I don’t think it’s such a problem to idolize someone who works hard and perfects his craft and you realize the value of what hard work, talent and refining your craft has brought that person
It only becomes a problem when they become more than that, when they become a brand, when they become put into cult status while still activiely playing its only going to put too much pressure on the player or it goes to their head and they lose track of what got them their in the first place
Also putting this players under that kinda pressure isn’t for everyone they are still human and if you’re not mentally strong it can easily break you! How many sports stars have we seen fall down the path towards glory and end up broke or with a substance abuse problem, the celebrity status we give sports stars can quickly become toxic
This is such a great point and well stated. Athletes don’t ask to be heroes. They grow up wanting to be great at their sports but they don’t ask to be someone’s role model or idol. This responsibility is thrust on them by media and fans. Then we beat them down when they make mistakes. I am so glad for your comment. Their are many sides to this issue.
Oh I completely agree and yes they get paid a lot of money but it doesn’t mKe them any less human their careers are short and they literally putting their body on the line each week for our entertainment so I think they do deserve a fair compensation if you retired at say 35 you still have 50 years to live off that money raise a family and all that life brings post career! Not every player gets a coaching or media role afterwards
Look we all have a bad day, yes you a proffesional and yes the fans can criticize you if you played badly or did something silly that’s fine but the way the media and fans rip into atheletes these days it’s almost sickening!