Why oh why do they cheat or lie?

I sit around lately. OK, no I’m not usually sitting. Truthfully, I’m hiking, running, skating, or walking when I think most of the time. Why don’t athletes spend more time being people of high morals or character? Why isn’t there more focus put into their training regime at all levels, high school, college, and professional; on integrity, honesty, health and reputation?

Is winning and making huge money more important than the kind of person we become? More important than the image we portray? More important than our CHARACTER?

Bill Belichick (right) and the Patriots haven’t been back to the White House since the league caught them videotaping opponent practices. By Eric Draper [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Lance Armstrong

Pete Rose

Barry Bonds

Tonya Harding

Alex Rodriguez

Manti Te’o

Chinese gymnasts

Bill Belichick

Tim Donaghy

Ben Johnson

John Calipari

Rosie Ruiz

Danny Almonte

Donald Crowhurst…

These are the first that come to mind. But, it’s not about those folks specifically, it’s about what we’re teaching our young people. I’m not a parent or an educator. But, I give a crap about what our children become and how our world will look to them later.

If we gave less attention to unintelligent people who’ll do ANYTHING to get ahead and more on the ones that teach our children life lessons about truth, honesty, character and respect, wouldn’t our world be that much better? Maybe it sounds Pollyanna, or too idealistic. You may say I’m dreaming. But, but, but, I’d rather live this way, without desperation for success.

Cheating, lying, or hurting others should NEVER have a reward or payoff. I’m afraid for our world when we give so much attention to the negative, the crime, the dark. Where did we go wrong when we started worshipping the winners only or the richest only or the “best” only, the Hiltons, Lohans, the Kar-somethings? Reality TV is poisoning our youth. The reality of our sports stars is poisoning our youth. Irresponsible TV and movies are poisoning our youth! When oh when will we stop the MADNESS???

C.J. Silas is the host of the C.J. Silas Show on ESPN Radio 1280 Wednesday nights at 7:00.