Yesterday, I had the opportunity to pose the million dollar question to two NFL players on the heels of Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall's recent personal conduct issues. Point blank I asked, "What are your colleagues thinking continuing to get in trouble?" Their responses (names will not be included) were enlightening.
One said, "Since being in the league, it’s only over the past year or so that the examples given during the rookie symposium have become relevant and had an impact." He went on to share that he makes it a point to just go to work and that is it. Because, he says, "playing is a job." He works so hard that all he feels like doing is going home and chillin' out. But, if he does go out, he is with folks who clearly have his back.
The other player said, "Bottom-line, it’s easy to get into trouble and harder to get out. That keeps me in line as much as possible. But, anything can happen to anyone under the right situation." They both also said it’s mainly ego that gets guys in trouble, as well as the folks you choose to have in your circle.
My follow up was about the symposium. I asked if the symposium was the first time they were taught specifically about choices and consequences. And, they said yes. I then asked, "So, it is safe to say that goes for most rookie players?" "Yes," they both responded.
Now, of course a lot of players come from a strong family. But, a lot don't. Either way, the symposium is the only introduction or reinforcement of the choice/consequence lesson for many of the players. But, it should not be. It should be taught on the high school level, if not middle school. So, again, time to plug The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative as this is what we are looking to accomplish.
By the time an aspiring student-athlete is drafted and participates in the rookie symposium, the lesson on choice/consequence should be a topic they are more than familiar with.
