Alright everybody, relax. This is an example of exactly what I was talking about, and others have mentioned.
I'm well aware of my right to criticize anyone. I assume when you refer to my rights you are referring to the legal aspect of our rights which many American's take pride in. I've been criticized a lot--as everyone has. I can handle it though. For what it is worth, I've broke the law in a lot of ways--beyond speeding tickets. I am not proud of what I've done, at an even younger age than Antonio, but certainly wouldn't expect anyone to take it easy on me because of my age. In fact, in some of the circumstances I think the courts and my parents were far too lenient. The only point I am trying to make is many student athletes these days live a double standard. To get a scholarship to the Ohio State University you have to be the cream of the crop. You have to know you have a chance of playing football professionally and that is likely the reason you would go to a school like OSU. These kids get thousands of dollars in benefits and incentives to play a kid's game. A kid's game where millions watch them and cheer them on. If they're talented enough, they get paid millions of dollars to play it on the next level. I know these kids aren't saints, I'm aware that they aren't devils as well. They are, however, receiving opportunities beyond many of our wildest imaginations. If they so choose to act in such a manner, soliciting sex from a prostitute, they better be prepared to hear about it. If he had a 400 yards of total offensive production game, he would expect the same thing. I personally think it is the student athletes responsibility to accept everything that comes with being a big time athlete at a big time school--including criticism. He could have done worse things, you're right. But that doesn't make his offense acceptable or even tolerable.
I don't know Antonio, that is true. I don't see how that is relevant. You just made comments about Michael Vick. You don't know him and I don't think it really matters. Whether the student athlete likes it or not, by choosing this path they are celebrities. He might have had a rough upbringing from a poor area. I don't think that exempts him from criticism either. Nor would it exempt him from legal implications for his actions. Maurice Clarrett didn't have a very good upbringing and you won't see anyone on here excusing his behavior. It is important that people criticize Antonio. He needs it. When you screw up, you need to be reminded of the implications of your actions. These kids get an opportunity to go to school for free, something people are dying for in the middle east right now. I won't sympathize for him. He is more than welcome to tell me where to put my criticisms. I might even help him pick up a girl without paying for it. Maybe we could be friends, maybe not. I don't really care. I don't look up to athletes anymore, I kind of grew out of that. I see all people as the same and Antonio is going to get his balls busted like I would bust the balls of a coworker for the same offense. If he chooses to make something of any potential second chances, good for him. But I won't be there applauding him for doing something he is supposed to: obeying the law.
Also, it is contradictory to start your post out saying I have a right to criticize someone and then proceed to tell me how much of a hypocrite I am for passing "judgment." I didn't even pass judgment, I made a point that he is going to get his balls busted as he should. I don't think that says anything about his character, but it is below the standards we should set for our athletes. As another mentioned, we've had some problems with our athletes obeying the law and some of us may even remember the question marks around our coaching staff's ability to maintain control over their athlete's behavior. He was implicated in soliciting sex from a prostitute. That is a serious crime. I'm sure Ohio State is proud of his academic and athletic achievements. We aren't criticizing those. Just relax.
) is of the opinion that we shouldn't be "out young people in a position where they don't have a second chance"-- And... yeah... I think athletics aside, I think that's something that I prefer to see Ohio State as a whole reflect, it is, after all an institution of learning, where we should strive to improve ourselves and those around us.. Sure, the attention and bad pub we get when you put the word "prostitute" into a crime sucks... oh, what's more fun than a sex scandal, but personally, I prefer to take the scrutiny and give him at least one more chance to succeed, in whatever form that takes.
