Technology Killed The American Sports Hero

Have you ever asked yourself what happened to the American Sports Hero? The simple answer is the new age arrogant prima dona sports athlete shirks the responsibility of being a role model. The real answer is more complex. The truth is there never were any sports heroes. The truth is athletes of the past had their infidelity and indiscretions covered up. They had affairs back then, it's just that their wives saved face with public appearances and their mistresses kept quiet. They knew their place unlike the vixens of today who post text messages and graphic pictures trying to get their piece of the spotlight. The other woman is no longer satisfied with being in the background. They still had DUI's and bar brawls, but that news was kept off the front page. The media was much more forgiving and much less sensational. They protected the athletes because they understood their importance. They knew young kids would emulate them and they covered up their flaws. Nowadays an athletes worth is measured by how big a story they can generate. The more controversial the better. If you follow a young millionaire around 24/7 and report to the world everything that happens in their life at some point they will engage in behavior the public will deem inappropriate. The camera phone, twitter, and facebook all but guarantee this outcome. Without these devices would Tiger Woods, Charles barkley, Shaq, or Aquaman even get into trouble? Unless we change the unrealistic definition of what makes a sports hero athlete after athlete will fall into the technological trap and we'll have to hear numerous apologetic press conferences. If we realize the concept never existed, maybe we'll stop chasing it.