The Tomahawk is a place for students of 10th grade Honors English at Wetumpka High School to gather, discuss, reflect on, and connect to, relevant issues in American Literature.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Should Athletes Have Special Treament?
How harshly should professional athletes be treated when found in possession of a drug or when given a d.u.i.?
When athletes are found in possession of drugs or are given a d.u.i. they should be treated with the same harsh punishment as any everyday average person. A lot of times athletes will be caught with drugs of some sort and they will be let off like nothing ever really happened. On the other hand, if a normal citizen were caught with an illegal substance they would probably be sentenced to jail for a period of time. This is not fair to every day people at all. So when athletes are found with drugs or given a d.u.i. they should also be punished with fair and harsh consequences.
In the past there have been many times where professional athletes have been let off by the law after being caught with drugs or given a d.u.i. Like the time in 2009 when Michael Phelps was caught on camera with an illegal drug the only thing that happened to him was that he was suspended from swimming for a period of time. Phelps should have been put in sentenced to jail time just like any other everyday person. Another time was when Adam “Packman” Jones was not only in a fight in a strip club but was also caught with illegal substances. Yet again the only thing that happened to him was that he was suspended from playing football for a short time. This is not fair that athletes all over only get into a little bit of trouble when they are caught with drugs and given a d.u.i. They should always be severely punished just like the rest of us.
There are many reasons why athletes should be greatly punished for their wrong doing. One of the reasons is that only because they have all that money they should still be treated fairly. Many people are fans of these great athletes and this is another reason why they get off so easily. People should be treated fairly and equally, no matter where they are from, what they do, or even how much money they have.
Many people I know and even some of my family friends have been caught with drugs and given a d.u.i. and they have been granted very harsh and cruel punishment. Then I see all of these athletes on television from all over the country getting away with things that are the last thing any normal person would want to be caught with. Athletes shooting and killing people, being caught with drugs, and receiving a d.u.i. is not fair to many average people that get punished for these acts and even though they know it’s not right these people still get in trouble when athletes do not.
Athletes get away with these things on a regular basis and it has got to stop. They know what they are doing is wrong and they know that they could get in trouble for it, but for some reason they do it anyway. We as a nation need to bring these acts to an end and the only way we can do that is by punishing the athletes who disobey the law. I hope that this will and can help to make the athletes in our country better and healthier people and that those who use drugs and are given a d.u.i. will be punished greatly. This will make our country a better place and make professional athletes easier for people to look up to.
Giving athletes special treatment when found in the possession of drugs or when they are given a D.U.I. isn’t something I agree with entirely. They are human beings just as the rest of us are and they make mistakes just as we do, and for them to be given ‘special treatment’ when being punished isn’t fair. If any regular person from a suburb or city were to be caught in possession of an illegal drug, they would be charged. Though if a celebrity or athlete, even a musician, were to be caught, they would get some odd hours of community service and maybe a minimum charge, which is basically only a slap on the hand compared to how you or I would be treated.
If the country is about fairness and equality, that is not the way to show it at all. Michael Phelps may have won a number of gold medals in the past Olympic Games, but just because he can swim fast doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to abide by the law. Lindsay Lohan may be a famous actress, though she shouldn’t be able to get by with an ugly mug shot as her only punishment. Paris Hilton is the only celebrity that I know of to actually own up to her mistakes and do time in a jail. She hated it, yes. But she faced up to what she had done and I have respect for her in that aspect, even if I may not like her as a person.
Take a little-known celebrity, one who may have fallen away from the fame and isn’t into the business anymore, put them in possession of a drug or give them a D.U.I. and watch what happens. Even if they may have been known for being that one kid on that one show in the past, they would probably be more likely to get charged than the well-known celebrities today. Lil’ Wayne for example, if he were to be caught with pot or another illegal drug, I could pretty much guarantee that he’d get away with it, just because he won Best Rap Album of the Year at the Grammy’s. But if my twenty-three year old brother were to have the same thing happen to him, I would be willing to bet that he would be charged in some way.
Another thing is that pot shouldn’t be thought of as such a harsh thing to deal with, not when alcohol has much more extensive consequences. If someone were to smoke pot, the most they could do would be to get the munchies and want to sleep a little while after they come down. But under the influence of alcohol, there would be worse things to consider, such as liver damage, and/or if that person were to drive while under the influence, lives could be lost. I’m not saying that pot couldn’t kill someone as well if used in excess, but alcohol just brings many more problems than the substance.
In conclusion, I would have to say no, that celebrities, athletes, musicians, what have you, should not be given special treatment if they are to break the law. Because like I have previously mentioned, they are humans and make mistakes just as we do. And they should be punished fairly, just as we are.
How harshly should professional athletes be treated when found in possession of a drug or when given a dui? Professional Athlete Punishment A professional athlete is no different then an average person off the streets and should be punished just like any other civilian would be. Just because they may be famous for what they do, it doesn’t make them inferior to the law. They should be treated no better or no worse than a normal person would be because that’s not fair to that athlete or regular civilians. Professional athletes, on many occasions, have been released on account that they are famous and that’s just not right. Professional athletes deserve to be treated like average Joe’s at all times when it evolves illegal substances and the law, no matter what. They are constantly getting themselves into more and more trouble each year with the law, and the paparazzi are consistently snapping photos of the actions that are taking place. It’s hard to have a completely private life when you are a famous athlete because people always want to be in your space and in your business when they shouldn’t be. Sometimes they just seem to crack under the pressure and fall victims of drugs and alcohol, which can be fatal. When professional athletes are found with drugs or other illegal substances, it should be treated like any other routinely procedure and done no different than usual. Officers should act the same way they would if it was a crack head or a junky or just an average human being arrested for possession of whatever. Law enforcement should be done the same at all times with whoever the suspect may be. Professional athletes should not be punished any different for their illegal actions because of their race or nationality either. If this is done it is a strong show of racism and the victim should report it at the local station. Just because the athlete may be black, white, purple, pink, or orange doesn’t mean that they should be treated any different from anybody else. In conclusion, professional athletes may be famous and have glamorous lives, but it all can come crashing down do to all the pressure and various other reasons. Just because they are famous t6hey should be treated as any other human being would be.
When athletes get caught with drugs they should be persecuted just like every other citizen. They are American citizens so they should be treated like every other person. The professional athletes should hold themselves on a higher ground because they do represent their families and the United States in public. Although, they shouldn’t think are above the law because they can be sent to jail just as fast as any other citizen. Being healthy is very important for athletes and doing drugs does not help them. Just because professional athletes are held on a higher ground they should still be persecuted like all of the other citizens in the United States. We all have the same rights and we should all be persecuted the same way. If a professional athlete doesn’t get charged for illegal drug withholding then neither should anyone else. Professional athletes are not “too big” for the law, even if they think they are. Just because they are professional they shouldn’t get off as easy as they do. Being a professional athlete you should know to hold yourself higher than the average person. People are watching you all day, everyday. You are representing the United States for the whole world to see what happens in America. When people watch the news they expect to see good people representing the United States in the things we do. Little children look up to professional athletes, they should be honored that some want to be like them one day, and have enough respect to represent themselves well. Professional athletes are very important in the United States and they need to be as healthy as possible. Doing drugs does not help an athlete stay healthy. If anything drugs bring an athlete down. It narrows their train of thought and immune system. Drugs could very well cause cancer also. That’s the last thing an athlete needs to worry about. Just like any other citizen a professional athlete should be prosecuted the same. They are citizens themselves and should be treated like one. Professional athletes should respect themselves because if anybody they deserve to be where they are. Staying clean from drugs should be one of their top priorities. Athletes can't just do whatever they like because people are always watching them somewhere.
Professional athletes should be punished as harshly as any other person in our society for having a dui or being in possession of an illegal drug. Athletes in some aspects should be held to a higher standard then any average person. Professional athletes do represent our country sports wise. For example if you have a normal person caught smoking an illegal substance and someone famous gets caught doing the exact same thing, the famous person is much more likely to get out of harsh charges. Athletes should be held to a higher standard and maybe even punished more because; after all, they do represent our country.
For some reason athletes think they can do whatever they like because, they have more money and fame. I think I can speak for all average people when I say that no, you are not better then the rest of us. Now understandably people do mess up and make mistakes, whether you are famous or an average person. I am not saying that every professional athlete goes around doing whatever they want because, they think they can. For example there are some professional athletes that were at the wrong party doing the wrong thing at the wrong time when the wrong person had a camera.
Also drugs are not good for your body. If you are playing sports doing drugs should be the last thing you do. There have been numerous professional athletes who use drugs. Sure, all of the athletes do not get caught, but many think they are too good for the law because, previous athletes have broken the law and gotten away with no punishment. Athletes are the same as any of us.
Most athletes were born in this country just like the rest of us. They should obey the rules like everyone. Many athletes are role models for young people. If young people see in the news athletes doing bad things and getting away they just might try it themselves. I really do not think the athletes would want go to sleep at night knowing they are part of the reason young people begin doing bad things. Their influence on the younger people could even cause death to many of the young people.
Athletes should be charged just as much as any regular person would be. I believe role models should even be held to a higher standard. Many should not have the attitude of I can do whatever I like because, that really isn’t fair to everyone else. After all if you take away the fame, money, and uniform you are the same as the rest of the world.
The Prosecution of Athletes Professional athletes should be prosecuted as if they just as everyone else, but instead they can get away with. If an average Joe is caught with an illegal substance he is put in jail for a certain amount of time. If a professional athlete is caught with an illegal substance he may have to stay over night. What has our society come to? If some one has a pretty face and money they can just break that law like nobody’s business. No, they should be punished just like any one else. Professional athletes are not prosecuted like every one else. Let’s say Athlete X is caught drinking and driving in his home town. Police Man Y is not going to give the town hero a d.u.i. A few minuets later Dr. Z is pulled over and has also been drinking. Police Man Y takes Dr. Z to the station were Dr. Z stays the night and is prosecuted. The sad thing we all know that this is what would happen in this situation. Professional athletes deserve to go to jail if they are breaking the law. People, especially children, look at professional athletes as role model. A role model should not be using drugs and if they are people shouldn’t be taught that you can talk your way out of the law. The new generation is being taught that you do what ever you like and get a way with it. Athlete should take their punishment to show that if you make a mistake, you have to live with the consequences. Professional athletes should also be more harshly punished for their health. When they are punished is not an enjoyable experience. Eventually they will learn that their wrong actions are unacceptable. This will improve their health and make the game better. We are all aware that professional athletes are not s harshly persecuted as the rest of society. If they were law enforces could be more honest. Role models would be what a true role model is. The health of the athletes would improve. Athletes should be punished as if they were just another person.
They need to be treated like normal people. They act like fools. Here is one explain of a really good reason.
Americans still hold Kobe Bryant in high regard even though he was accused of committing a heinous crime. Kobe Bryant is a basketball star, maybe one of the best basketball players ever, but he is not above the law. He may have raped a girl. I hope he is as aggressively pursued in the courts as any other alleged rapist. He does not deserve any preferential treatment. As far as I know, he lives in America and no court in this country should give him any "lee-way" or the "benefit of the doubt." If a little girl you knew was raped, would you want the person accused of raping that girl to have any special treatment like he is some god? I sure don't.
Should athletes have special treatment. Absolutely no, because the law applies to everyone, in which no one person's actions are excused from the laws. Professional athletes should not receive special treatment when caught executing such outrageous behavior. We are all human beings governed under one basic principle set by our forefathers to ensure peace throughout the nation. If we allow one group of people to receive unequal treatment then we are no better than the kings that our forefathers sought to rid us of.
Professionals of any sport do not deserve special treatment, because they are not above the law. When we look at them, we sometimes place them above the law, mostly because they entertain us. We do not wish to lose that entertainment and self-esteem for them and the sport they participate in. Some may view my words as harsh because they hold a team on high regard and wish that they not lose by any means. My response to that reply is are you willing to kill for just one win?
We are governed under one basic principle to ensure equal and fair punishment for those who seek to destroy our society. To allow unequal treatment is to allow favoritism in law, this in itself would create an uneven balance in society and leave a sense of unimportance to others. Therefore, it would breakdown the very society that our forefathers payed in blood to build into this wonderful nation.
Athletes do not deserve special treatment when found in possession of drugs or caught with a D.U.I. They have done wrong therefore deserve the same treatment as everyone else being caught. They should have to go to jail for the night if they are caught more than once. They deserve more punishment than what they are getting. It is unfair for the common man to not get punished equally for the same crimes. They also should not get punished more severely than the common man either, however.
It is common for celebrities’ mistakes to be blown up into the media. However, this does not give them the right to do anything they want and not expect to be punished for their actions. They should be given the same punishment as everyone else, in the sense that, if they do not get the same punishment as us, they will not learn from their mistakes and they will do it again. For example, Paris Hilton has been pulled over for D.U.I more than once, and at least once, she was not charged for the fact that she is rich, famous, and “beautiful”.
For example, Michael Phelps, last weekend was caught smoking pot at a party. Some people say that they should take some of his medals away because some people think that if he uses a drug that impairs his ability, then he would be willing to take a drug to enhance it, therefore, making them invalid. However, this must not be true because to be in the Olympics, you must go through a drug screening test. Also, since Michael Phelps broke all of those records, then they must have thought that he took drugs to make all of the records, making this accusation false.
I believe that celebrities should be punished as severely as the common man; however, they should not be more punished than them either. How would you feel if the authorities came up to you and stated “you have more money and you screwed up, so we are going to fine you more than the regular person because we know you can pay it,” that would be totally unfair right? I believe the famous people of today think the same thing. This is why I believe that, even though they should be fined, not more than the average person.
In conclusion, either way, you should be fined for anything that you did wrong. Celebrities should especially not do illegal things because the public will find out and if you are not punished enough, they will believe otherwise. They also will think of you as a different person after the news gets out. Celebrities should get fined as much as the common man, but not more than the average person either. This is unfair if otherwise.
Professional athletes, in any scenario, should not receive special treatment. Although they are some of the worlds most athletic, they should not receive special treatment when found in the possession of drugs or D.U.I. If an athlete is found with possession of drugs, he or she should be treated like every other civilian. Any person, who is found with drugs or D.U.I., should be punished even if they are athletes, actors, or just regular civilians. Being an athlete does not make them special in any way. If an athlete wants to throw all that they have worked for down the drain, that’s his or her own choice. Some may say that, “They just made a bad choice, cut them a break.” Well, what about the next athlete that comes along? Will you let them a break? It all rolls down hill as soon as you give one a break. In the case with Michael Phelps, he knew what he was doing when he decided to do drugs, and he should be rightfully punished. If the people of America decide to let Michael go, he won’t learn from his mistake. He could easily do it again. How many times are you willing to cut an athlete a break before soon, all you can do is cut them a break. In any case, the term “drug” is illegal. It’s not like over the counter medicine, it is a drug and athletes should not have special permission when found with them. Also when an athlete is found D.U.I., they aren’t an athlete anymore, they are intoxicated. When an officer of law finds an athlete in possession of drugs or D.U.I., that officer needs to be saying “You’re under arrest, stranger!” not “Hey, great game last Friday!” Being an athlete doesn’t give them special treatment to be able to skip on the punishments of what they have done. Athletes deserve the same treatment as everyone else, and that’s why we have those laws, to stop unlawful acts, athletes or not.
How harshly should professional athletes be treated when found in possession of a drug or when given a d.u.i.?
Everyone is human. We all make mistakes, and we all try to learn from them. The fact is, making mistakes in just in our blood. Nobody can be perfect. We weren’t born to be completely perfect and kind and loving every single minute of our lives. I’m sure that athletes and celebrities are always under tremendous pressure to always do the right thing and set a high standard to the people who look up to them. They are always in the spotlight. When you are always being followed and sought for by everyone around you, it’s pretty hard to monitor every single thing you do, because those mistakes you make at the moment affect your future.
I’m going to be completely honest. I feel for Michael Phelps, but he deserves to be punished just like the rest of the people who do drugs do. He is just as guilty. Even though he has a few more trophies then most of us do, doesn’t mean he gets a special treatment. The same goes with other celebrities too, For example, Martha Stewart is a famous homemaker. She has really done a lot for herself over the years and has given herself a very clean and good name. She became very successful with her cookbooks, and home décor. Unfortunately, Martha got involved with some things in the stock market. She heard from someone that her stocks were going down. She was scared of losing her money, so she traded her stocks. Sorry, but that is illegal. Martha did the right thing. She respectfully admitted to the crime she had committed and served her sentence like any other person who broke the law would.
The truth is, that does not mean they are bad people. They messed up. We all do, but that’s what happens when you make mistakes, you face the consequences. Sadly the consequences may not turn out exactly how you want them too, but that’s the only way people learn. I can promise you that if those people knew the consequences of their actions, they would have never committed them in the first place. Michael is a good guy. But he made a mistake. He had a lot going for him too. I must say it’s sad to someone with such a good reputation just flush all down the drain. He can come back from this though. Many people have. Martha Stewart is back in her usual environment just like she used to. He just needs to face up to the consequences of his actions.
There we go then, athletes do not deserve special treatment. This is just the way life is, its tough. Life wasn’t made to be easy. We learn from the things that break us, and they eventually make us. A little bump along the way of our windy road makes us the people we become in the future. We all have good in us, but since we weren’t born perfect, sometimes the good in us takes a little while to show itself. That’s why the mistakes we make change us. They make us stronger, and the good that’s in us, begins to show a little more each time.
A person’s social status should not affect the punishment they receive for breaking the law. If an athlete is caught with illegal narcotics or is pulled over for D.U.I, they should receive the same treatment as any other normal citizen. They should not be treated as an exception for being famous. On the other hand, however, they also shouldn’t be charged more harshly than anyone else for the same reason.
Athletes are people just like you or me. They live their lives the way they see fit and it isn’t right for the general public to have any say in what they do with it. When someone of normal social status is pulled over for a DUI or drug possession, there is protocol that is followed concerning what is to be done with them based on the severity of the offense in addition to their previous record, if any. The same should be done for an athlete in a similar situation. To put it in relative terms, if your neighbor goes to jail for a night and is fined $1,200 for the possession of marijuana, then the same should be done for your favorite baseball player.
On the subject of athletes being treated unfairly, as mentioned previously, that subject swings both ways. Take Michael Phelps for instance. This extraordinary athlete became famous over this past year’s Olympics by winning 8 medals for swimming, breaking numerous records along the way. Recently, however, his good image was tarnished by pictures surfacing from a party in which Phelps was undeniably partaking in the use of marijuana. Now, if Phelps were an ordinary person living in some random suburb in the United States with a small sedan and a golden retriever, Phelps would have been charged with possession and use of illegal narcotics. He would have been fined, gotten jail time, or community service. However, because Phelps is a well-known athlete and the media has blown his story up all over the internet, radio, and television, he is actually facing the possibility of losing his medals.
This is, quite honestly, an outrage. How is it fair for this man to be treated so harshly for something that wouldn’t cause too much trouble for the average American? Its true that he messed up and broke the law. It is also true that, as an American idol, he has brought disgrace upon himself. People no longer supporting Phelps is understandable, but not tearing apart everything he has worked so hard for. He needs to be treated like every other citizen of this nation.
If it isn’t enough that people are criticizing him world wide, he is also losing sponsors. This is somewhat understandable, as these sponsors don’t want their name associated with the activities done by Phelps, but after all of this, it is certainly enough punishment for what he did, especially since he has acknowledged that it was wrong.
All in all, it is fact that athletes should not be treated specially because of their social status. However, this should go in both directions. An athlete should not be given extra leeway or less just because they are in public eye. They should be treated equally and punished to the standards of the law, and the public and media should keep their opinions to themselves. Unless Michael Phelps can have a say in what happens to your neighbor when they are convicted of possession or D.U.I, then you needn’t have say in the consequences of his actions.
Professional athletes should be punished harshly when found in possession of drugs or when given a d.u.i. Many athletes are looked up to by many people. They need to be a good role model for the people that look up to them. Sometimes though I do believe there should be exceptions.
For example, if it is the professional athletes first time getting caught with the drugs or given a d.u.i., I think they should get cut some slack. Just give them a warning, everyone makes bad choices. If say you do not you’re a liar. One wrong decision should not ruin a person or person’s reputation. Like Michael Phelps, has he ever been caught with weed before? No, at least not to my knowledge. One mistake should not ruin his entire reputation.
On the other hand if they have been caught with the drugs or given a d.u.i. before, they obviously did not learn their lesson the first time. Therefore that person or person’s reputation should collapse. They obviously are not planning to change their ways. Some people use drugs that enhance their ability to play a game, this even the first time should be treated harshly that is cheating all the way around no matter which way you look at it.
Drugs can be very harmful to your body, even steroids. They build up muscles, but the consequences are much worse. So they get a boost now, but later on they are only hurting themselves. It is like that with any drug.
So in conclusion, I do believe professional athletes should be punished harshly when found in possession of drugs or when given a d.u.i. Sometimes though there are exceptions, such as if it is that person’s first time being caught. The athletes do need to be good role models and hopefully after their first time they will realize this, and they will not touch the substances again.
The question is should athletes have special treatment? Do you believe that these athletes are getting special treatment, or is it just the paparazzi blowing the things out of proportion making it look bigger than what it really is? Well, your guess is as good as mine because we don’t know; we only know what we see and what we hear.
Now, I have you thinking about this subject, which is good because that is what I want you to do. Well, I guess I have to tell you my opinion now right, in my opinion I do think that the law is bent some when it comes to famous athletes and your everyday average person. Not many of your famous people are sent to jail because they are always, somehow found innocent and not guilty, for example, say you have a rich athlete who has a D.U.I and he gets caught but yet the very next night you see that athlete playing in a game and not in jail where he should be, and then lets say you have your average everyday person who gets caught with a D.U.I and that person has to stay in jail for 24 hours.
As we all know Michael Phelps was caught smoking marijuana. I bet your wondering what his punishment was, well, he was suspended for three months and had to apologize to the public. Now you’re probably thinking that his punishment was fair and it was a pretty fair punishment considering that some athletes don’t even get that type of punishment, but yet at the same time it wasn’t fair because an everyday average person would be spending a little while in jail.
Now, while Michael Phelps got a pretty fair punishment not every athlete does get the punishment they deserve. But, it is not just athletes who don’t get fair punishment its actor, actresses, comedians, singers and etc. Paris Hilton has been caught with a D.U.I plenty of times and has not had a night in jail once.
Now I hope you understand my opinion on this subject and actually try to understand what this is actually about. Just about all the famous people get away with things that we as everyday people can’t get away with and we see it happen and yet there is nothing we can do but live our life from day to day
Athletes getting special treatment When athletes are caught with drugs they should be disciplined just like everyone else would. If an athlete is caught doing drugs or given a d.u.i. it becomes nation wide attention. Little kids look up to these people and they don’t know that what that person did was wrong, so they may follow in their footsteps. Everyone in the world should be treated equally even those people who are athletes.
When choosing to become a professional athlete you are saying that you want the attention from the world. People will look to you to be their role model. Being in the public eye is a very important thing because everything you do people will scrutinize. So if you are in the public eye you must always watch what you do. Kids that do not know any better will try to follow in your footsteps. Some people don’t take being a role model serious and that’s when they get into trouble.
Athletes do bad things like do drugs or get a dui and they get away with it. Expectations are set high for these people then they go and do something dumb. Like recently Michael Phelps was caught on camera smoking marijuana and at first it seemed like he might get away with it. He apologized for what he did and said he made a bad decision but you really can never tell if they really mean it. He lost a few of his endorsement deals and he has been suspended for 3 months, so he isn’t getting off easy. But, some athletes do get away with what they did, which really isn’t right.
The constitution says that all men are created equal, so when some athletes get punished for what they did and others not they are kind of contradicting themselves. Every athlete should be treated the same just like all people should be treated the same. It shouldn’t matter what team you are on or if you are considered to be the greatest Olympian of all time. People shouldn’t get any special treatment.
All men are created equal so no person should get treated better just because they are an athlete. We are all human and we will all make mistakes sometimes, but someone getting away with doing drugs or getting a d.u.i. just because of who they are is really wrong. People look to you to be their role model and you making these bad choices are wrong. If we are all equal then we should all get the same type of punishment.
Athletes should be treated like all other people when it comes to crime and punishment. Everybody should be treated equally, because that is the basis of our country. Everybody is equal, and everybody is the same. It should not matter whether or not you are wealthy or poor, famous or infamous, all people should be treated equally and fairly.
There always seems to be an exception to the rules when the person getting in trouble is a professional athlete. People who are just regular citizens usually end up in prison for the same things athletes do every single day. Everyday people would have been in jail for smoking “weed” while Michael Phelps had to make a public apology. I mean our whole country stands on the fact that all people should be treated equally, even that professional athlete.
All people should be treated equally according to the crime they commit. If I get prison time for drinking and driving so should a NBA superstar. There is absolutely no difference between me and any athlete out there. Sure they may be taller, stronger, more popular, and more wealthy, but the constitution tells me we are created equally.
To tell you the truth I am very aggravated at the fact that athletes get treated better than normal people. I get even more angry because they know they can do whatever they want and get away with their unjustifiable acts. I really wish our law enforcement would quit being pansies and do their job. They do not even have to do their job, but whatever they do, do it consistently.
Athletes should be treated like all other people. Their should never be an exception to the rules. People should all have the same punishment for the crime they commit no matter who you are. I also believe all law enforcement officers should do their jobs consistently. All people should be treated equally no matter how cool you are.
The question is should athletes have special treatment? Do you believe that these athletes are getting special treatment, or is it just the paparazzi blowing the things out of proportion making it look bigger than what it really is? Your guess is as good as mine because we don’t know; we only know what we see and what we hear.
Now, I have you thinking about this subject, which is good because that is what I want you to do. I guess I have to tell you my opinion now right, in my opinion I do think that the law is bent some when it comes to famous athletes and your everyday average person. Not many of your famous people are sent to jail because they are always, somehow found innocent and not guilty, for example, say you have a rich athlete who has a D.U.I and he gets caught but yet the very next night you see that athlete playing in a game and not in jail where he should be, and then lets say you have your average everyday person who gets caught with a D.U.I and that person has to stay in jail for 24 hours.
As we all know Michael Phelps was caught smoking marijuana. I bet your wondering what his punishment was, he was suspended for three months and had to apologize to the public. Now you’re probably thinking that his punishment was fair and it was a pretty fair punishment considering that some athletes don’t even get that type of punishment, but yet at the same time it wasn’t fair because an everyday average person would be spending a little while in jail.
Now, while Michael Phelps got a pretty fair punishment not every athlete does get the punishment they deserve. But, it is not just athletes who don’t get fair punishment its actor, actresses, comedians, singers and etc. Paris Hilton has been caught with a D.U.I plenty of times and has not had a night in jail once.
Now I hope you understand my opinion on this subject and actually try to understand what this is actually about. Just about all the famous people get away with things that we as everyday people can’t get away with and we see it happen and yet there is nothing we can do but live our life from day to day
Throughout life we were all told that everyone should be treated equally. To be treated equally you should not be judged on how wealthy you are your personal backgrounds, whether or not you are male or female, or being a professional athlete. However, have you ever thought about the punishment professionals athletes receive when found in possession of a drug or when given a d.u.i. One may say that professional athletes should be treated harshly. Basically, it tends to come back to the fact that everyone should be treated fairly. It goes to say that everyone mess up and if messing up cause you to be punished harshly then that is the position you will have to stand. Professional athletes should be punished at the same standard any other random person would be.
In today’s society most professional athletes who are found with drugs are let off the hook easily. They should be treated as any other given person would be. Professional athletes should be charged with every drug or d.u.i they come in contact with. Many would suggest that the person should not be treated harshly. This case may be because the person is famous.
Children today often look up to famous individuals, such as athletes, singers, and actresses. Their attitude, behavior, intelligence, etc. usually reflects that of their role model. These so called “role models” or “heroes” enjoy the attention and admiration from their young fans. However, most of them do not think about them before they go to a party and get completely wasted, or go out with a few close friends to smoke illegal substances or participate in other illegal actions. They don’t think about what could possibly happen in the approaching hours. Once they take place in these actions, the word travels and spreads like wildfire. All of the younger fans who look up to them for guidance see the articles in magazines and newspapers telling of their hero’s doings and form the idea in their head that maybe doing something along the lines of this will make them cool. A perfect example of this would be Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps. He has recently been accused of smoking marijuana. Little did he know that a night of fun with his friends would turn into a living nightmare. One mistake, just one, has scared his reputation permanently, and is now taking control of his sponsors, achievements, awards, etc. A common question being asked is,”Does he deserve all of this?” I believe he does deserve most of the criticism that is being hurled at him. He has hurt several of his admirers and he is not setting a good example for our youth. The hundreds, possibly thousands, of fans that once looked up to this professional swimmer are now losing interest at an increasing pace. All of these people have been hurt, not only emotionally, but also morally. They admired his accomplishments and publicly spoken words. They quoted him and took sudden interest in the sport of swimming. He inspired them to reach for their goals and work for their dreams of becoming as successful as he. Once the word had spread of his terrible decision, their spirits were crushed. Our youth is now finding it to be okay to participate in the use of drugs, such as marijuana. They think since such a famous and well-known individual takes interest in this substance, they should do the same. Thanks to the display of inappropriate behavior coming from our celebrities, our future generation is coming to an all time low. They are damaging their health and risking their lives, just to be considered “cool”.
Roberts, Rachel Mrs. Shehane English 10 9 February 2009 Roberts 1
Professional Treatment Professional athletes are treated differently and, maybe, about half of them deserve the treatment they get on a regular daily basis. Many people think they are so important because they are good at what they do. When you do a crime, you should half to pay the same punishment as everyone else. Half of them go out on the weekends, and don’t commit to their team. I am not saying they shouldn’t get some special treatment because, sure they are good at what they do, but when it comes to acting right, not a single one of them should get any slack. Some people think they are like little angels and do nothing wrong, but they are sadly mistaken. Athletes think they have so many people fooled but the truth of the fact is they don’t. Everyone knows they do the same things as other people do, but for some odd reason they get treated like royalty for it. Professional athletes should be setting examples for other people, because they are the ones getting looked upon. They are just the same with, drugs, alcohol, and other fads like many are doing. Athletes are committed to their teams and make promises to hold on to them. When they say they are committed to that team they are saying that they will act like it also. They respect their coaches, so they should be able to respect themselves. Doing hurtful things could tear apart the bond the team has. Being on a team is like trying to accomplish something, you got to work together to make it happen. Say you worked so hard to become the professional athlete you are, and you ruin it all on one night with your friends. Being with your friends should be fun don’t get me wrong but, it should be done in a respectful manner. If you work so hard for so long, you wouldn’t want to lose the accomplishment you have make in a matter of a few hours or a day. When you go to the party be the one who doesn’t drink and brings everyone home safely. I don’t think anything should be worth what you have so hard made to happen for yourself. So when it comes down to it this is what I think about treatment of professional athletes. Everyday it is seen how athletes get treated, and truthfully it is not right. You may think because they are so good at what they do they should be treated any different .Just like everyone else crimes are crimes any way you look at it.
Athlete’s Punishment
ReplyDeleteBy: Bryan Headley
When athletes are found in possession of drugs or are given a d.u.i. they should be treated with the same harsh punishment as any everyday average person. A lot of times athletes will be caught with drugs of some sort and they will be let off like nothing ever really happened. On the other hand, if a normal citizen were caught with an illegal substance they would probably be sentenced to jail for a period of time. This is not fair to every day people at all. So when athletes are found with drugs or given a d.u.i. they should also be punished with fair and harsh consequences.
In the past there have been many times where professional athletes have been let off by the law after being caught with drugs or given a d.u.i.
Like the time in 2009 when Michael Phelps was caught on camera with an illegal drug the only thing that happened to him was that he was suspended from swimming for a period of time. Phelps should have been put in sentenced to jail time just like any other everyday person. Another time was when Adam “Packman” Jones was not only in a fight in a strip club but was also caught with illegal substances. Yet again the only thing that happened to him was that he was suspended from playing football for a short time. This is not fair that athletes all over only get into a little bit of trouble when they are caught with drugs and given a d.u.i. They should always be severely punished just like the rest of us.
There are many reasons why athletes should be greatly punished for their wrong doing. One of the reasons is that only because they have all that money they should still be treated fairly. Many people are fans of these great athletes and this is another reason why they get off so easily. People should be treated fairly and equally, no matter where they are from, what they do, or even how much money they have.
Many people I know and even some of my family friends have been caught with drugs and given a d.u.i. and they have been granted very harsh and cruel punishment. Then I see all of these athletes on television from all over the country getting away with things that are the last thing any normal person would want to be caught with. Athletes shooting and killing people, being caught with drugs, and receiving a d.u.i. is not fair to many average people that get punished for these acts and even though they know it’s not right these people still get in trouble when athletes do not.
Athletes get away with these things on a regular basis and it has got to stop. They know what they are doing is wrong and they know that they could get in trouble for it, but for some reason they do it anyway. We as a nation need to bring these acts to an end and the only way we can do that is by punishing the athletes who disobey the law. I hope that this will and can help to make the athletes in our country better and healthier people and that those who use drugs and are given a d.u.i. will be punished greatly. This will make our country a better place and make professional athletes easier for people to look up to.
Giving athletes special treatment when found in the possession of drugs or when they are given a D.U.I. isn’t something I agree with entirely. They are human beings just as the rest of us are and they make mistakes just as we do, and for them to be given ‘special treatment’ when being punished isn’t fair. If any regular person from a suburb or city were to be caught in possession of an illegal drug, they would be charged. Though if a celebrity or athlete, even a musician, were to be caught, they would get some odd hours of community service and maybe a minimum charge, which is basically only a slap on the hand compared to how you or I would be treated.
ReplyDeleteIf the country is about fairness and equality, that is not the way to show it at all. Michael Phelps may have won a number of gold medals in the past Olympic Games, but just because he can swim fast doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to abide by the law. Lindsay Lohan may be a famous actress, though she shouldn’t be able to get by with an ugly mug shot as her only punishment. Paris Hilton is the only celebrity that I know of to actually own up to her mistakes and do time in a jail. She hated it, yes. But she faced up to what she had done and I have respect for her in that aspect, even if I may not like her as a person.
Take a little-known celebrity, one who may have fallen away from the fame and isn’t into the business anymore, put them in possession of a drug or give them a D.U.I. and watch what happens. Even if they may have been known for being that one kid on that one show in the past, they would probably be more likely to get charged than the well-known celebrities today. Lil’ Wayne for example, if he were to be caught with pot or another illegal drug, I could pretty much guarantee that he’d get away with it, just because he won Best Rap Album of the Year at the Grammy’s. But if my twenty-three year old brother were to have the same thing happen to him, I would be willing to bet that he would be charged in some way.
Another thing is that pot shouldn’t be thought of as such a harsh thing to deal with, not when alcohol has much more extensive consequences. If someone were to smoke pot, the most they could do would be to get the munchies and want to sleep a little while after they come down. But under the influence of alcohol, there would be worse things to consider, such as liver damage, and/or if that person were to drive while under the influence, lives could be lost. I’m not saying that pot couldn’t kill someone as well if used in excess, but alcohol just brings many more problems than the substance.
In conclusion, I would have to say no, that celebrities, athletes, musicians, what have you, should not be given special treatment if they are to break the law. Because like I have previously mentioned, they are humans and make mistakes just as we do. And they should be punished fairly, just as we are.
How harshly should professional athletes be treated when found in possession of a drug or when given a dui?
ReplyDeleteProfessional Athlete Punishment
A professional athlete is no different then an average person off the streets and should be punished just like any other civilian would be. Just because they may be famous for what they do, it doesn’t make them inferior to the law. They should be treated no better or no worse than a normal person would be because that’s not fair to that athlete or regular civilians. Professional athletes, on many occasions, have been released on account that they are famous and that’s just not right.
Professional athletes deserve to be treated like average Joe’s at all times when it evolves illegal substances and the law, no matter what. They are constantly getting themselves into more and more trouble each year with the law, and the paparazzi are consistently snapping photos of the actions that are taking place. It’s hard to have a completely private life when you are a famous athlete because people always want to be in your space and in your business when they shouldn’t be. Sometimes they just seem to crack under the pressure and fall victims of drugs and alcohol, which can be fatal.
When professional athletes are found with drugs or other illegal substances, it should be treated like any other routinely procedure and done no different than usual. Officers should act the same way they would if it was a crack head or a junky or just an average human being arrested for possession of whatever. Law enforcement should be done the same at all times with whoever the suspect may be.
Professional athletes should not be punished any different for their illegal actions because of their race or nationality either. If this is done it is a strong show of racism and the victim should report it at the local station. Just because the athlete may be black, white, purple, pink, or orange doesn’t mean that they should be treated any different from anybody else.
In conclusion, professional athletes may be famous and have glamorous lives, but it all can come crashing down do to all the pressure and various other reasons. Just because they are famous t6hey should be treated as any other human being would be.
Professional Athletes
ReplyDeleteWhen athletes get caught with drugs they should be persecuted just like every
other citizen. They are American citizens so they should be treated like every other
person. The professional athletes should hold themselves on a higher ground because they do represent their families and the United States in public. Although, they shouldn’t think are above the law because they can be sent to jail just as fast as any other citizen. Being healthy is very important for athletes and doing drugs does not help them.
Just because professional athletes are held on a higher ground they should still be persecuted like all of the other citizens in the United States. We all have the same rights and we should all be persecuted the same way. If a professional athlete doesn’t get charged for illegal drug withholding then neither should anyone else. Professional athletes are not “too big” for the law, even if they think they are. Just because they are professional they shouldn’t get off as easy as they do.
Being a professional athlete you should know to hold yourself higher than the average person. People are watching you all day, everyday. You are representing the United States for the whole world to see what happens in America. When people watch the news they expect to see good people representing the United States in the things we do. Little children look up to professional athletes, they should be honored that some want to be like them one day, and have enough respect to represent themselves well.
Professional athletes are very important in the United States and they need to be as healthy as possible. Doing drugs does not help an athlete stay healthy. If anything drugs bring an athlete down. It narrows their train of thought and immune system. Drugs could very well cause cancer also. That’s the last thing an athlete needs to worry about.
Just like any other citizen a professional athlete should be prosecuted the same. They are citizens themselves and should be treated like one. Professional athletes should respect themselves because if anybody they deserve to be where they are. Staying clean from drugs should be one of their top priorities. Athletes can't just do whatever they like because people are always watching them somewhere.
Professional athletes should be punished as harshly as any other person in our society for having a dui or being in possession of an illegal drug. Athletes in some aspects should be held to a higher standard then any average person. Professional athletes do represent our country sports wise. For example if you have a normal person caught smoking an illegal substance and someone famous gets caught doing the exact same thing, the famous person is much more likely to get out of harsh charges. Athletes should be held to a higher standard and maybe even punished more because; after all, they do represent our country.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason athletes think they can do whatever they like because, they have more money and fame. I think I can speak for all average people when I say that no, you are not better then the rest of us. Now understandably people do mess up and make mistakes, whether you are famous or an average person. I am not saying that every professional athlete goes around doing whatever they want because, they think they can. For example there are some professional athletes that were at the wrong party doing the wrong thing at the wrong time when the wrong person had a camera.
Also drugs are not good for your body. If you are playing sports doing drugs should be the last thing you do. There have been numerous professional athletes who use drugs. Sure, all of the athletes do not get caught, but many think they are too good for the law because, previous athletes have broken the law and gotten away with no punishment. Athletes are the same as any of us.
Most athletes were born in this country just like the rest of us. They should obey the rules like everyone. Many athletes are role models for young people. If young people see in the news athletes doing bad things and getting away they just might try it themselves. I really do not think the athletes would want go to sleep at night knowing they are part of the reason young people begin doing bad things. Their influence on the younger people could even cause death to many of the young people.
Athletes should be charged just as much as any regular person would be. I believe role models should even be held to a higher standard. Many should not have the attitude of I can do whatever I like because, that really isn’t fair to everyone else. After all if you take away the fame, money, and uniform you are the same as the rest of the world.
The Prosecution of Athletes
ReplyDeleteProfessional athletes should be prosecuted as if they just as everyone else, but instead they can get away with. If an average Joe is caught with an illegal substance he is put in jail for a certain amount of time. If a professional athlete is caught with an illegal substance he may have to stay over night. What has our society come to? If some one has a pretty face and money they can just break that law like nobody’s business. No, they should be punished just like any one else.
Professional athletes are not prosecuted like every one else. Let’s say Athlete X is caught drinking and driving in his home town. Police Man Y is not going to give the town hero a d.u.i. A few minuets later Dr. Z is pulled over and has also been drinking. Police Man Y takes Dr. Z to the station were Dr. Z stays the night and is prosecuted. The sad thing we all know that this is what would happen in this situation. Professional athletes deserve to go to jail if they are breaking the law.
People, especially children, look at professional athletes as role model. A role model should not be using drugs and if they are people shouldn’t be taught that you can talk your way out of the law. The new generation is being taught that you do what ever you like and get a way with it. Athlete should take their punishment to show that if you make a mistake, you have to live with the consequences.
Professional athletes should also be more harshly punished for their health. When they are punished is not an enjoyable experience. Eventually they will learn that their wrong actions are unacceptable. This will improve their health and make the game better.
We are all aware that professional athletes are not s harshly persecuted as the rest of society. If they were law enforces could be more honest. Role models would be what a true role model is. The health of the athletes would improve. Athletes should be punished as if they were just another person.
They need to be treated like normal people. They act like fools. Here is one explain of a really good reason.
ReplyDeleteAmericans still hold Kobe Bryant in high regard even though he was accused of committing a heinous crime. Kobe Bryant is a basketball star, maybe one of the best basketball players ever, but he is not above the law. He may have raped a girl. I hope he is as aggressively pursued in the courts as any other alleged rapist. He does not deserve any preferential treatment. As far as I know, he lives in America and no court in this country should give him any "lee-way" or the "benefit of the doubt." If a little girl you knew was raped, would you want the person accused of raping that girl to have any special treatment like he is some god? I sure don't.
Should athletes have special treatment. Absolutely no, because the law applies to everyone, in which no one person's actions are excused from the laws. Professional athletes should not receive special treatment when caught executing such outrageous behavior. We are all human beings governed under one basic principle set by our forefathers to ensure peace throughout the nation. If we allow one group of people to receive unequal treatment then we are no better than the kings that our forefathers sought to rid us of.
ReplyDeleteProfessionals of any sport do not deserve special treatment, because they are not above the law. When we look at them, we sometimes place them above the law, mostly because they entertain us. We do not wish to lose that entertainment and self-esteem for them and the sport they participate in. Some may view my words as harsh because they hold a team on high regard and wish that they not lose by any means. My response to that reply is are you willing to kill for just one win?
We are governed under one basic principle to ensure equal and fair punishment for those who seek to destroy our society. To allow unequal treatment is to allow favoritism in law, this in itself would create an uneven balance in society and leave a sense of unimportance to others. Therefore, it would breakdown the very society that our forefathers payed in blood to build into this wonderful nation.
Athletes do not deserve special treatment when found in possession of drugs or caught with a D.U.I. They have done wrong therefore deserve the same treatment as everyone else being caught. They should have to go to jail for the night if they are caught more than once. They deserve more punishment than what they are getting. It is unfair for the common man to not get punished equally for the same crimes. They also should not get punished more severely than the common man either, however.
ReplyDeleteIt is common for celebrities’ mistakes to be blown up into the media. However, this does not give them the right to do anything they want and not expect to be punished for their actions. They should be given the same punishment as everyone else, in the sense that, if they do not get the same punishment as us, they will not learn from their mistakes and they will do it again. For example, Paris Hilton has been pulled over for D.U.I more than once, and at least once, she was not charged for the fact that she is rich, famous, and “beautiful”.
For example, Michael Phelps, last weekend was caught smoking pot at a party. Some people say that they should take some of his medals away because some people think that if he uses a drug that impairs his ability, then he would be willing to take a drug to enhance it, therefore, making them invalid. However, this must not be true because to be in the Olympics, you must go through a drug screening test. Also, since Michael Phelps broke all of those records, then they must have thought that he took drugs to make all of the records, making this accusation false.
I believe that celebrities should be punished as severely as the common man; however, they should not be more punished than them either. How would you feel if the authorities came up to you and stated “you have more money and you screwed up, so we are going to fine you more than the regular person because we know you can pay it,” that would be totally unfair right? I believe the famous people of today think the same thing. This is why I believe that, even though they should be fined, not more than the average person.
In conclusion, either way, you should be fined for anything that you did wrong. Celebrities should especially not do illegal things because the public will find out and if you are not punished enough, they will believe otherwise. They also will think of you as a different person after the news gets out. Celebrities should get fined as much as the common man, but not more than the average person either. This is unfair if otherwise.
Professional athletes, in any scenario, should not receive special treatment. Although they are some of the worlds most athletic, they should not receive special treatment when found in the possession of drugs or D.U.I.
ReplyDeleteIf an athlete is found with possession of drugs, he or she should be treated like every other civilian. Any person, who is found with drugs or D.U.I., should be punished even if they are athletes, actors, or just regular civilians. Being an athlete does not make them special in any way. If an athlete wants to throw all that they have worked for down the drain, that’s his or her own choice.
Some may say that, “They just made a bad choice, cut them a break.” Well, what about the next athlete that comes along? Will you let them a break? It all rolls down hill as soon as you give one a break. In the case with Michael Phelps, he knew what he was doing when he decided to do drugs, and he should be rightfully punished. If the people of America decide to let Michael go, he won’t learn from his mistake. He could easily do it again. How many times are you willing to cut an athlete a break before soon, all you can do is cut them a break.
In any case, the term “drug” is illegal. It’s not like over the counter medicine, it is a drug and athletes should not have special permission when found with them. Also when an athlete is found D.U.I., they aren’t an athlete anymore, they are intoxicated. When an officer of law finds an athlete in possession of drugs or D.U.I., that officer needs to be saying “You’re under arrest, stranger!” not “Hey, great game last Friday!”
Being an athlete doesn’t give them special treatment to be able to skip on the punishments of what they have done. Athletes deserve the same treatment as everyone else, and that’s why we have those laws, to stop unlawful acts, athletes or not.
How harshly should professional athletes be treated when found in possession of a drug or when given a d.u.i.?
ReplyDeleteEveryone is human. We all make mistakes, and we all try to learn from them. The fact is, making mistakes in just in our blood. Nobody can be perfect. We weren’t born to be completely perfect and kind and loving every single minute of our lives. I’m sure that athletes and celebrities are always under tremendous pressure to always do the right thing and set a high standard to the people who look up to them. They are always in the spotlight. When you are always being followed and sought for by everyone around you, it’s pretty hard to monitor every single thing you do, because those mistakes you make at the moment affect your future.
I’m going to be completely honest. I feel for Michael Phelps, but he deserves to be punished just like the rest of the people who do drugs do. He is just as guilty. Even though he has a few more trophies then most of us do, doesn’t mean he gets a special treatment. The same goes with other celebrities too, For example, Martha Stewart is a famous homemaker. She has really done a lot for herself over the years and has given herself a very clean and good name. She became very successful with her cookbooks, and home décor. Unfortunately, Martha got involved with some things in the stock market. She heard from someone that her stocks were going down. She was scared of losing her money, so she traded her stocks. Sorry, but that is illegal. Martha did the right thing. She respectfully admitted to the crime she had committed and served her sentence like any other person who broke the law would.
The truth is, that does not mean they are bad people. They messed up. We all do, but that’s what happens when you make mistakes, you face the consequences. Sadly the consequences may not turn out exactly how you want them too, but that’s the only way people learn. I can promise you that if those people knew the consequences of their actions, they would have never committed them in the first place. Michael is a good guy. But he made a mistake. He had a lot going for him too. I must say it’s sad to someone with such a good reputation just flush all down the drain. He can come back from this though. Many people have. Martha Stewart is back in her usual environment just like she used to. He just needs to face up to the consequences of his actions.
There we go then, athletes do not deserve special treatment. This is just the way life is, its tough. Life wasn’t made to be easy. We learn from the things that break us, and they eventually make us. A little bump along the way of our windy road makes us the people we become in the future. We all have good in us, but since we weren’t born perfect, sometimes the good in us takes a little while to show itself. That’s why the mistakes we make change us. They make us stronger, and the good that’s in us, begins to show a little more each time.
A person’s social status should not affect the punishment they receive for breaking the law. If an athlete is caught with illegal narcotics or is pulled over for D.U.I, they should receive the same treatment as any other normal citizen. They should not be treated as an exception for being famous. On the other hand, however, they also shouldn’t be charged more harshly than anyone else for the same reason.
ReplyDeleteAthletes are people just like you or me. They live their lives the way they see fit and it isn’t right for the general public to have any say in what they do with it. When someone of normal social status is pulled over for a DUI or drug possession, there is protocol that is followed concerning what is to be done with them based on the severity of the offense in addition to their previous record, if any. The same should be done for an athlete in a similar situation. To put it in relative terms, if your neighbor goes to jail for a night and is fined $1,200 for the possession of marijuana, then the same should be done for your favorite baseball player.
On the subject of athletes being treated unfairly, as mentioned previously, that subject swings both ways. Take Michael Phelps for instance. This extraordinary athlete became famous over this past year’s Olympics by winning 8 medals for swimming, breaking numerous records along the way. Recently, however, his good image was tarnished by pictures surfacing from a party in which Phelps was undeniably partaking in the use of marijuana. Now, if Phelps were an ordinary person living in some random suburb in the United States with a small sedan and a golden retriever, Phelps would have been charged with possession and use of illegal narcotics. He would have been fined, gotten jail time, or community service. However, because Phelps is a well-known athlete and the media has blown his story up all over the internet, radio, and television, he is actually facing the possibility of losing his medals.
This is, quite honestly, an outrage. How is it fair for this man to be treated so harshly for something that wouldn’t cause too much trouble for the average American? Its true that he messed up and broke the law. It is also true that, as an American idol, he has brought disgrace upon himself. People no longer supporting Phelps is understandable, but not tearing apart everything he has worked so hard for. He needs to be treated like every other citizen of this nation.
If it isn’t enough that people are criticizing him world wide, he is also losing sponsors. This is somewhat understandable, as these sponsors don’t want their name associated with the activities done by Phelps, but after all of this, it is certainly enough punishment for what he did, especially since he has acknowledged that it was wrong.
All in all, it is fact that athletes should not be treated specially because of their social status. However, this should go in both directions. An athlete should not be given extra leeway or less just because they are in public eye. They should be treated equally and punished to the standards of the law, and the public and media should keep their opinions to themselves. Unless Michael Phelps can have a say in what happens to your neighbor when they are convicted of possession or D.U.I, then you needn’t have say in the consequences of his actions.
Professional athletes should be punished harshly when found in possession of drugs or when given a d.u.i. Many athletes are looked up to by many people. They need to be a good role model for the people that look up to them. Sometimes though I do believe there should be exceptions.
ReplyDeleteFor example, if it is the professional athletes first time getting caught with the drugs or given a d.u.i., I think they should get cut some slack. Just give them a warning, everyone makes bad choices. If say you do not you’re a liar. One wrong decision should not ruin a person or person’s reputation. Like Michael Phelps, has he ever been caught with weed before? No, at least not to my knowledge. One mistake should not ruin his entire reputation.
On the other hand if they have been caught with the drugs or given a d.u.i. before, they obviously did not learn their lesson the first time. Therefore that person or person’s reputation should collapse. They obviously are not planning to change their ways. Some people use drugs that enhance their ability to play a game, this even the first time should be treated harshly that is cheating all the way around no matter which way you look at it.
Drugs can be very harmful to your body, even steroids. They build up muscles, but the consequences are much worse. So they get a boost now, but later on they are only hurting themselves. It is like that with any drug.
So in conclusion, I do believe professional athletes should be punished harshly when found in possession of drugs or when given a d.u.i. Sometimes though there are exceptions, such as if it is that person’s first time being caught. The athletes do need to be good role models and hopefully after their first time they will realize this, and they will not touch the substances again.
Should Athletes Get Special Treatment
ReplyDeleteThe question is should athletes have special treatment? Do you believe that these athletes are getting special treatment, or is it just the paparazzi blowing the things out of proportion making it look bigger than what it really is? Well, your guess is as good as mine because we don’t know; we only know what we see and what we hear.
Now, I have you thinking about this subject, which is good because that is what I want you to do. Well, I guess I have to tell you my opinion now right, in my opinion I do think that the law is bent some when it comes to famous athletes and your everyday average person. Not many of your famous people are sent to jail because they are always, somehow found innocent and not guilty, for example, say you have a rich athlete who has a D.U.I and he gets caught but yet the very next night you see that athlete playing in a game and not in jail where he should be, and then lets say you have your average everyday person who gets caught with a D.U.I and that person has to stay in jail for 24 hours.
As we all know Michael Phelps was caught smoking marijuana. I bet your wondering what his punishment was, well, he was suspended for three months and had to apologize to the public. Now you’re probably thinking that his punishment was fair and it was a pretty fair punishment considering that some athletes don’t even get that type of punishment, but yet at the same time it wasn’t fair because an everyday average person would be spending a little while in jail.
Now, while Michael Phelps got a pretty fair punishment not every athlete does get the punishment they deserve. But, it is not just athletes who don’t get fair punishment its actor, actresses, comedians, singers and etc. Paris Hilton has been caught with a D.U.I plenty of times and has not had a night in jail once.
Now I hope you understand my opinion on this subject and actually try to understand what this is actually about. Just about all the famous people get away with things that we as everyday people can’t get away with and we see it happen and yet there is nothing we can do but live our life from day to day
Athletes getting special treatment
ReplyDeleteWhen athletes are caught with drugs they should be disciplined just like everyone else would. If an athlete is caught doing drugs or given a d.u.i. it becomes nation wide attention. Little kids look up to these people and they don’t know that what that person did was wrong, so they may follow in their footsteps. Everyone in the world should be treated equally even those people who are athletes.
When choosing to become a professional athlete you are saying that you want the attention from the world. People will look to you to be their role model. Being in the public eye is a very important thing because everything you do people will scrutinize. So if you are in the public eye you must always watch what you do. Kids that do not know any better will try to follow in your footsteps. Some people don’t take being a role model serious and that’s when they get into trouble.
Athletes do bad things like do drugs or get a dui and they get away with it. Expectations are set high for these people then they go and do something dumb. Like recently Michael Phelps was caught on camera smoking marijuana and at first it seemed like he might get away with it. He apologized for what he did and said he made a bad decision but you really can never tell if they really mean it. He lost a few of his endorsement deals and he has been suspended for 3 months, so he isn’t getting off easy. But, some athletes do get away with what they did, which really isn’t right.
The constitution says that all men are created equal, so when some athletes get punished for what they did and others not they are kind of contradicting themselves. Every athlete should be treated the same just like all people should be treated the same. It shouldn’t matter what team you are on or if you are considered to be the greatest Olympian of all time. People shouldn’t get any special treatment.
All men are created equal so no person should get treated better just because they are an athlete. We are all human and we will all make mistakes sometimes, but someone getting away with doing drugs or getting a d.u.i. just because of who they are is really wrong. People look to you to be their role model and you making these bad choices are wrong. If we are all equal then we should all get the same type of punishment.
Athletes in Trouble
ReplyDeleteAthletes should be treated like all other people when it comes to crime and punishment. Everybody should be treated equally, because that is the basis of our country. Everybody is equal, and everybody is the same. It should not matter whether or not you are wealthy or poor, famous or infamous, all people should be treated equally and fairly.
There always seems to be an exception to the rules when the person getting in trouble is a professional athlete. People who are just regular citizens usually end up in prison for the same things athletes do every single day. Everyday people would have been in jail for smoking “weed” while Michael Phelps had to make a public apology. I mean our whole country stands on the fact that all people should be treated equally, even that professional athlete.
All people should be treated equally according to the crime they commit. If I get prison time for drinking and driving so should a NBA superstar. There is absolutely no difference between me and any athlete out there. Sure they may be taller, stronger, more popular, and more wealthy, but the constitution tells me we are created equally.
To tell you the truth I am very aggravated at the fact that athletes get treated better than normal people. I get even more angry because they know they can do whatever they want and get away with their unjustifiable acts. I really wish our law enforcement would quit being pansies and do their job. They do not even have to do their job, but whatever they do, do it consistently.
Athletes should be treated like all other people. Their should never be an exception to the rules. People should all have the same punishment for the crime they commit no matter who you are. I also believe all law enforcement officers should do their jobs consistently. All people should be treated equally no matter how cool you are.
Should Athletes Get Special Treatment?
ReplyDeleteThe question is should athletes have special treatment? Do you believe that these athletes are getting special treatment, or is it just the paparazzi blowing the things out of proportion making it look bigger than what it really is? Your guess is as good as mine because we don’t know; we only know what we see and what we hear.
Now, I have you thinking about this subject, which is good because that is what I want you to do. I guess I have to tell you my opinion now right, in my opinion I do think that the law is bent some when it comes to famous athletes and your everyday average person. Not many of your famous people are sent to jail because they are always, somehow found innocent and not guilty, for example, say you have a rich athlete who has a D.U.I and he gets caught but yet the very next night you see that athlete playing in a game and not in jail where he should be, and then lets say you have your average everyday person who gets caught with a D.U.I and that person has to stay in jail for 24 hours.
As we all know Michael Phelps was caught smoking marijuana. I bet your wondering what his punishment was, he was suspended for three months and had to apologize to the public. Now you’re probably thinking that his punishment was fair and it was a pretty fair punishment considering that some athletes don’t even get that type of punishment, but yet at the same time it wasn’t fair because an everyday average person would be spending a little while in jail.
Now, while Michael Phelps got a pretty fair punishment not every athlete does get the punishment they deserve. But, it is not just athletes who don’t get fair punishment its actor, actresses, comedians, singers and etc. Paris Hilton has been caught with a D.U.I plenty of times and has not had a night in jail once.
Now I hope you understand my opinion on this subject and actually try to understand what this is actually about. Just about all the famous people get away with things that we as everyday people can’t get away with and we see it happen and yet there is nothing we can do but live our life from day to day
Throughout life we were all told that everyone should be treated equally.
ReplyDeleteTo be treated equally you should not be judged on how wealthy you are your personal backgrounds, whether or not you are male or female, or being a professional athlete. However, have you ever thought about the punishment professionals athletes receive when found in possession of a drug or when given a d.u.i. One may say that professional athletes should be treated harshly. Basically, it tends to come back to the fact that everyone should be treated fairly. It goes to say that everyone mess up and if messing up cause you to be punished harshly then that is the position you will have to stand. Professional athletes should be punished at the same standard any other random person would be.
In today’s society most professional athletes who are found with drugs are let off the hook easily. They should be treated as any other given person would be. Professional athletes should be charged with every drug or d.u.i they come in contact with. Many would suggest that the person should not be treated harshly. This case may be because the person is famous.
Children today often look up to famous individuals, such as athletes, singers, and actresses. Their attitude, behavior, intelligence, etc. usually reflects that of their role model. These so called “role models” or “heroes” enjoy the attention and admiration from their young fans. However, most of them do not think about them before they go to a party and get completely wasted, or go out with a few close friends to smoke illegal substances or participate in other illegal actions. They don’t think about what could possibly happen in the approaching hours. Once they take place in these actions, the word travels and spreads like wildfire. All of the younger fans who look up to them for guidance see the articles in magazines and newspapers telling of their hero’s doings and form the idea in their head that maybe doing something along the lines of this will make them cool.
ReplyDeleteA perfect example of this would be Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps. He has recently been accused of smoking marijuana. Little did he know that a night of fun with his friends would turn into a living nightmare. One mistake, just one, has scared his reputation permanently, and is now taking control of his sponsors, achievements, awards, etc. A common question being asked is,”Does he deserve all of this?” I believe he does deserve most of the criticism that is being hurled at him. He has hurt several of his admirers and he is not setting a good example for our youth.
The hundreds, possibly thousands, of fans that once looked up to this professional swimmer are now losing interest at an increasing pace. All of these people have been hurt, not only emotionally, but also morally. They admired his accomplishments and publicly spoken words. They quoted him and took sudden interest in the sport of swimming. He inspired them to reach for their goals and work for their dreams of becoming as successful as he. Once the word had spread of his terrible decision, their spirits were crushed.
Our youth is now finding it to be okay to participate in the use of drugs, such as marijuana. They think since such a famous and well-known individual takes interest in this substance, they should do the same. Thanks to the display of inappropriate behavior coming from our celebrities, our future generation is coming to an all time low. They are damaging their health and risking their lives, just to be considered “cool”.
Roberts, Rachel
ReplyDeleteMrs. Shehane
English 10
9 February 2009
Roberts 1
Professional Treatment
Professional athletes are treated differently and, maybe, about half of them deserve the treatment they get on a regular daily basis. Many people think they are so important because they are good at what they do. When you do a crime, you should half to pay the same punishment as everyone else. Half of them go out on the weekends, and don’t commit to their team. I am not saying they shouldn’t get some special treatment because, sure they are good at what they do, but when it comes to acting right, not a single one of them should get any slack.
Some people think they are like little angels and do nothing wrong, but they are sadly mistaken. Athletes think they have so many people fooled but the truth of the fact is they don’t. Everyone knows they do the same things as other people do, but for some odd reason they get treated like royalty for it. Professional athletes should be setting examples for other people, because they are the ones getting looked upon. They are just the same with, drugs, alcohol, and other fads like many are doing.
Athletes are committed to their teams and make promises to hold on to them. When they say they are committed to that team they are saying that they will act like it also. They respect their coaches, so they should be able to respect themselves. Doing hurtful things could tear apart the bond the team has. Being on a team is like trying to accomplish something, you got to work together to make it happen.
Say you worked so hard to become the professional athlete you are, and you ruin it all on one night with your friends. Being with your friends should be fun don’t get me wrong but, it should be done in a respectful manner. If you work so hard for so long, you wouldn’t want to lose the accomplishment you have make in a matter of a few hours or a day. When you go to the party be the one who doesn’t drink and brings everyone home safely. I don’t think anything should be worth what you have so hard made to happen for yourself.
So when it comes down to it this is what I think about treatment of professional athletes. Everyday it is seen how athletes get treated, and truthfully it is not right. You may think because they are so good at what they do they should be treated any different .Just like everyone else crimes are crimes any way you look at it.