Athletes and the Perils of Fame and Fortune

I saw a discussion on Fox Sports with Dan Patrick this morning about the mistakes athletes make with their money and new found visibility, as in Twitter and Facebook. The problem is that there is that if athletes remain in school, they are still not prepared for the sudden wealth and celebrity which can hit them almost overnight; no information on money management, choosing advisers or agents, or handling the notoriety. And certainly nothing how to handle themselves on the social networks.

Sure, you and I could probably go on Twitter and say stupid things and post tasteless pictures; nobody would know or care. The only penalty would perhaps be getting unfollowed. But that's no deterrent because we would probably gain other followers attracted to that type of behavior.

But athletes' every word uttered, especially on Twitter, are magnified out of proportion by the phenomena of the 24-hour news cycle. Ask Labron James about this! The NFLPA recently hosted a seminar on these issues and more for their incoming rookie class to think as they prepare for their first season (whenever that will be - there is still a lockout in place at this writing).

Among the speakers was former NFL coach and NFL analyst Herm Edwards, who has never been at a loss for words. You know him from the famous quote "You win to play the game!" I added a segment of the speech above; funny, but on point. And the message can be applied everyone, not just athletes!

I don't know what the answer is, but I do know that many teams are now hiring social media managers to teach players about the dangers of saying the wrong thing on Twitter or Facebook and handling the bad publicity when they do. Just 20 years ago who woulda thunk it!