Are Fans and NFL teams too demanding of players?

[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

So you don't see anything wrong with doing something detrimental to your career in your free time? I'm not saying stop riding the bike, but at least wear a helmet.

Not at all. It's a choice that he made and without a doubt he was aware of the potential consequences. If Ben was all about football and playing for the Steelers he wouldn't have been on the motorcycle. His career is not as important to him as having a good time and enjoying himself. That's not the same as saying his career is not important. As far as his financial future, he will always have money, unless he's into heavy gambling or major substance abuse. If he's the free spirit that I think he is, nothing holds him back from doing the activiites that he wants to do. Ten years from now he may regret riding that motorcycle but right now he did what he felt like doing. Good for him.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

If he's the free spirit that I think he is, nothing holds him back from doing the activiites that he wants to do. Ten years from now he may regret riding that motorcycle but right now he did what he felt like doing. Good for him.

Can't you say the same thing for Ricky Williams and a ton of other atheletes who have thrown away their careers for drugs/alcohol/gambling/whatever? In the history of professional sports there are probably hundreds, if not more, of potentially great atheletes who have thrown away all their potential because they didn't want to be held back from doing the things they wanted to do.

[724Skinsfan]

I would say the same thing for any professional sports athlete, including Ricky Williams. I'm going to lunch but I'll comment further later on.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

I would say the same thing for any professional sports athlete, including Ricky Williams. I'm going to lunch but I'll comment further later on.

I all these players are, when it all comes down to it, people who should be free to make their own decisions, but I just feel like someone like Ben or Ricky should really think about the responsibility that comes with their huge contracts. They should realize that they are being paid these outrageous sums of money because they are expected to be able to perform at a certain level. From all accounts, it seems like Ben was asked repeatedly to stop riding, or at the very least to wear a helmet, because of the risks involved.

I just feel like he has a responsiblity to his team to try and avoid off-field activities that could result in on-field problems.

[724Skinsfan]

I don't think Ben has to take the responsibility to act in such a way that he minimizes his chances for off-field injuries just for the sake of the Steelers and its fan base. He seems to be a nice guy who is going to enjoy himself while it lasts. Unfortunately for him he got a reality check a little earlier than I'll bet he expected.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

I don't think Ben has to take the responsibility to act in such a way that he minimizes his chances for off-field injuries just for the sake of the Steelers and its fan base. He seems to be a nice guy who is going to enjoy himself while it lasts. Unfortunately for him he got a reality check a little earlier than I'll bet he expected.

So, he has no responsibility to try to live up to his contract? I feel like he's really lucky that his agent was able to keep some kind off the field injury clause out of his contract, especially since they didn't want him riding in the first place.

[724Skinsfan]

He does try to live up to his contract to a certain degree but he's not required to seal himself up in a huge plastic bubble until football season. You will hard pressed to find an athlete that doesn't do something that could be considered dangerous.

By the way, I thought I read somewhere that he does have a clause in his contract that allows the Steelers organization to attempt to recoup some money. Given Ben's super-status, it's doubtful the team will persue this though.