Articles

Role models

Category: Sports Published on Wednesday, 06 June 2012 09:39 Written by Aubrey Bruce

“Role model: (noun), a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.” (Dictionary.com)

“Hood-i-verse: (noun), a place, usually in the Black part of town where down means up, where wet means dry and dead means alive. B). A dark place that is a stark contrast to the world of reality.”

Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft pick receiver Justin Blackmon was arrested on an aggravated DUI charge Sunday after authorities in Oklahoma said he had three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system. The former Oklahoma State star smelled of alcohol when an officer pulled him over shortly after 3 a.m., Stillwater police spokesman Capt. Randy Dickerson said.

Blackmon agreed to take a breathalyzer test and blew a .24 — three times the legal limit of .08, Dickerson said. Under Oklahoma law, a driver can be charged with aggravated driving under the influence when a test shows .15 or greater. The Jaguars drafted Blackmon with the fifth pick in this year's NFL draft in the hopes that he could upgrade the league's worst offense. Hey look, before he can upgrade anything; he must quit straddling the fence so he can be upgraded and retooled with the proper etiquette and social values.

Whatever happened to doing the right thing? Also, you me and the gatepost continues to have our eardrums pounded upon with ear splitting frequencies moaning about; “where have all the role models gone?” Well the last time that I checked, most of our young “American Idols” were too busy shooting themselves in the legs at various bling-bling establishments around the country. I keep saying when you are poor and young and finally get your hands on a little bit of dough you may become; “toe up from the flo up.” But you do not have to necessarily have to be young to exhibit high levels of arrogance, ignorance and stupidity.

Take the case of ex-Steelers great Hines Ward. On July 9, 2011, Ward was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Dekalb County, Georgia. Ward grew up in Georgia, went to school there and frequently spends time there during the offseason. The bloggers really had a field day with the part about Ward being arrested where he went to school. One blogger kingjoe1 said: “Oh no! Not Hines, he is the NFL that even the sweet old house wives can like. Given where it happened, I have a feeling someone is going to get a hometown discount on this charge. I am thinking procedural error.” Echoing what I have been saying for thirty one years, ny82jy says: “Wow, these guys just never get it. They have all the money in the world and the feel the need to risk their lives and other peoples’ lives by getting behind the wheel while drunk. Sorry no sympathy for you Ward. Get a driver!!”

Let me get my two cents in here. This could not have been the Hines Ward that we all know and love as the ultimate “smiley” face. Ward has almost always been considered to be Mr. Role Model himself.

Whether it is loose women, fast cars, too much Moet, too little firearms training, a lack in home training or just all of the above all of our youth from all ages past, present and future must firmly grasp the concept of wealth+morality=success. Nothing can be guaranteed but a young person has a decent shot at positive and sustained growth if they will at least attempt to stick to the aforementioned formula.

This next example is for all of you that are twenty five years old and under. Defensive tackle Adrian Gabriel "Señor Sack" Rivera played with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a single season in 1983. A graduate of Texas Tech, Rivera was a first round pick by the Steelers. The Steelers selected Rivera in the first round. Rivera was considered to be one of the fastest defensive linemen coming out of college.

On October 20, 1983, Rivera was paralyzed in drunk driving car wreck. He was treated for head, neck, chest and abdominal injuries. The accident happened in Ross township. He and his wife Kimberly had a son Timothy Rivera three weeks later, on November 11, 1983. My point is we all are being observed by young people, old people and middle-aged people and we should all conduct ourselves accordingly whether it is in private or public. When we injure and maim ourselves whether it is physically, financially or socially it not only hurts us but our loved ones, family and friends as well. There is no such thing as innocence lost because most of the times we don’t lose innocence, we throw it away along with all of the things that really are important to us. Don’t toss the baby out with the bath water. Do the right thing at home and “abroad,” later.

(Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 412-583-6741.)