Note on this week's Sports Illustrated: When will they learn?
"Sports Illustrated" remains one of the country's best weeklies largely due to its excellent crop of writers and editors. But every once in a while I read a quote or line that gives me pause.
This week, Selena Roberts wrote a back-of-the-issue article about Notah Begay, a PGA tour pro who also happens to be an American Indian. The tone of the piece is that Begay is giving back to his community and the world at large by doing service work, such as a soccer program for schoolchildren in New Mexico.
In the fourth paragraph, Roberts quotes Begay: "I haven't seen a credit-card bill or mortgage payment in God knows how long because I have people who take care of that." The golfer is trying to impart to the reader how wonderful his life is, which is why he is doing so much for the community.
When will they ever learn? For a professional athlete to BRAG that they don't see their own credit card statements strikes me as incredibly immature and selfish and small minded. Part of adulthood is knowing where your own money is going. You need to know if your mortage is being paid or not. Too many times athletes, especially those from impoverished backgrounds, have been led to bankruptcy by agents and hangers on who divert their earnings.
How is it possible that a seemingly intelligent man like Begay can, after so many examples in recent times, boast about not knowing where his money is being spent? This is irresponsible behavior and he should be taken to task for it.
Grow up, Mr. Begay, and learn just when and where your PGA winnings are being spent. You want to be a true role model? Act like one.
This week, Selena Roberts wrote a back-of-the-issue article about Notah Begay, a PGA tour pro who also happens to be an American Indian. The tone of the piece is that Begay is giving back to his community and the world at large by doing service work, such as a soccer program for schoolchildren in New Mexico.
In the fourth paragraph, Roberts quotes Begay: "I haven't seen a credit-card bill or mortgage payment in God knows how long because I have people who take care of that." The golfer is trying to impart to the reader how wonderful his life is, which is why he is doing so much for the community.
When will they ever learn? For a professional athlete to BRAG that they don't see their own credit card statements strikes me as incredibly immature and selfish and small minded. Part of adulthood is knowing where your own money is going. You need to know if your mortage is being paid or not. Too many times athletes, especially those from impoverished backgrounds, have been led to bankruptcy by agents and hangers on who divert their earnings.
How is it possible that a seemingly intelligent man like Begay can, after so many examples in recent times, boast about not knowing where his money is being spent? This is irresponsible behavior and he should be taken to task for it.
Grow up, Mr. Begay, and learn just when and where your PGA winnings are being spent. You want to be a true role model? Act like one.
posted by joe sweeney at 2:10 AM
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