Sports are often
dirty. There is a lot of tension on the field, and we relish the aggressiveness
and chaos of the competitive culture. Lately, though, this has unfortunately
led to scandal, controversy and foul play. Frankly, I am tired of all the
negativity.
Thankfully, a story from last week changed my spirits, as
NYPD Officer Larry DePrimo became synonymous with the proverbial
“spirit of Christmas.” While on patrol, the 25-year-old cop bought a pair of
boots for a homeless man lying on the street near Times Square. A picture of
the act was posted on the NYPD Facebook page, where it has been viewed over 1.6
million times.
It is an inspiring and heartwarming story, as well as the
kind of moment that makes you wonder whether you would do the same. Sometimes
it takes a Facebook post capturing a spontaneous moment of goodwill to change
our minds and direct our sympathy. Of course, it is not only figures like DePrimo that
we can look up to these days.
While children everywhere idolize athletes for their
performances on the field, court or ice, it is important to remember that many
are on the front lines of philanthropy as well. You already hear about the big
names quite a lot: Lance Armstrong, who has raised more than $400 million to
fight against cancer; Magic Johnson, who founded a highly successful
HIV-awareness program; Doug Flutie, who is one of the
strongest advocates for autistic children. Derek Jeter, Muhammad Ali, Cal Ripken Jr., Jeff Gordon and many others have
created their own charities and foundations. There are deep, personal
connections to the communities involved, as many athletes have suffered from
disease or injury and want to help others experiencing the same problems.
Some do it to make amends for past transgressions. After
running a dog-fighting ring for several years, Michael Vick now performs
charity work with animal rights groups, even appearing at speaking events to
promote the cause. Penn State, meanwhile, participates in children’s charities
after going through a horrendous child abuse scandal this year. After such
serious falls from grace, the road to redemption is indeed a steep hill to
climb. But one way or another, they have resolved to pay back the debt they
feel they owe to society.
Although there is such goodwill in sports, it is often pushed
aside by the headlines. There are drug busts, dirty hits, money laundering, nasty
fights, foul language and sex scandals. When our supposed role models betray
our trust in these ways, it is often a struggle to relate. At other times, the
opposite is true, and the heroes in facemasks and eye-black seem too famous and too
popular to know what it is like to live down on our level.
Yet this stipulation is not quite accurate. For every coach
or player that does something completely asinine, there are many more who make
positive contributions to society. Maybe I’m too optimistic, but I firmly
believe that campaigns like “NBA Cares” and partnerships like the NFL and
United Way of America are more than just public-relations stunts. That they are
genuine. That players do care.
With all of their flashy plays and fabulous contracts,
athletes could easily just soak it all in and live in their own bubbles. Some
certainly do, and you hear about them a lot in the media. The guys that do not
get covered as much are the ones that perform those humble acts of service. You
are more likely to hear about Ndamukong Suh kicking a quarterback in the groin
than Larry Foote paying for the funeral of a complete stranger.
Unfortunately, the good side of people does not sell as many
papers. But there is a good side. You can see it in a $400 million charity, a
$75 pair of boots or a priceless smile on the street. It does not have to get
reported, but at the very least it should be recognized.
