Only four NFL teams are left in this year's race for the Lombardi Trophy, so more and more attention and hype are being given to draft prospects. Many talented and aspiring college football players, knowing that the nation's eyes are on them and that career opportunities and large paychecks are within reach, do their best to play hard and at least appear to be people of integrity, so professional football teams (and their future employer) won't be hindered by their off-the-field issues.
Over the years, we've seen a variety of unorthodox and unethical ways that both college and professional football teams have built themselves and their W-L records (e.g. SMU's recruiting scandal of the 1980's, the New England Patriots' illegal videotaping, the New Orleans Saints' "Bountygate"), but this story is something else. And it could only happen in our world of massive social media.
Yesterday, it was reported that the inspiring and captivating story of Notre Dame LB (and future NFL Draft first-round pick) Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend was a hoax. It's amazing how much the media was duped.
There's more information coming, mainly begging the question of whether Manti Te'o was a victim or a perpetrator. So, either he was duped or he's lying. Either option could jeopardize his draft status.
Let's remember to always be seekers of truth, not kitsch, and maintain ethics in our endeavors, not shortcuts. It's getting a bit spooky how much deception there is in this kitsch-loving, subjective, social-media-saturated world.
No comments:
Post a Comment