Section B · Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
Tuesday, February 8, 2000
Athletes' actions hurt fans, teams
Some people just don't realize how good they have it.
Hours after the St. Louis Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was apprehended and charged with the murder of two men outside an Atlanta nightclub.
Last November, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and attempted murder in the death of his pregnant girlfriend. The woman, Cherica Adams, died a month after she was shot four times in a drive-by shooting. Carruth posted bond, then went on the lam. He was found hiding in the trunk of a friend's Tovota Camrv.
How can these guys be so stupid? They make millions of dollars playing football, and they screw everything up. No matter the outcome — guilty or innocent — they have jeopardized their careers by being associated with criminal activity.
Sure, sometimes professional athletes get arrested. Former basketball star Charles Barkley gets in a fight at a bar, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin is caught with cocaine, things like that. After all, athletes are human, they are allowed to make mistakes. Sometimes they even get stuck in drive-thru windows.
But charged with murder? That's just unacceptable for people in their positions.
There are more implications. These crimes give the NFL and its players a bad name. They can emotionally scar other players,
More importantly, they hurt the people who looked up to them as role models. What does it say to a young Ravens or Panthers fan to see one of their favorite team's star players arrested for murder?
coaches and fans who had supported and befriended these men.
Young people across the country see enough violence on the news and in the streets. Sports should be an outlet for people to cheer their favorite team.
Now, every time I see the Panthers or Ravens play football, I will think of these two men and the heinous crimes they were charged with — so will millions of other people around the country.
Lewis was the NFL's leading tackler this season. He had led the Ravens in tackles the last four seasons and should have spent last weekend playing in his third Pro Bowl.
But he wasn't. Instead, he is sitting in a jail cell being held without bail awaiting a Monday hearing. Lewis is the only one charged in these killings, and evidence is being presented that could turn out in his favor.
Carruth was a first-round draft pick by the Panthers out of the University of Colorado in 1997. He had been described as a wide receiver with limitless potential.
But he, too, is in a jail cell awaiting trial. Prosecutors have said they plan to seek the death penalty. His son, Chancellor, survived after an emergency caesarean section before the death of his mother. He could end up an
Jason Walker
sports@kansan.com
orphan.
I cannot comprehend the motives behind these actions. Athletes should do everything possible to stay out of trouble. It brings to mind Florida State wide receiver Peter Warrick, who was almost guaranteed the Heisman Trophy and then arrested for theft. He was probably the best player in college football last year, yet one mistake ruined everything.
To be fair, an overwhelming percentage of professional athletes have never been arrested, and some spend hours doing charity work. Most of the time, if an athlete is in the news for something other than his or her performance in last night's game, it's just for something else, like George Brett and his hemorrhoids. Nothing criminal.
Sports Columnist
But it's the stories we read about athletes associated with murders that seem to overshadow all of the others.
Walker is a Mulvane junior in journalism
gallery exhibits arts and crafts bazaars poster sales
SUA OFFICER SELECTIONS 00 - 01
Applications are available in the SUA office, level 4, Kansas Union, deadline is Tuesday, February 22, 5 p.m.
Special Events
homecoming Beach n' Bldd Lied Center events
Poets Writers Musicians Artists ...
We want You!
Show off your musical, artistic or written talents,or just sit back with a cup of joe and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Coffee House.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 Kansas Union Lobby Free Food and Drink
Poetry Slam
8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, Kansas Union Lobby (after the Coffee House)
Three Winners (2 grad/undergrad students and 1 faculty member) will open for Corey Cokes, a spoken word artist from Boston, Mass., Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. and are invited to a "Meet & Greet" afterward with the artist!
Don't forget you must sign up for the Coffee House and the Poetry Slam by 5 p.m. Feb. 8 in the SUA Office, Level 4, Kansas Union, 864-3477
Corey Cokes, performing Feb.23
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