Anyways, back to the topic. In this post, I want to discuss the behavior of a single Major League Baseball player. His actions over the course of the summer have led him to being suspended for the rest of the season by the team and could possibly end his tenure with his current club. That player is Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley.
Within, the past couple of weeks, Bradley was suspended by the Cubs for "conduct detrimental to the team." The specifics of his actions are not stated. Bradley has been bouncing from team to team throughout his career in the majors. He has played with 8 different teams in his 13 seasons in the league. At every destination, has caused some sort of commotion, which has led to him being traded quite frequently. Bradley had went through anger management while playing with the Dodgers, but came unraveled during his 9 month tenure in Chicago.
This somewhat raises the question of whether the actions of professional athletes are tolerated. In this case, they were not. I think that some professional athletes get some "special" treatment, in that they can get away with certain actions because of their name. I think some teams let these negative actions slide because they feel they can't win or put fans in the stands without that athlete on the field or court.
I don't think that these actions should be tolerated. I think that the athlete should be reprimanded and learn from their negative behavior. However, the sports world is a business and it's all about making money and putting fans in the seats. Although Bradley was suspended, I feel that a short-term suspension may not be severe enough for him to learn. After the season, there will be a team willing to take the chance on a switch-hitting outfielder and that team may not be prepared for the "extra baggage" he may bring into the clubhouse.
Ben, I totally agree with you on this. In today's society, professional athletes, are held to such a high standard that most people cant really understand what pressures they are under. Milton Bradley does seem like one of those extreme cases where the person has amazing athletic ability, but lack the mental and emotional composure to be a professional. Adam "Pac-man" Jones is another athlete that comes to mind. To me a true professional athlete, one has to have the composure to take a lose, and shake the victors hand afterward. All these athletes are human and have emotions, they are just required to suppress and release them at times.
ReplyDelete~Brendan Packert
I agree with you as well Ben. Some athletes just think that they are untouchable. I am glad to see that organizations are laying down the law in these situations though. Legarette Blount getting suspended for his whole senior season is a great example. The only issue I have heard of recently that was not properly handled was the Miguel Cabrera incident where he got drunk before the second game of a double-header. But I completely agree that athletes need to keep composure and show some sportsmanship.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on bowling your third 300 game!! That is quite an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I did not realize that Milton Bradley had been suspended by the Cubs for the remainder of the season, but then I do not follow the National League as closely as I follow the American League. I do know that Milton Bradley was not the best influence in the Indians' clubhouse, and that he has played on a number of teams. I wonder who will be the next team to pick him up.