some comments about it was it. By the way, those comments not only offended me, they infuriated me. I could say alot of things here that would be factual, but as Jimmy the Greek learned, you can’t state facts anymore because someone may be offended by them. I am terrified to think of what will become of this country if the youth listen to MTV, or any of the mouthy actors and actresses, or atheletes who deem themselves qualified to give us their profound advice on politics. You know, we make fun of the rednecks and mullet-heads, but if you noticed, J, when we went to the little race track in Springfield, they at least respected the anthem. I could go on with this diatribe, but after watching about two minutes of the MTV Cribs video, I need to step down off my soapbox and go hurl my breakfast.
6 Phil // Sep 18, 2008 at 10:33 am
Actually, you would be surprised. They do not think of choking in the playoffs only. They see him the rest of the season, too, when he is putting points on the board. Also, that is increased by the amount of publicity the player gets. Besides, he is not the only one this is a problem with.
The only way for kids to not see him as a role model, or minimally as a role model, is for him to have real consequences to his actions and for these consequences to be noticeable. For example, a fine by itself will not do it. Most likely, the kids will not either notice the fine or they will ignore it thinking that as long as they make enough money they can get away with anything and just pay a small bit when asked for it. Now, if he were to be booted off the team, suspended for so many games, or anything that noticeably affects him in a negative way, that would be different.
7 Phil // Sep 18, 2008 at 10:58 am
OK, here is a random thought I had, and yes, I know, this will probably never happen.
Has the idea ever been explored of one or more of the sports associations putting together something like a board of ethical behavior. Basically, a small group that determines an appropriate punishment for athletes whose actions could be seen as a negative reflection on the the sport. For example, in the instance given above, they would review his actions, balance it with past instances and determine a fine, suspension period, etc. I would even say fine the team too in an effort to bring the team owners on board with promoting positive behavior on the part of the players. I know they fine players and teams for their behavior on the court. Mark Cuban has had his share of these, but this would be something for off court.
8 Liverdamage // Sep 18, 2008 at 11:54 am
I’m about to get flamed harsh here:
Am I going to be the only person who supports political dissent? Freedom of speech, freedom of expression?
Not legally being allowed to say something that offends someone else? Where the hell is that line drawn?
A league wide ethics panel? Imposing conduct on LEGAL beliefs? This is not a drug policy or code of conduct based on ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES. This is forcing a person to relinquish his rights in order to work.
I fully support total individual freedom (so long as it doesn’t impede anyone else’s) and capitalism. Capitalism is the great regulator. Josh Howard can disrespect the national anthem… and there will be consequences for his actions. Are you going to purchase merchandise from companies he sponsors? His choices will cost him at at least 10 million in advertising revenue alone.
He has the right to express his opinions. I am choosing to express my opinion that he is an idiot, and I will not be buying from anyone he sponsors. If he offends me more, I will not be watching Mavs games until he is off the roster… even more personally offensive, NBA games all together.
Every individual has power and freedom. I suggest you use it, instead of bitching and asking for social regulation.
9 Kelly // Sep 18, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Liverdamage is 100% right here. What ever happened to support of political dissent? Is patriotism in a democracy demonstrated through a 100% capitulation to the views disseminated by the government in charge? Is patriotism demonstrated by holding your hand over your heart and taking off your hat during a song? Is it at its fullest in reciting a pledge which we’ve been mindlessly saying since we were kindergartners? No.
In a democracy, political dissent is vital to survival. Without political dissent, the George W. Bushes and John McCains of the world will lead us into a 1984esque world where the government watches us pee in public bathrooms to make sure that we don’t litter.
Mankind has an inherent sense of morality that often governs our senses of what is right and wrong. Governments take advantage of that at an early age to coach us into believing that we must always follow the band, wagon and all. Are you as American as Apple Pie?
Next time you get all uppity about someone’s political opinion being different from yours (maybe Josh sees the Star Spangled banner ceremony as just that: a ceremony. Something he is forced to go through every time he plays), you need to remember: Our country was founded on political dissent. Our country was founded on the idea that we have the right to abstain from these ceremonies and rituals when we want to. That’s what freedom is all about. Our forefathers knew that, and had a marvelous plan laid out to bring that realization to the people. Now, more than 225 years later, we see how corruption and greed try to obfuscate that plan with ceremony, and we run right along with it.
Liverdamage is right about another thing, too. Josh will suffer the consequences for his words. We all do. That doesn’t mean he loves the U.S. and less. It just means he thinks the ceremony is dumb. Do you agree?
10 Phil // Sep 18, 2008 at 1:57 pm
OK, you seem a little off base on what this post was about. I do not recall anywhere that it says what Josh Howard said was illegal. At least I do not recall him being jailed for this. As far as the mention of an ethical behavior board, my idea for the purpose of that is to govern what the NBA deems appropriate for their image.
Whether they like it or not, the players are representatives of both their teams and the NBA. They are employers to the players just like anybody else has an employer when they work. If any company finds an employee’s behavior unacceptable, they have the option to take administrative action. This could be anything from a boss talking to the employee to having employment terminated.
If we apply this to the NBA and the idea of an ethical behavior board, they just take the role of determining if a player’s actions comply with the NBA’s standards for employee behavior. This does not mean the NBA thinks freedom of speech is wrong. It is more along the lines of you can say whatever you want, but we request you hold yourself to an acceptable representative of the organization or find someplace else to work. The government has absolutely no involvement in this anywhere.
11 Liverdamage // Sep 18, 2008 at 2:15 pm
@Phil:
Your proposal for an all encompassing morality patrol, in a business that is technically classified as a US exempt monopoly, infringes upon the freedoms of worker. The worker can not simply go to another job if he disagrees with the conduct policy since there is no alternative.
An individual contract between the worker and employer (i.e. individual team) can be negotiated with personal conduct restrictions in this particular scenario. Assuming there is no collusion, a worker will be able to negotiate in free-market-like scenario… even if that free market is under a monopoly.
12 Phil // Sep 18, 2008 at 2:27 pm
No, you are wrong. Any of those players are free to go flip burgers at McDonalds.
13 Kelly // Sep 18, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Do we have the moral and legal authority to question Josh Howard’s statement?
Maybe a better way of putting it is: Where do you get off saying he has to censor himself in order to work? The general sentiment seems to be: Josh Howard shouldn’t have the right to say these things because they offend us! Doesn’t that sentiment walk in firm opposition to freedom of speech?
Did I even mention anything about what Josh Howard said being illegal? No. I suggested that the government wants you to treat as such. They are getting exactly that.
You’re job in a democracy is to question the authority of the government in every circumstance. Democracy is based on the idea that WE should be in charge of it. The truth of this situation is such that the government has participated in brainwashing us into mindless patriotism, and have then redefined patriotism to be something that, in a democracy, it is not. In a democracy, it is patriotic to question the government. In democracy, it is patriotic to oppose policies we disagree with. Anti-war protests are patriotic because they are actually the demonstration of the will of the people to change the course of the country.
What Josh Howard said might be more patriotic than not. His example might actually be positive in that it encourages people to speak out their opinions, and not to hide them because the vocal majority disagrees. That’s a positive lesson for our children.
I never said that Josh Howard was going to jail. I only said that we have a problem here in that the flames of the mob are being fanned. I suggest they are being fanned improperly.
14 Kelly // Sep 18, 2008 at 2:47 pm
In retrospect, I would like to edit one line of my previous comment:
Where it says:
“Josh Howard shouldn’t have the right to say these things because they offend us! ”
I would rather it say:
“Josh Howard shouldn’t have the right to say these things because they offend us and he’s in the public spotlight! “
15 Phil // Sep 18, 2008 at 2:51 pm
First off, I never said freedom of speech was wrong. Josh Howard has the freedom to say whatever he wants. On the same note, the NBA has the same right “we think you are hurting our image, thus our business, so get the f@#$ out!” That would be their way of saying they believe something else, or are you saying they should have their freedom of speech revoked?
Also, once again, I never said anything about the NBA being capable of sending anybody to jail.
Second, I mentioned Howard once in a comment about him needing to realize he is a spokesman for his employer. My idea of board to govern ethical behavior, I am not talking specifically about Josh Howard. Honestly, if such a board exists, I doubt he would get much more than a slap on the wrist. I am thinking more in lines of actions that could be considered morally questionable, no matter who they are.
If the NBA or the NFL, or the NHL, or *continues listing organizations of highly visible individuals* wants to say they have an organization of outstanding role models for people, then they have all the right in the world to decide who fits a mold and who does not. They are not required to employee anybody who wants a job with them.
16 Liverdamage // Sep 18, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Dear Kelly,
You have lost your right to order “Freedom Fries” and “Freedom toast”
@Phil:
We’ll agree to disagree on this one. Worker’s rights inside de facto monopolies have little legislation outside of egregious offenses. Even then, most of those are quickly solved outside of court (therefore no legal precedent) when congress threatens to remove that entity’s exempt status. Besides, Kelly’s “spirit of the thing” argument is a better discussion than the technicalities.
17 Liverdamage // Sep 18, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Kelly and I were talking about this and he had a very humorous line of thought.
Kelly paraphrased: We’re arguing about the political dissent and Josh Howard’s rights to say this… while Josh Howard had no intention of making political point.
Josh Howard’s words: “The Star-Spangled Banner’ is going on. I don’t celebrate this [expletive]. I’m black.”
I’m not sure this guy even smart enough to know what political dissent is. Never the less, I’ll defend his right to say it.
MORE FLAMES!!!
18 Kelly // Sep 18, 2008 at 3:31 pm
viva la revolution!
19 lajitas // Sep 18, 2008 at 4:48 pm
A person in the public eye can have their life ruined if they utter a racial slur, especially if the “N” word slips out, because it is disrepectful to a lot of people. But you’re telling me that someone can be disrespectful to something a lot of us hold near and dear to our hearts like the National Anthem, or the Stars and Stripes, and it’s okay? Napes, bro. You can’t have it both ways. And I promise you, every major corporation ahs a code of ethics that employees have to comply with. If they don’t they are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Phil was correct in saying these folks can go flip burgers somewhere. That is if someone goes with them to fill out the application.
20 Liverdamage // Sep 18, 2008 at 5:58 pm
‘A person in the public eye can have their life ruined if they utter a racial slur, especially if the “N” word slips out, because it is disrepectful to a lot of people.’
- Yes, that’s the other people’s choice to use their freedom and power to boycott/protest/speak out against something they are offended by.
‘But you’re telling me that someone can be disrespectful to something a lot of us hold near and dear to our hearts like the National Anthem, or the Stars and Stripes, and it’s okay?’
- Yes, its ok. Its ok to be a racist also… not that I’ll have anything to do with a racist… that’s my choice. They are entitled to their opinion as long as it breaks no laws and does not impede another person’s civil rights.
‘And I promise you, every major corporation ahs a code of ethics that employees have to comply with. If they don’t they are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.’
- A) Not every corporation does. Specifically in the case of a monopoly, they are subject to more scrutiny because the lack of free market competition for labor.
B) Code of conducts rarely apply outside of the workplace, or at least without regard to some coworker when it comes to legal activities. Nondisclosure agreements are one of the common, yet rare exceptions, that apply.
C) Personal beliefs, politics and the 1st amendment are overtly exempt from any code of conducts as a whole. Including them traditionally is seen as political discrimination… which is illegal.
21 olbroad // Sep 18, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Dang! When did this become about the 1st Amendment?
His behavior before the Anthem incident was enough that I would have tossed him out on his over paid hind end. :?
He’s quite free to say anything he likes, even if he looks like a total jackass.
22 Kelly // Sep 19, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Real quick kind of followup on this story. Mark Cuban has posted on his blog the e-mails of advice he received about Josh.
http://blogmaverick.com/2008/09/18/thanks-for-the-advice-on-josh/
It really illustrates the kind of racist response this subject has generated. Which makes valid the question: How much of the outrage is out of racism (in the sense of the person being outraged being racist. How much of the outrage would still be there if Dirk had said something like that (being even more possible considering he’s German) ) vs. how much is genuine political outrage (in which case, race shouldn’t even be an issue here) vs. how much of this outrage is because Josh Howard was being racist.
Personally, I am only offended by the last of those three. It’s not enough to make me want to go lynch somebody, but I think it’s pretty terrible how minorities in this country grow up and contribute to the horrible hatred that is racism. Racism will only become a non-factor when all sides grow up and stop. Anyone who thinks that the color of someone’s skin is a reason they can opt out of something, not become something, or have an excuse for something has a score of 22 on the 1 - 10 idiot scale.
23 Liverdamage // Sep 19, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Racial hostilities pretty damn high right now… as if we didn’t know that already.
Hopefully intelligence and humanity will eventually replace stereotypes and prejudice… unfortunately I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
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