Steroids, Sports and Life

The WSJ.com - The Daily Fix has a story which compiles reactions from around the country to the latest scandal in sports:

"While fans immerse themselves in the ugly details, it's worth also recalling why this matters. Miami Herald columnist Linda Robertson reminds that we may lose a key element of enjoying sports: wonder. 'Fans who once marveled at the feats of their fellow humans will get bored watching chemically-enhanced mutants smash ever more meaningless records.' The International Herald Tribune's Rob Hughes, meanwhile, asks, 'What do we tell the children now of our grown up ethos that sport is good for the body and the soul?'"

As a fan and father, I have long since given up on that ethos in sports. There are too few who embody it anymore. Here in Wisconsin, we feel blessed to have Brett Favre as the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. He has been the closest person to continue that ethos - playing for the love of the game and always giving his best (even when his best isn't good enough) - yet even he struggled with pain killers.

No one is perfect and we should never place anyone on that pedestal. As easy at is to blame the player (and justified) for not taking personal responsibility, others must assume blame as well. Owners, coaches, trainers and, perhaps most of all, the fans.

That's right. The fans. Those of us who feel the need to be entertained every minute of every game. Who will only respond to the big play, the slam dunk, the home run, a new record at every event. Those of us who will pay ungodly sums of money for memorabilia and will do almost anything to get it in the first place. And those of us who feel we are part of the game and are immune to any sanctions for our actions: "we paid good money for these seats, we can do what ever we want!"

Getting back to Brett Favre. He did something more important than win a Super Bowl and break multiple records. He grew as a human. Yes. He was addicted to pain killers and drank more than his fair share. But he had the heart and support to overcome these addictions, discontinue their use, and still perform at the top of his game. In addition, he still plays because he loves the game.

That's an ethos that I hope my kids learn. You can make mistakes. As long as you take responsibility for those mistakes, learn from them and put forth your best effort each and every day, you will be fine. And it wouldn't hurt to do what you love to do - not because others love you doing it.