A shining example, and a chance for the NCAA football league to reward character.
So far this year has been a pleasure to watch. Aside from Oklahoma’s dominance, every top 25 game has been up in the air. The parity in the NCAA is beginning to rival that of the NFL, and that makes for great competition and incredible excitement. In this situation everybody wins, the fans, the kids playing and the corporate sponsors that make it all possible.
But there seems to be, more than ever, an atmosphere of bad sportsmanship that is a blight on the NCAA as a whole - and the universities themselves. While we all know these players cannot accept compensation or endorsements, it is clear they get special treatment. I know these guys work damn hard. Their level of athleticism proves it. That is why I don't mind the occasional hundred dollar handshakes from alumni, or the fact that these guys are treated like gods and probably get laid more on an average weekend than most of us have in our entire lives. What I do take issue with, is the late hits, the celebrations and the criminal records of these kids. This year it seems like there are more personal fouls, suspensions and taunting than ever. Earlier this year an Ohio State player was caught choking an opposing quarterback and this weekend Kellen Winslow screamed a number of obscenities at reporters and stated he wanted to kill the other team. When a cornerback sees that a long throw was incomplete, it is not unusual to see that defensive back celebrate for a good minute or two (even when they didn't break up the pass). There is nothing wrong with enthusiasm, even big celebrations on the sidelines. But the celebrations that cause stoppage in play and delays in getting back to the huddle are an embarrassment to the players and their programs. What is worse, a lot of these hot dogs cost their teams penalties. And just what is the justification for any celebrating when a team is losing? I don't blame many coaches for looking the other way. Their #1 job is to win football games. I do blame the universities and the NCAA when they look the other way. While athletes are not the ideal role models, many young athletes will naturally want to emulate their favorite player's actions on the field.
In this fog of despicable behavior, their is a ray of hope. Two players that have earned this years Heisman Award with their play on the field, and they just happen to play the game with the level of respect and deference worthy of NCAA division 1a football. #1 Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver Pittsburgh Panthers, has caught 17 TD's and has 1282 yards receiving. Even more impressive Fitzgerald has caught a TD in 15 straight games (a record). Fitzgerald has something most players of his caliber don't; Respect for his team, his school and the game. On top of his ability, he plays the game the way it was meant to be played. His lack of an arrest record and his great attitude and no frills style of play, provide a shining example for young men and women who wish to pursue college athletics. Jason White, #18 Senior Quarterback Oklahoma Sooners, has thrown for 2745 yards and lead his team to an impressive 10-0 record. Aside from his incredible accomplishments on the field he has also conducted himself with honor and sportsmanship throughout his tenure at Oklahoma.
While these 2 players probably earn the Heisman with their athletic accomplishments alone, they deserve some recognition for their exceptional level of character. This is an attribute that seems to take a backseat to many others among NCAA athletes. This year, in recognizing both these players accomplishments, the NCAA has a chance to highlight what is right with these guys and wrong with most star college athletes.