I’m sure you’ve heard the stories. Dog fighting, doping, gambling, rape, domestic violence; the list goes on. Frowned upon once, has now become commonplace.

We have come to the point where throwing eighty-one thousand dollars (in ones) in the air on strippers and then beating said strippers with a champagne bottle, is found amusing. (See Pacman Jones ) Doping is now just a part of the game. And, having nine kids with nine women, in the same bloody year, is a part of the perks. (see Travis Henry ) What’s wrong with them? Or yet, what’s wrong with us?

Writers like Jason Whitlock have pointed the finger at Hip-Hop for some of the NFL’s problems. Stating that the culture of Hip-hop has convinced America’s youth that being a flashy, rebel is the way to go. Though I have my own issues with the current state of Hip-Hop and the messages it portrays, it is so very far from the heart of these problems.

And, quite honestly, I’m tired of hearing that Hip-Hop is the root of all social ills. But, I digress.

Others have said, it’s the culture of where he grew up. Or, he didn’t have the right people around him to help him make better decisions. The first statement is total crap. I don’t want to hear that because Michael Vick grew up in Virginia that he though dog fighting was okay. Everyone knows it illegal. Now, if you decide to do it anyway, you believe that you won’t get caught; which is the correct assertion. Essentially, it makes the second statement half true. Though one must be responsible for one’s own actions, it is true that those around these athletes should be partly to blame.

My belief is that athletes and trouble are so closely related because of the way our culture has idolized the athlete. Treated as a god amongst men, too long have we as a society allowed athletes to go unpunished for their wrong-doings. From the time talent is shown, accountability gets thrown out the window. So, looking at a logical timeline, starting in high school, then into college, never has anyone really impeded their behavior because they were good at something. At the very least, they gain inspiration for ridiculous behavior in the growing number of individuals who convince them that it’s okay. And, if lucky enough to make the professional ranks, isn’t it logical that the same behavior will continue.

For example, Frostee Rucker, defensive lineman formerly of the University of Southern California, had been accused of rape and battery repeatedly since he was 13. Mysteriously, nothing ever happened behind these accusations because he was a good student and athlete. Not until he became a professional and had no coaches to help cover up his problems, did he have a real run in with the law.

My summation of these issues is if we continue to raise athletes onto a pedestal, we shouldn’t be surprised when they one day crap on our heads. Everyone should be held accountable for their actions no matter who they are and what they can do.