Sport and Character

Through competative sports, both team and individual, I have learned many useful skills far beyond the rules of the games. I have learned teamwork, discipline, dedication, sportsmanship. and hard-work to name a few. These character traits carry over from the athletic field into my everyday life, the same is true of many of my friends and teammates. There are certain values that one acquires through participating in sports which adds to their overall character.
I believe that the athletic community as well as the rest of society expects professional athletes to display not only talent within their expertise, but also the values and sportmanship that they may have learned through playing the sport. I personally respect athletes who are extremely talented and are upstanding citizens as well. In my opinion watching someone who demostrates sportsmanship and teamwork during a sporting event adds to the overall appeal of that player. On the other hand, those who show no values are somewhat tarnished in my eyes. When professional athletes, who are supposed to epitomize sport, display bad character and make poor decisions I often lose some respect for them. For example, recently Mike Vick has been a focal point of much scrutany for his practices and behavior. Regardless of the jail time he serves and if/when he returns to the league, I don't think that I will ever have as much respect as I used to for him as a player. I feel that this may be true for many of his fans as well.